Education

Franz Kafka’s “Vor dem Gesetz” (“Before the Law”) is a short story of access denied. A man seeks entry to the Law but, after a lifetime of futile pursuit, is denied access by a harsh and unyielding gatekeeper. With nearly 6 million students attending California K-12 public schools, there is no room for gatekeepers who deny access to the Law or Education. 

 

At Glover & Whiteside LLP, we are proud to partner with school clients who serve, not as gatekeepers but, as leaders, educators, and stewards of our students and resources. Our clients are administrators and school board members. They are policymakers, trainers, and peacekeepers. They are often themselves parents or grandparents and are sometimes current students of higher education. Without a doubt, they are committed to education access and to life-long learning.

 

With more than 35 years of combined legal experience, Joshua Whiteside and Penelope Glover are passionate about advising public school districts and county offices of education. We frequently assist with issues involving board governance, Public Record Act requests, student discipline, complaints, alleged violations of state and federal law, technology use and information literacy, personnel and administrators, instruction, and threats to health and safety.  We also serve as neutral and independent investigators and consider representing private schools, when appropriate.

   

Experienced, trustworthy, and affordable, Glover & Whiteside LLP is committed to Education, the Law, and to Access.     

Aging and Care

Residents of a care facility may live within the same building or community, but each resident faces varying concerns and challenges. An ailing son and amputee may long to maintain independence. A resolute survivor and retired nurse may seek the type of compassion and quality care she once provided to others. A self-made man purportedly losing his vision may need a second opinion.

Sometimes resident voices are strong. They contact an administrator or family member, bring their concerns to a Resident Council meeting, or they submit a complaint.  Sometimes they see improvement. Food tastes better, clean linens are delivered, and call bells are timely answered.  Healthcare providers take time to listen. An unlawful notice of discharge is withdrawn. Other times the residents’ voices are unheard. Their legitimate concerns are dismissed as a manifestation of their age or illness.  The residents are overcome by self-doubt and fear of retaliation. Therapy and assistive devices are denied. Unauthorized reports are made to the residents’ family members. The residents experience subtle or overt retaliation. They succumb to their illnesses.

Residents of care facilities—nursing homes and residential care facilities—have state and federal rights in connection with, among other issues, admission, transfer, discharge, care, and daily living. Glover & Whiteside LLP will listen to concerns, observe the living environment, investigate the circumstances, and assist with a complaint or appeal as necessary. Whether a resident’s voice is heard or unheard, the resident and their advocate can together procure services, preserve dignity and rights, and improve quality of life and care.

Equally important are the rights, care and dignity of those individuals whose circumstances have enabled them to age within their homes and communities. Glover & Whiteside LLP is similarly available to such individuals and their families, as they encounter challenges, make decisions, and anticipate their future needs. Their voices matter too.



Consumer Concerns

Whether receiving services from an institution such as a care facility or conducting business within the community, there are times when seemingly small concerns arise that have a large impact on people’s rights, safety, and/or peace of mind. Sometimes such issues can be resolved through a listening ear and limited legal assistance (e.g., preparation of a letter, document review, or assistance with a court filing or appearance). Glover & Whiteside LLP considers undertaking such matters on a case by case basis and as appropriate under the law.   

Investigations

Few school or workplace complaints offer straightforward facts, yet each complaint must be taken seriously and investigated according to the appropriate complaint procedure. What is the applicable complaint procedure? Who are the complainant, respondent and witnesses? When and where did the alleged conduct occur? What happened and what policies were violated, if any? What was the motivation? These are all important questions whose answers take time, effort, and skill to find and document. A good investigation report outlines the allegations, gathers pertinent facts, analyzes relevant evidence, and clearly states the findings. It could be critical to discipline, board action, and even future litigation.  Unfortunately, schools and workplaces often have inadequate resources to conduct fair, impartial, and thorough investigations on their own. Glover & Whiteside LLP has extensive experience offering quality investigation support, ranging from complaint processing and investigation guidance to completing independent third-party investigations.