Eichelbaum Wardell Hansen Powell & Muñoz, P.C.

For school districts, education-focused organizations, and other public entities in Plano, Texas, and across the state, Eichelbaum Wardell Hansen Powell & Muñoz, P.C. stands as a highly specialized and deeply experienced legal partner. Located at 5801 Tennyson Pkwy, Plano, TX 75024, the firm operates within the "Lawyers Near Me" category, distinguished by its dedicated focus on school law and the unique legal challenges faced by public institutions.

The core philosophy of Eichelbaum Wardell Hansen Powell & Muñoz, P.C., is to provide comprehensive, immediate, and personal legal service to Texas school districts and other governmental entities. They firmly believe in the importance of the public school system and are committed to alleviating undue financial and legal burdens on their clients. The firm champions a "preventive law philosophy," working in concert with clients to proactively avoid legal complications and, wherever possible, keep disputes out of the courtroom. When litigation is unavoidable, they are prepared to provide aggressive, ethical, and effective defense, leveraging their extensive trial and appellate experience, including arguments before the United States and Texas Supreme Courts.

Regarding the environment of Eichelbaum Wardell Hansen Powell & Muñoz, P.C., their office at 5801 Tennyson Pkwy, Plano, TX 75024, is situated in a prominent business area, suggesting a professional and well-established legal setting. As a firm that serves large institutional clients like school districts, their environment would be designed to facilitate high-level consultations, extensive document management, and effective collaboration among attorneys and staff. While specific interior details are not publicly disclosed, such a firm would typically feature modern infrastructure, conference facilities suitable for large meetings, and a professional ambiance consistent with their role as trusted legal advisors to public entities. The firm emphasizes being available 24/7 and providing immediate response and personal service, indicating a highly organized and responsive operational environment designed to meet the demanding needs of their clients.

Eichelbaum Wardell Hansen Powell & Muñoz, P.C., offers a comprehensive range of legal services tailored specifically to the needs of Texas school districts, education-focused organizations, and other public entities. Their primary practice areas include:

• School Law Practice: This is the firm's core specialization, covering all facets of law that school districts encounter. They are deeply versed in the Texas Education Code and relevant state and federal regulations.

• Litigation: The firm possesses extensive experience representing public school districts in various litigation areas, including employment law, student matters, governance, policy, special education, and construction. They also represent other private and public entities in employment, civil rights, and tort matters. Their attorneys are highly proficient in appearing before administrative law judges at the Texas Education Agency (TEA), as well as in state and federal courts, including appellate courts up to the United States and Texas Supreme Courts. They have a remarkable record of over 50 published opinions, with significant wins that have helped define laws favorable to schools and governmental entities.

• Special Education: Providing comprehensive legal guidance on issues related to students with disabilities, including Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), due process hearings, manifestation determinations, and compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.

• Labor and Employment: Advising on personnel matters, including employee grievances, hiring practices, disciplinary actions, preventing harassment, Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) compliance, and other employment-related legal issues impacting school districts.

• Student Issues: Handling legal matters concerning students, such as discipline, admissions, enrollment, attendance, student records (FERPA compliance), search and seizure, student expression, bullying, and Title IX compliance, including sexual harassment investigations.

• Governance: Providing counsel on board issues, compliance with the Texas Open Meetings Act, the Texas Public Information Act, and other statutory requirements for effective school board governance. They also provide training for board members.

• Business Transactions: Assisting with contracts, purchasing, and protecting intellectual property rights such as copyrights and trademarks for school districts, including licensing district works for revenue.

• Construction and Real Estate: Guiding school districts through construction projects, including procurement methods, bidding and negotiation, disputes, and compliance with construction standards. They also assist with real estate matters for educational institutions.

• Training: A significant feature, the firm regularly conducts preventative legal training for school administrators, board members, and staff on a wide range of topics, including legal issues for cheerleaders and drill teams, Title IX, social media and schools, and investigations into misconduct. They are a registered provider of continuing education for school trustees and administrators.

A prominent feature of Eichelbaum Wardell Hansen Powell & Muñoz, P.C., is the collective expertise and accolades of its attorneys. Dennis Eichelbaum, a founding shareholder and managing director, is recognized as one of the most successful school law litigators in Texas, with over 100 published decisions and major victories at every level, including the U.S. and Texas Supreme Courts. His out-of-the-box litigation strategies and contributions to case law protecting school districts from liability are widely recognized. The firm has attorneys who have served as chief prosecutors, bringing invaluable insight into litigation strategies. The firm holds an AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell, signifying the highest level of legal ability and adherence to professional standards, and has maintained this recognition since 1998.

The firm's commitment to proactive, "preventive law" is a distinguishing feature. They offer extensive materials, publications, and seminars, emphasizing the importance of education to help clients avoid legal issues before they escalate. This includes manuals on construction basics, trustee responsibilities, and responding to Public Information Act requests, among others. Their immediate response and personal service, available 24/7, further underscore their dedication to client support.

Regarding the review provided, it pertains to a Public Information Act (PIA) request to Arlington ISD, where the reviewer experienced delays and perceived non-compliance regarding payment confirmation and information release. While this review mentions a public entity (Arlington ISD) that would typically be a client of such a firm, it is important to note that this specific review is critical of the client's process (the ISD), not directly of Eichelbaum Wardell Hansen Powell & Muñoz, P.C. itself. The firm's role would be to advise its client (Arlington ISD) on how to legally respond to such requests. The review does not directly provide feedback on the performance of Eichelbaum Wardell Hansen Powell & Muñoz, P.C., but rather on the handling of the PIA request by a governmental entity, which is one of the complex areas this law firm advises on.

From a promotional standpoint, Eichelbaum Wardell Hansen Powell & Muñoz, P.C., actively engages in showcasing its expertise through its comprehensive website, which details practice areas, attorney profiles, publications, and a training calendar. They offer access to various legal materials, forms, and webcasts for purchase, which serves as a valuable resource and promotional tool. The firm invites prospective clients to "start a conversation" via their Dallas office phone number, (972) 377-7900, or their toll-free number (800) 488-9045. Their active involvement in professional associations, speaking engagements, and contributions to legal publications further reinforce their standing as leaders in school law and public entity representation.

In conclusion, Eichelbaum Wardell Hansen Powell & Muñoz, P.C., located at 5801 Tennyson Pkwy, Plano, TX 75024, is a highly specialized and preeminent law firm dedicated to serving Texas school districts and other public entities. For local users searching for "Lawyers Near Me" with unparalleled expertise in school law, including complex litigation, special education, employment, governance, and compliance with the Texas Public Information Act, this firm offers an exceptional and reliable choice. Their commitment to proactive legal advice, extensive trial experience, and 24/7 accessibility ensures that their public entity clients receive the highest caliber of legal support for their multifaceted needs.