Maura O'Keefe, Attorney

For parents, students, educators, and school administrators across North Carolina, navigating the complex and ever-evolving landscape of education law can be a significant challenge. From student rights and discipline to employment matters and policy development, the legal intricacies within the education system demand a highly specialized and knowledgeable attorney. In Raleigh, one legal professional stands out for her dedicated focus and profound understanding of education law: Maura O'Keefe, Attorney.

Ms. O'Keefe's unique background, including her experience as a high school English teacher with Teach for America, provides her with an invaluable perspective on the practical realities of educational environments. This, combined with her rigorous legal training and commitment to public service, makes her an exceptionally well-suited advocate for North Carolina's educational institutions and the individuals within them. This article will explore the depth of Maura O'Keefe's expertise, her convenient location, the range of services she offers, and why she is a highly recommended choice for anyone seeking legal guidance in education law within the state.

Maura O'Keefe is a distinguished attorney specializing in education law, a vital and often complex field that impacts every aspect of public and private schooling. As a valued member of the renowned Tharrington Smith, LLP firm in Raleigh, North Carolina, Ms. O'Keefe focuses primarily on representing public school systems and other educational entities. Her practice encompasses a broad spectrum of issues, with a particular emphasis on student and employment matters.

Ms. O'Keefe's journey into law is notably unique and deeply rooted in a commitment to education. After earning her undergraduate degree from the University of Virginia as a Jefferson Scholar in 2009, she dedicated two years to teaching high school English in Eastern North Carolina as part of Teach for America. This hands-on experience in the classroom provides her with a practical understanding of the challenges faced by both students and educators, enriching her legal counsel with real-world insight. She then pursued her law degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2014, where she excelled as a member of the Holderness Moot Court National Team and a certified student lawyer in the Juvenile Justice Clinic. Following a two-year fellowship at the Office of University Counsel at UNC, where she further honed her skills in student and employment matters within a university setting, she joined Tharrington Smith's esteemed Education Section in mid-2016.

Maura O'Keefe's combination of teaching experience and specialized legal training positions her as a formidable advocate for her clients, offering not just legal acumen but also an empathetic and informed perspective on educational issues.

Maura O'Keefe, Attorney, practices from a highly accessible and central location in Raleigh, North Carolina, ensuring convenience for clients across the state. Her office is situated at:

150 Fayetteville St #1900, Raleigh, NC 27601, USA

This address places her within the Wells Fargo Building, a prominent fixture on Fayetteville Street, which is a key thoroughfare in downtown Raleigh. The central location offers significant advantages for clients, whether they are school administrators, board members, or individuals seeking legal counsel on education-related matters. The area is well-served by public transportation options within Raleigh, providing easy access for those commuting from different parts of the city. For clients traveling from other regions of North Carolina, the downtown area offers numerous parking garages and street parking options within comfortable walking distance of the office. The professional setting of the Wells Fargo Building ensures a discreet and comfortable environment for legal consultations. This strategic and accessible location underscores Tharrington Smith, LLP's commitment to serving clients efficiently and conveniently throughout North Carolina.

Maura O'Keefe specializes comprehensively in education law, providing legal counsel and representation to public school systems and other educational entities across North Carolina. Her services are tailored to address the multifaceted legal challenges faced by these institutions, with a strong focus on:

• Student Matters: Advising on student rights, discipline, attendance, residency, privacy issues (such as FERPA), and other legal concerns related to students.
• Employment Matters: Providing guidance on various aspects of school employment law, including personnel issues, contracts, grievances, dismissals, discrimination claims, and compliance with federal and state employment statutes.
• Special Education Law: Offering expertise in navigating the complex legal framework of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, including due process hearings, mediations, and compliance issues.
• Policy Review & Drafting: Assisting school boards and administrators in developing, reviewing, and implementing legally sound policies and procedures.
• Open Meetings & Public Records Law: Advising on compliance with North Carolina's open meetings and public records laws, ensuring transparency and proper governance.
• Constitutional Matters: Providing counsel on constitutional issues affecting schools, such as freedom of speech, religion, and due process.
• School Construction, Purchase & Finance: Offering legal support for matters related to school facilities, including construction contracts, land acquisition, and financing.
• Litigation & Appeals: Representing school boards and educational clients in state and federal courts and administrative agency tribunals for disputes and appeals related to education law.
• Title IX Compliance: Guiding educational institutions on compliance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, which prohibits sex-based discrimination in federally funded education programs or activities.

Maura O'Keefe's deep understanding of these areas allows her to provide strategic and effective legal solutions that support the smooth operation and legal integrity of educational institutions.

Maura O'Keefe's professional profile is distinguished by several notable features and recognitions, showcasing her expertise and commitment to the field of education law:

• Specialized Education Law Expertise: Her practice is exclusively dedicated to education law, ensuring a profound and focused understanding of this complex area. This specialization is rare and highly beneficial for educational clients.
• Unique Background: Her previous experience as a high school English teacher with Teach for America provides invaluable practical insight into the daily operations and challenges of schools, enhancing her ability to provide practical and relevant legal advice.
• Academic Excellence: A recipient of the prestigious Jefferson Scholarship at the University of Virginia and a graduate of UNC School of Law, where she excelled in moot court and juvenile justice clinics, demonstrating a strong foundation in legal scholarship and advocacy.
• "Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch" Recognition: Maura O'Keefe has been recognized in the "Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch" list for 2024, a significant acknowledgment of her rising prominence and talent in the legal field, based on peer reviews.
• Experience with University Counsel: Her fellowship at the Office of University Counsel at UNC provided her with direct experience in higher education legal matters, particularly concerning student and employment issues, broadening her expertise within the educational spectrum.
• Involvement in Professional Organizations: Ms. O'Keefe is an active member of the 10th Judicial District and the Wake County Bar Association, contributing to the broader legal community in North Carolina. She also frequently participates in and plans programs for the Education Law Section of the North Carolina Bar Association.
• Affiliation with Tharrington Smith, LLP: As part of a highly reputable and well-established firm like Tharrington Smith, Ms. O'Keefe operates within a supportive environment with extensive resources and a strong legacy of legal excellence.

These highlights collectively affirm Maura O'Keefe's position as a highly capable and dedicated attorney, particularly well-suited to address the legal needs of North Carolina's educational sector.

As a highly specialized attorney practicing within a respected law firm, Maura O'Keefe, Attorney, focuses on delivering expert legal services and comprehensive solutions rather than offering typical "promotions" or discounts. The value she provides to her clients—public school systems, educational institutions, and related entities in North Carolina—stems from her deep expertise in education law, her unique background as an educator, and her commitment to achieving positive outcomes.

While specific "special offers" in a consumer-promotion sense are not part of her professional practice, prospective clients are always encouraged to contact her office for an initial consultation. During this consultation, you can discuss the specifics of your education law matter, gain an understanding of the legal process, and learn about the fee structure associated with the required legal services. Legal fees are typically based on the complexity of the case, the time investment anticipated, and the specific needs of the client. Maura O'Keefe and her firm are committed to transparent communication, including discussions about legal fees, to ensure clients have a clear understanding of the investment involved in securing high-quality legal counsel. Direct contact is the best way to explore how her specialized expertise can be applied to your unique situation.

For educational institutions, school boards, or individuals in North Carolina seeking expert legal guidance from Maura O'Keefe, Attorney, her office is readily accessible:

• Address: 150 Fayetteville St #1900, Raleigh, NC 27601, USA
• Phone: (919) 821-4711
• Mobile Phone: +1 919-821-4711

Maura O'Keefe practices as part of Tharrington Smith, LLP. When contacting the office, you can expect a professional and helpful response from the firm's administrative team. They will be able to assist you with scheduling a consultation or answering any initial questions you might have regarding her specialized legal services in education law. Reaching out during standard business hours is advisable to ensure direct communication with the appropriate staff who can best assist with your inquiry.

For North Carolina residents and, more specifically, the myriad educational institutions and individuals connected to the state's school systems, Maura O'Keefe, Attorney, stands as an exceptionally suitable and highly effective legal resource. Her suitability for locals is multifaceted, combining specialized legal expertise with a practical understanding gleaned from her own experience in the classroom.

Her dedicated focus on education law means that clients are not just receiving general legal advice, but counsel from an attorney who deeply understands the unique challenges, regulations, and sensitive issues pertinent to schools. From student disciplinary matters to complex employment disputes and special education compliance, Ms. O'Keefe's knowledge is comprehensive and current. Furthermore, her background as a former teacher provides an empathetic and informed perspective that truly sets her apart, enabling her to offer solutions that are both legally sound and practically viable within an educational setting.

Operating from a central and easily accessible location in Raleigh, Maura O'Keefe, backed by the reputable Tharrington Smith, LLP, ensures that school boards and educational clients across North Carolina can readily access top-tier legal guidance. For any entity navigating the intricate legal landscape of education in North Carolina, Maura O'Keefe offers not just a lawyer, but a dedicated partner with a proven track record and a genuine commitment to supporting the state's educational community.