BUFFALO, N.Y. — John J. Christopher, a partner in Hodgson Russ LLP's Education Law Practice Group, was recently elected to the board of directors of the New York State Association of School Attorneys, an organization that provides support to the New York State Association of School Boards and educational opportunities for attorneys who represent school boards and school districts across New York State.

Since 1988, Mr. Christopher has represented school districts in all aspects of Education Law and employee-relations issues, including the full range of school board issues, the defense of employment discrimination matters before state and federal agencies and in the courts, representing school districts before governmental agencies, bargaining collective negotiations agreements, handling grievances and arbitrations, and conducting employee termination procedures. He advises school boards and assists with the development of policies and procedures for compliance with state and federal law, and he counsels school districts in special education matters, students discipline proceedings, and other matters.

Mr. Christopher has written numerous articles on education law and offers training programs at school districts, and he is in frequent demand as a speaker.

With more than 225 attorneys practicing in all major areas of law, Hodgson Russ is among the 200 largest law firms headquartered in the United States. It is one of approximately 100 firms in the country listed in America's Greatest Places to Work With a Law Degree. In June 2005, Hodgson Russ received the Carol S. Knox Family-Friendly Employer Award from the Capital District Women's Bar Association. Established in 1817, Hodgson Russ is among the oldest law firms in the United States. Hodgson Russ has offices in Albany, Buffalo, Johnstown, and New York, New York; Boca Raton, Florida; and Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

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