Christopher B. Leopold joined the firm in 2019 focusing on the representation of school districts on matters involving all aspects of general education, labor and employment, and school governance issues. Chris is the Chair of the firm’s Education Law Practice Group. For the past twenty-five years Chris has dedicated his private practice exclusively to serving the needs of school districts throughout Vermont by providing guidance to administrators and school board members to address their legal challenges in collective bargaining, resolving general employment issues, to handling complex student issues. In working with school clients, Chris draws upon his experience as both a public school administrator and school board member.
Chris is known for his ability to guide school administrators and school boards in the resolution of complex legal challenges in a fair, understandable and informed manner. His understanding of school and central office operations assists in developing practical solutions and guidance to issues facing school administrators and board members. During the past several years, Chris has represented school districts throughout Vermont, successfully guiding them through the sometimes contentious and complex process of school consolidation as a result of the passage of Act 46.
Prior to joining the firm Chris was a partner at the law firms of Downs Rachlin Martin PLLC (1997 – 2003) and Wells & Leopold, P.C. (2003 – 2016) chairing each law firm’s Education Law Practice Group. He continued the focus of his education practice as a partner at WrightJones PLC (2016 – 2018).
Before entering private practice, Chris served as the Manager of Personnel and Legal Counsel for the Chittenden South Supervisory Union. His work with the Supervisory Union focused upon all aspects of human resources management and the broad range of service as legal counsel to the largest Supervisory Union in Vermont. Chris served on the school board for Champlain Valley Union High School for seven years, including three years as the board chairperson. He is a former Executive Director of Common Cause Vermont. Chris previously worked for twelve years as a department head in State government and attorney in Vermont’s criminal justice system.
Chris frequently conducts seminars for school districts and professional organizations in Vermont on general education, school governance, student rights and discipline, employment law, collective bargaining, employee evaluations and effective contract and policy administration. In 2016, Chris taught Education Law & Finance as an adjunct faculty member at St. Michael’s College and has served as a guest lecturer in education courses at the University of Vermont and the College of Joseph.