While working as in-house counsel for private schools, Andrea Liburdi has seen first-hand how a solid legal foundation can enable school leaders and protect the business. She has been on the front lines, directly supporting schools in the day-to-day challenges, as well as solving novel issues.

As the former General Counsel of BASIS Independent Schools and former Associate General Counsel of Spring Education Group, Andrea has been involved in launching new schools; supporting school teams in admissions, enrollment, student affairs, policies, and forms; resolving disputes; partnering with HR on employee relations, handbooks, offer letters, and severance agreements; and supporting ownership on governance and corporate transactions.

Andrea’s private school clients span daycares through high schools, and they most frequently rely on her for legal advice in the following areas: 

Admissions & Enrollment

• Review admissions procedures

• Revise enrollment/tuition agreements to ensure clarity and appropriate protections 

Student Policies & Forms

• Revise Parent/Student Handbook and standalone policies, including code of conduct/rules, discipline, ADA accommodations, acceptable technology use, privacy, student records, and health and safety

• Develop field trip permission slips, extracurricular waivers, media releases, and more

Regulatory & Licensing

• Analyze laws and licensing requirements when expanding to a new market

• Project-manage licensing applications

• Advise on international student programs

• Design and implement compliance programs 

• Develop and deliver training

Summer Camps

• Draft/revise enrollment forms and permission slips

• Advise on state and local summer camps rules

Contracts

• Draft/revise vendor contracts, including food service, transportation, janitorial, facility repairs and maintenance, extracurricular providers, substitute teachers, curriculum, and technology

• Draft/revise contracts regarding outside use of school facilities to support revenue generation

• Draft/revise non-disclosure agreements (NDAs)

• Develop and refine templates to improve efficiency and manage risk

• Draft signing authority and contracting policies

• Establish and maintain a centralized repository for executed agreements

Employee Trainings

• Prepare and/or present trainings on admissions and enrollment

• Introduce school leaders and staff to private school legal frameworks

• Address copyright for educators, risk management, safety, and liability

Disputes & Litigation 

• Conduct internal investigations

• Develop legal strategy and assess exposure

• Respond to early-stage disputes

• Manage litigation counsel and insurance claims adjustors to drive efficient, cost-effective resolution

Employment & Workforce Strategy

• Partner with HR on day-to-day issues and standard forms

• Coordinate with outside counsel on claims

Intellectual Property 

• Identify opportunities to protect and monetize IP

• Oversee trademark and copyright portfolios

• Direct and manage specialized IP counsel

Marketing & Communications 

• Advise on advertising claims

• Review strategic and crisis communications

Whether supporting a single initiative or serving as an ongoing legal partner, Andrea helps schools establish a strong legal foundation, manage risk thoughtfully, and focus on their educational mission with confidence.

Schedule a consultation to see if Liburdi Law’s Education Law services are the right fit for your school.