Overview

Jonathan E. Berry-Smith is an Associate in Lozano Smith's Walnut Creek Office. His practice is focused on the student, labor and employment and governance aspects of education law. Mr. Berry-Smith also regularly assists school district clients on issues related to special education, Title IX compliance, and federal stimulus funding in response to COVID-19.

Experience

Mr. Berry-Smith is experienced in researching California statutes and case law, and advises school district administrators on all aspects of education law. He reviews and revises documents used throughout the employee discipline process, such as charge packets, notices of administrative leave, and collective bargaining grievance responses. He participates in the review of charter school petitions, inter-district attendance transfer requests, and student expulsion appeals.

Mr. Berry-Smith counsels and coordinates with school districts transitioning to a by-trustee area method of election pursuant to the California Voting Rights Act (CVRA). He also provides advice and counsel to school districts on Title IX compliance, and regularly provides trainings to employees on Title IX and sexual harassment prevention. Additionally, he provides guidance to clients on appropriate ways to expend COVID-19 relief grants, such as ESSER and GEER funds.

Education

Mr. Berry-Smith received his Juris Doctor from Stanford Law School where he was Co-President of Street Law, and Co-Founder of Youth & Education Advocates at Stanford. He was also involved with the Youth and Education Law Project Clinic and the Stanford Prison Education Project. He earned a M.A. in Education from Stanford Graduate School of Education and a B.A. in Legal Studies from the University of California, Berkeley.

New Law Allows School and Community College Districts to Adopt Trustee Areas Without Holding an Election for Voter Approval

By: Ryan Tung, Jonathan Berry-Smith - 08/10/2021

"On the Basis of Sex" Interpreted: Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Protected Under Title IX

By: Jonathan Berry-Smith - 07/19/2021

Update on Timeline for Release of 2020 Census Redistricting Data and Impact On Upcoming CVRA Deadlines

By: Michael Smith, Ryan Tung, Jonathan Berry-Smith - 02/12/2021

Release of the 2020 Census Data, its Relevance under the California Voting Rights Act, and its Impact on Public Agency Elections

By: Michael Smith, Ryan Tung, Jonathan Berry-Smith - 02/09/2021

Redefining Sex: How the Office of Civil Rights Distinguishes Title VII from Title IX in Relation to Transgender Athletes

By: Jonathan Berry-Smith - 12/29/2020

California Court of Appeal Upholds Certificated Dismissal for School Counselor's Facebook Comments

By: Gabriela Flowers, Jonathan Berry-Smith - 09/10/2020