Message from br>The Chair
Welcome to the website of the School Law Section of the State Bar of Texas. We hope you find this website to be informative and that it exemplifies the unique camaraderie that is so valued by our Section’s members. The School Law Section is somewhat unique in that it includes members who represent all facets of school law: school boards, school districts, administrators, parents and students. Members also represent both public and private schools. For the last 18 years, I have enjoyed attending school law section events and growing personal relationships with colleagues on both “my side of the bar” as well as opposing counsel. Indeed, the strong relationships enjoyed by our members help our section members better serve their respective clients. To quote my predecessor, Chris Gilbert (Thompson and Horton), the school law section believes you can “zealously represent your clients without sacrificing professionalism.” I am proud of the professionalism I have experienced throughout my career of practicing school law, and will continue to work to preserve this treasured quality in our Section during my term as Chair.
Speaking of Chris Gilbert, he began the “School Law 101” initiative during his term as Chair. I am excited to continue to work with Chris and Leila Gray, an associate with Thompson & Horton, along with the School Law 101 committee, to continue the work Chris started. The goal of the Committee is to eventually send out multi-disciplinary teams to Texas law schools (and a few in other states) to meet with law students and educate them about creating a professional home in school law. In short, the goal of School Law 101 is to prepare a new general of school lawyers.

I also look forward to finding opportunities to showcase members’ expertise in school law (including those who are new to the section) through our Section Newsletter. If you are a member and are interested in contributing to the Section Newsletter, please contact me at agulley@wabsa.com.
People often ask if I like what I do for a living. I don’t like it; I love it. School law offers something different every day, and in representing public schools, I play a small part of making a difference in the lives of children, teachers and our Texas communities. To quote Jim Walsh, the founder of my law firm, Walsh Gallegos, “We help the people who help kids in our public schools.” One thing all members of our section seem to have in common is a sense of pride in the work we do – regardless of which side of the bar we represent. (I am certain my colleagues across the aisle likewise feel a sense of pride in representing teachers and administrators.) I am grateful for the opportunity to practice school law in Texas and serve as the Chair of the School Law Section.
If you would like more information about our Section, or practicing school law, please do not hesitate to reach out to me. I also look forward to finding opportunities to showcase members’ expertise in school law (including those who are new to the section) through our Section Newsletter. If you are a member and are interested in contributing to the Section Newsletter, please contact me at agulley@wabsa.com.

Andrea Slater Gulley
Section Chair 2022-2023
agulley@wabsa.com