Beth A. Bourassa

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Beth A. Bourassa: Attorney with Whiteman Osterman & Hanna LLP
Attorney Awards
  • Martindale-Hubbell Peer Distinguished Rating
About Attorney Awards

Biography

Ms. Bourassa is senior counsel at Whiteman Osterman & Hanna, where she has practiced since 1990. She represents public and private sector management in broad areas of employment law, with a particular focus on the defense of federal court employment discrimination actions. She also advises public school district clients of the Firm on a wide range of education law issues, including special education.

Background/Education

Albany Law School (J.D., valedictorian and summa cum laude, 1990; Executive Editor of the Albany Law Review)

Colby College (B.A., cum laude, 1980).

Representative Accomplishments

Defense of federal and State court employment discrimination actions, including several verdicts for the defense in federal court jury trials, successful summary judgment motions, and appellate practice.

•Represent school district management in disciplinary actions against employees under the New York State Civil Service Law and the New York State Education Law; arbitration proceedings arising under collective bargaining agreements; Article 78 proceedings; special education hearings and appeals; appeals to the Commissioner of the State Education Department; Title IX and other civil rights investigations by the Office of Civil Rights; and federal court civil rights actions.

•Provide counseling and advice to management with respect to a wide range of regulatory matters including the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, and other employment law issues. Represent management in a variety of matters before the United States and New York State Departments of Labor, including investigations and enforcement actions arising out of alleged minimum wage/overtime and child labor law violations.

•Provide counseling and advice to school districts on a broad range of education law issues, including special education, teacher tenure issues, student discipline, student residency, and municipal law requirements.

Other Experience

Prior to attending law school, Ms. Bourassa was employed as a personnel supervisor and a vocational training coordinator.

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Areas of Practice (2)

  • Education
  • Labor and Employment Law

Education & Credentials

University Attended:
Colby College, B.A., cum laude, 1980
Law School Attended:
Albany Law School of Union University, J.D., summa cum laude, 1990
Year of First Admission:
1991
Admission:
1991, New York
Memberships:

Affiliations

Ms. Bourassa is a member of the New York State Bar Association and the Labor and Employment Law Section of that bar association. She is also a member of the National and New York State Councils of School Attorneys. She is admitted to the bars of New YorkState and the United States Supreme Court, the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, and the United States District Court for the Northern District of New York.

Birth Information:
Pittsfield, Massachusetts, June 9, 1958
ISLN:
908891434

Payment Information

Fixed Hourly Rates
Available
Credit Cards Accepted
American Express, MasterCard, Visa
Other Information
Fixed fees available

Peer Reviews

4.6/5.0 (7 reviews)

  • Legal Knowledge

    4.5/5.0

  • Analytical Capability

    4.6/5.0

  • Judgment

    4.6/5.0

  • Communication

    4.6/5.0

  • Legal Experience

    4.5/5.0

  • 5.0/5.0 Rated by a Associate on 05/04/10 in Education Law

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  • 5.0/5.0 Rated by a Partner on 04/27/10 in Litigation

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  • 5.0/5.0 Rated by a Member on 04/27/10 in Education Law

    Beth is a credit to her firm, her clients, and the bar. She is the consummate professional.

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  • 5.0/5.0 Rated by a Principal on 04/19/10 in Labor and Employment

    Beth is the consumate attorney that provides excellant advocacy with civility.

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  • 5.0/5.0 Rated by a Managing Partner on 04/17/10 in Employment Law

    outstanding lawyer.

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  • 4.6/5.0 Rated by a Member on 05/03/10 in Labor and Employment

    Beth is a fine attorney and practitioner. Her work is high quality and her ethical standards are impeccable.

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  • 4.0/5.0 Rated by a Of Counsel on 04/18/10 in Employment Litigation

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Peer reviews submitted prior to 2008 are not displayed.

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