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  2. Anne H. Littlefield

Anne H. Littlefield

she/her/hers

Partner and General Counsel

Anne Littlefield represents schools in labor relations, employment and education law, including collective bargaining, personnel policies and practices, constitutional law, special education, student discipline, freedom of information, and education policies. She negotiates collective bargaining agreements on behalf of schools, including representation in interest arbitration proceedings as needed. Anne works with schools to address issues such as bullying and sexual harassment. She is often called upon to advise schools regarding professional boundaries and child abuse and neglect issues. In her role as general counsel to boards of education around the state, Anne facilitates self-evaluation and goal-setting sessions. She also leads Shipman's model policy project, which provides policy support and guidance to a number of school districts. In addition, she is a frequent author and speaker on education matters. Anne also focuses on legal ethics and professional responsibility.

Anne is also accredited with the Department of Veterans Affairs ("VA") and prepares, presents and prosecutes veterans' claims before the VA. 

Anne serves as General Counsel to Shipman. From 2010 through 2017, she was Co-Chair of the firm's School Law Practice Group, and from 2011 through 2017, she served on the firm's Management Committee.

Credentials

Education

  • Harvard Divinity School, M.T.S., 1992
  • Boston College, A.B., 1989, magna cum laude
  • University of Virginia School of Law, J.D., 1995

Bar Admissions

  • Connecticut, 1995

Distinctions

  • Named "Lawyer of the Year" (2012, 2017, 2020, 2025): Best Lawyers® Hartford Region Education Law
  • Listed in The Best Lawyers in America®: Education Law (2010-2021, 2023-2025)
  • Hartford Business Journal, "Top 25 Women in Business" (2024)
  • Listed as a Connecticut Super Lawyer®: Schools & Education (2006, 2013-2021, 2024)
  • New Leaders of the Law, Connecticut Law Tribune (2003)

Teaching Positions

  • Quinnipiac University School of Law: Adjunct Professor, Education Law (former)
  • Western New England College School of Law: Adjunct Professor, Education Law (former)
  • Quinnipiac University Educational Leadership Program: Adjunct Professor, Education Law (former)

Professional Affiliations

  • American Bar Association
  • Connecticut Bar Association: Education Law Committee; Vice Chair
  • Connecticut School Attorneys Council: Former President
  • Girl Scouts of Connecticut: Board of Directors
  • National School Boards' Association Council of School Attorneys: Former Member of the Board of Directors
  • Rhode Island Bar Association

Community Involvement

  • Planning & Zoning Commission, Town of Lyme, CT

Experience

Public and charter schools

Development of Model Policies for Schools

Develop model policies for numerous school districts. The model policy project provides comprehensive policy support and guidance, as well as necessary policies, regulations and forms to promote timely and comprehensive legal compliance for the operation of school districts.

Successful Representation in IDEA Case

Successfully represented the Woodstock, Connecticut Board of Education in defense of a claim brought under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act ("IDEA").  Plaintiff sued our client, claiming that the Board had failed to appropriately identify the child as eligible for special education services in a timely way, and to require the Board to reimburse the parents for their payment of tuition to a private school.   At the administrative hearing, the Board of Education won. The plaintiff appealed the hearing officer's decision to the United States District Court of Connecticut in which the decision for the Board of Education was upheld. The plaintiff sought judgment in the United States 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals which upheld the lower courts' rulings. A.P. v. Woodstock Board of Education, 370 F. App’x 202, 55 IDELR 61 (2d Cir. 2010).
Anne H. Littlefield bio photo

Hartford

860.251.5715

alittlefield@goodwin.com

Areas of Focus

  • School Law
  • Public and Charter Schools
  • Independent Schools
  • Higher Education
  • Employment and Labor
  • Title IX Resource Center

Related Industries

  • Cannabis
  • Education
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October 13, 2020

CT Lawyers Recognized as 2020 Super Lawyers

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August 21, 2020

"Best Lawyers in America" Recognizes 42 Lawyers

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January 27, 2021

Anne Littlefield Quoted in Special Ed Connection, "Be clear with parents about paraprofessional's role in delivering instruction"

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January 27, 2021

Anne Littlefield Quoted in Special Ed Connection, "Ensure paraprofessionals don't overstep role in remote learning"

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