Leander Altifois Dolphin represents public school districts and private schools in education and employment matters, including student discipline, special education disputes, disability-related matters, employee discipline and discharge, and investigations. In addition, she represents clients in claims before the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities and the Office of Civil Rights. Leander also represents private and non-profit clients in employment litigation matters, and provides counseling in employment law to clients in both the private and public sectors.
Leander previously served as Vice President, HR & General Counsel at a large Connecticut non-profit organization, developing an HR infrastructure and assisting the organization in navigating various corporate, real estate, contractual, and employment issues to successful results. Leander has conducted numerous professional development workshops for private and public sector clients on topics such as sexual harassment, bullying, special education, disability discrimination, and confidentiality issues.
- Executive Solicitations Editor, Howard Law Journal
- Lawyers of Color - High Achievers, Connecticut Law Tribune (2011)
- American Bar Association: Litigation; Young Lawyers
- Connecticut Bar Association: Labor & Employment Section
- National Bar Association: Commercial Law Section
- National School Boards Association: Council of School Attorneys
- Connecticut School Attorneys Council
- George W. Crawford Black Bar Association
- The Lawyer's Collaborative for Diversity, Inc. (LCD) Associates Advisory Committee
- Hartt School for Performing Arts: Board of Trustees
- The Ethel Walker School: Reunion Committee Chair (2010), Alumnae Board
- Girl Scouts of Connecticut, Fund Development Committee (2009-2010)
- Neighborscapes, National Advisory Council
- The Governor's Prevention Partnership, Board Member (2012)
Successful Representation in IDEA/Section 504 and Harassment/Bullying Cases
Successfully represented multiple school districts in claims before the Office of Civil Rights, alleging violation of the IDEA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as well as claims alleging violation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (race discrimination) and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act ("ADA") (disability discrimination). Negotiated several resolution agreements, avoiding letters of findings by OCR or corrective action.
Successful Representation in IDEA Case Involving Extended Day Program
Successfully represented a Connecticut Board of Education in defense of a claim brought under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act ("IDEA"). The Parent sued our client, claiming that the Board was required to fund an extended day program at a private placement. The Board of Education prevailed at hearing, with the hearing officer finding that the District had provided a free appropriate public education for the student, and the student did not require placement in an extended day program at public expense.