With more than three decades of experience in education law, Darcy Kriha represents boards of education in student and special education matters and advises school districts and educational entities in high profile emergency situations. She provides adept counsel in board governance conflicts, Title IX controversies, student discipline matters, curriculum challenges, and book bans. Clients turn to Darcy for advice with incidents of student death, injury, sexual abuse and assault, as well as issues involving student records, confidentiality (FERPA and PPRA), ADA compliance, employment, immigration, LGBTQ+ rights and homelessness.  

Trained and certified in mediation, Darcy believes that negotiation and consensus lie at the heart of education law. In addition to orchestrating harmony among feuding school board members, she conducts sensitive investigations, counsels clients on intergovernmental agreements, and facilitates mediations involving students and school personnel. Darcy strikes a keen balance between protecting and furthering the interests of schools and serving the children and families who rely on her clients for their educational needs. Always taking a highly respectful approach, she handles conflicts in a way that mitigates negative impacts and enables families and school personnel to preserve their relationships. 

Clients appreciate Darcy’s kindness, compassion, and humor. They know she cares deeply about them and that they can depend on her to be a trusted confidant during difficult times. As she puts it, “Some days I use my psychology degree more than my law degree.” Darcy strives to make each and every client feel like they’re the only one she serves. 

A first-generation college graduate and longtime advocate for public education, Darcy is recognized as a national speaker on legal issues affecting educational organizations. She conducts training and presentations on topics such as school safety, managing conflict, student confidentiality, compliance with the Open Meetings Act and Freedom of Information Act, and the application of various laws affecting students and staff. Darcy regularly collaborates with entities such as the Department of Children and Family Services, Court Appointed Special Advocates, Child Advocacy Centers, and the Illinois State Board of Education. She also serves as an expert witness in special education and student injury litigation.