Legal advisor and litigator Rachael Tillman counsels and represents school districts on an array of issues that manifest in the student services and special education environments. With extensive trial, appellate, and administrative hearing experience, she advocates for clients in state and federal courts throughout the state. Rachael also represents clients in mediations and administrative and due process hearings and performs investigations under such legislation as Title IX. Always thoroughly prepared for any circumstance, she gets out in front of problems and positions clients as optimally as possible.

Rachael facilitates state school districts’ obligations to provide kids of all mental and physical abilities with a “free appropriate public education” (FAPE). She finds creative solutions and develops cost-effective ways to manage problems and conflicts, including disputes about the level of services being provided to individual students. Rachael also advises on issues involving campus safety, student discipline, custody and restraining orders and learning-loss recoveries stemming from remote instruction during the Covid-19 pandemic. While taking a comprehensive and holistic approach to all matters, she tailors each strategy to fit her clients’ needs.

Prior to joining F3, Rachael represented schools in all aspects of litigation and administrative law, including civil rights issues, labor and employment matters, personal injury disputes and violations of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. She draws on this valuable courtroom experience in communicating confidently and persuasively before judges, juries and other decision-makers, while also giving clients and witnesses the tools to stay calm and composed.

Rachael’s constant availability and highly responsive communication style are key qualities that boost clients’ appreciation of her trustworthiness and dedication to serving public school organizations. Many have told her that she makes them feel as though they’re her one and only client.