• Skip to content

Fagen Friedman & Fulfrost LLP

Labor Relations & Negotiations

What's it like to work with F3?

When F3’s school district clients make our team integral to their leadership structures, they know we have one goal in mind: building the lasting relationships that achieve the labor relations outcomes they need. That they also think of us as highly professional, ultra-responsive, always caring, and the lawyers they’re happy to call is a matter of pride for us, too.

What can F3 solve for you?

School districts turn to F3 because we know their challenges top to bottom. Our full range of services includes decades of experience in labor relations, including every phase of union negotiations, board and administration training, and conflict resolution – always with the goal of maintaining the best possible relations among all parties. Few firms in California have our level of knowledge and experience, which is why we’re the labor relations choice of nearly half of all California public school districts.

“F3 Law provides a comprehensive and proactive approach to managing labor relations in educational institutions, from collective bargaining and contract negotiations to dispute resolution and compliance with state and federal labor laws, while promoting a collaborative and constructive relationship with employees and their representatives.”

– Joshua Stevens, Partner

School, community college, and university employees in California have unique rights and power to negotiate the terms and conditions of their employment. While politics and economics differ dramatically from school to school, at bottom, their employees, administrators, and board members seek the best education for every student. To achieve this goal, employees want to be well-compensated and work in conditions conducive to a positive learning environment. Administrators and board members broadly share these goals, but their challenge is meeting them while maintaining a balanced budget. This is why collective bargaining is often the most difficult and demanding challenge that schools and colleges face. With such high stakes, and in a landscape dominated by legal and regulatory requirements, having good legal representation and counsel can be critical to staying compliant and achieving good outcomes. 

F3 is proud to represent schools and colleges in all facets of labor relations and negotiations. Whether it’s sitting at the bargaining table, strategizing with administrators and boards, representing employers in impasse proceedings, or working with union representatives to resolve disputes, F3’s experience and expertise helps shepherd employers through the most critical union negotiations. Our belief is that the best use of legal resources is to anticipate and avoid costly labor disputes, and to help maintain positive relations with labor representatives. Knowing the state’s regulatory framework for labor relations is key to achieving these goals. If a dispute arises, our attorneys know how to position schools for the best outcomes possible, whether in grievance arbitration, unfair labor practice proceedings before the Public Employment Relations Board, or impasse proceedings. Whatever the challenge, our goal is to help our clients succeed in collective bargaining so they can achieve their mission to provide the best education possible to every student. 

Negotiating to support the mission

The school districts and colleges that bring in F3 have one goal: providing excellent and un-disrupted student education at every level. Although union negotiations may seem removed from this goal, negotiating with unions is an especially critical process in which only a handful of law firms are experienced. Our clients benefit from our decades building solid relationships with the California Teachers Association (CTA), California School Employees Association (CSEA), California Federation of Teachers (CFT), American Federation of Teachers (AFT), Teamsters, Service Employees International Union (SEIU), and other organizations. We understand how to keep the lines of communication open throughout a process that may move rapidly from the sunshining step (presenting an agreement to the public) through collective bargaining, impasse proceedings, factfinding, mediation, and (rarely) a strike. We are one of very few firms to have taken schools and colleges through every stage and every possible twist and turn on the road to a successful agreement, working hard to keep negotiations productive..

Advising the Negotiations Team

F3 attorneys know the legal and political environment as it applies to school and college labor relations as few others do. Because negotiations and collective bargaining agreements span nearly every issue that employers face, our labor attorneys have to be knowledgeable in nearly every aspect of education and the laws that govern. Our attorneys also bring expertise in drafting legally enforceable contract language. These skillsets allow us to provide a unique and at times vital role to a negotiations team. To be successful in this role, our approach is to earn the trust and credibility not only of the schools and colleges we represent, but also the union representatives on the other side of the table. Even if we may disagree, our goal is that they can appreciate the respect, professionalism and in-depth knowledge that we bring to the table, knowing that we share the mission of providing the best education possible to every student.

When conflict is unavoidable

Our goal is always to avoid litigation, but labor disputes can happen even in the best of circumstances. Whether you’re facing grievance or allegations of an unfair labor practice, or if you’re at an impasse and heading to fact-finding, our team is ready to step in.

F3 is known for these strengths

Negotiating union contracts

Includes all the phases of collective bargaining from “sunshining” initial proposals through contract ratification.

Impasse proceedings

Representation in mediation and fact-finding, including helping districts effectively respond to the various concerted activities that may occur during an impasse, including potentially a strike.

Communications plan

Developing an effective and legally-compliant plan to inform the public of the status of negotiations.

Relationships with union representatives

Maintaining open lines of communication and trust with union representatives to help resolve disputes and move negotiations forward.

Conducting site-based administrator training

Helping new school administrators understand their roles and responsibilities on a negotiation team.

Training new and existing board members

Conducting governance workshops with school leadership on their role in union negotiations. We have created training modules for this. 

Representation in labor disputes

Representing schools and colleges at hearings in grievance arbitration and unfair labor practice hearings before PERB. 

Interest-based bargaining

A process that enables traditional negotiators to become joint problem-solvers: assumes that mutual gain is possible, that solutions which satisfy mutual interests are more durable, and that the parties can help each other achieve a positive result.

Related Services

  • Employment Law
  • Investigations

Related Professionals

  • Media item displaying: Jordan I. Bilbeisi

    Jordan I. Bilbeisi

    Partner

    San Diego
    760.304.6002 760.304.6002
    jbilbeisi@f3law.com

  • Media item displaying: Namita S. Brown

    Namita S. Brown

    Partner

    Oakland
    510.550.8217 510.550.8217
    nbrown@f3law.com

  • Media item displaying: Roy A. Combs

    Roy A. Combs

    Partner

    OaklandSacramento
    510.550.8220 510.550.8220
    rcombs@f3law.com

  • Media item displaying: Seth N. Eckstein

    Seth N. Eckstein

    Partner

    Oakland
    510.550.8236 510.550.8236
    seckstein@f3law.com

  • Media item displaying: Peter K. Fagen

    Peter K. Fagen

    Partner

    Labor Relations & Negotiations
    San DiegoFresnoInland EmpireLos AngelesMidwest
    760.304.6000 760.304.6000
    pfagen@f3law.com

  • Media item displaying: James B. Fernow

    James B. Fernow

    Partner

    Labor Relations & Negotiations
    Los Angeles
    323.330.6304 323.330.6304
    jfernow@f3law.com

  • Media item displaying: Douglas N. Freifeld

    Douglas N. Freifeld

    Partner

    Oakland
    510.550.8224 510.550.8224
    dfreifeld@f3law.com

  • Media item displaying: Christopher D. Keeler

    Christopher D. Keeler

    Partner

    Inland EmpireSan Diego
    951.215.4910 951.215.4910
    ckeeler@f3law.com

  • Media item displaying: Jacqueline M. Litra

    Jacqueline M. Litra

    Partner

    Los Angeles
    323.330.6329 323.330.6329
    jlitra@f3law.com

  • Media item displaying: Diane Marshall-Freeman

    Diane Marshall-Freeman

    Partner

    School and College Athletics
    SacramentoFresno
    916.604.3073 916.604.3073
    dmarshall-freeman@f3law.com

  • Media item displaying: David A. Moreno

    David A. Moreno

    Partner

    Fresno
    559.860.4701 559.860.4701
    damoreno@f3law.com

  • Media item displaying: Elizabeth B. “Lisa” Mori

    Elizabeth B. “Lisa” Mori

    Partner

    Oakland
    510.550.8222 510.550.8222
    emori@f3law.com

  • Media item displaying: Daniel Ojeda

    Daniel Ojeda

    Partner

    Los Angeles
    323.330.6837 323.330.6837
    dojeda@f3law.com

  • Media item displaying: Jonathan A. Salt

    Jonathan A. Salt

    Partner

    San Diego
    760.304.6007 760.304.6007
    jsalt@f3law.com

  • Media item displaying: Joshua A. Stevens

    Joshua A. Stevens

    Partner

    Oakland
    510.550.8218 510.550.8218
    jstevens@f3law.com

  • Media item displaying: Matthew C. Vance

    Matthew C. Vance

    Partner

    Los Angeles
    323.330.6836 323.330.6836
    mvance@f3law.com

  • Media item displaying: L. Carlos Villegas

    L. Carlos Villegas

    Partner

    Los AngelesFresnoInland Empire
    323.330.6330 323.330.6330
    cvillegas@f3law.com

  • Media item displaying: Mary Breffle

    Mary Breffle

    Associate

    Oakland
    510.550.8215 510.550.8215
    mbreffle@f3law.com

  • Media item displaying: Damon Fournier

    Damon Fournier

    Associate

    Special Education
    Los Angeles
    323.330.6837 323.330.6837
    dfournier@f3law.com

  • Media item displaying: Nia Franklin

    Nia Franklin

    Partner

    Sacramento
    916.604.3085 916.604.3085
    nfranklin@f3law.com

  • Media item displaying: Amanda S. Georgino

    Amanda S. Georgino

    Senior Counsel

    Los AngelesInland Empire
    323.330.6313 323.330.6313
    ageorgino@f3law.com

  • Media item displaying: Vanessa Lee

    Vanessa Lee

    Associate

    Los Angeles
    323.330.6834 323.330.6834
    vlee@f3law.com

  • Media item displaying: Isabella Marra

    Isabella Marra

    Associate

    Oakland
    510.852.8502 510.852.8502
    imarra@f3law.com

  • Media item displaying: Montana L. Massone

    Montana L. Massone

    Associate

    San Diego
    760.814.6102 760.814.6102
    mmassone@f3law.com

  • Media item displaying: Katy L. McCully Merrill

    Katy L. McCully Merrill

    Senior Counsel

    Fresno
    559.860.4708 559.860.4708
    kmccully@f3law.com

  • Media item displaying: Marie Naguib

    Marie Naguib

    Associate

    Labor Relations & Negotiations
    Inland Empire
    951.215.4921 951.215.4921
    mnaguib@f3law.com

  • Media item displaying: Dhara J. Patel

    Dhara J. Patel

    Associate

    Los Angeles
    323.330.6824 323.330.6824
    dpatel@f3law.com

  • Media item displaying: Jasmine Ramezanzadeh

    Jasmine Ramezanzadeh

    Associate

    Governance & Leadership
    Los Angeles
    323.330.6322 323.330.6322
    jramezanzadeh@f3law.com

  • Media item displaying: Zuzanna Tkaczow

    Zuzanna Tkaczow

    Associate

    Los Angeles
    323.574.2220 323.574.2220
    ztkaczow@f3law.com

  • Media item displaying: Jonathan M. Velasquez

    Jonathan M. Velasquez

    Associate

    Inland Empire
    951.215.4917 951.215.4917
    jvelasquez@f3law.com

  • Media item displaying: Katie Yoshida

    Katie Yoshida

    Associate

    Sacramento
    916.604.3092 916.604.3092
    kyoshida@f3law.com

  • Media item displaying: Lynn Wu

    Lynn Wu

    Senior Counsel

    Oakland
    510.550.8226 510.550.8226
    lwu@f3law.com

  • Media item displaying: Michael Armstrong

    Michael Armstrong

    Associate

    Los Angeles
    323.330.6813 323.330.6813
    marmstrong@f3law.com

  • Media item displaying: Alia El Radi

    Alia El Radi

    Associate

    Oakland
    510.550.8205 510.550.8205
    aelradi@f3law.com

  • Media item displaying: Constantino Raya

    Constantino Raya

    Associate

    Fresno
    559.860.4717 559.860.4717
    craya@f3law.com

  • Media item displaying: Nicolás Parra

    Nicolás Parra

    Associate

    Los Angeles
    323.330.6844 323.330.6844
    nparra@f3law.com

  • Media item displaying: Deaven Rector

    Deaven Rector

    Associate

    Los Angeles
    323.330.6859 323.330.6859
    drector@f3law.com

  • Media item displaying: Nathaniel Rosilez

    Nathaniel Rosilez

    Associate

    Inland Empire
    951.215.4906 951.215.4906
    nrosilaz@f3law.com

  • Media item displaying: Jessica Valadez

    Jessica Valadez

    Associate

    Los Angeles
    323.330.6847 323.330.6847
    jvaladez@f3law.com

  • Media item displaying: Tristan Hills

    Tristan Hills

    Associate

    Sacramento
    916.604.3100 916.604.3100
    thills@f3law.com

Insights & News

  1. Viewpoints
    Ninth Circuit Clarifies When School Officials’ Social Media Use May Constitute State Action And Violate The First Amendment
    May 16, 2025
    less than a minute
  2. Viewpoints
    Teacher Apprenticeship Programs, Recently Defunded, Remain a Viable Option for Filling Vacancies
    May 16, 2025
    less than a minute
  3. Viewpoints
    Funding for Wi-Fi hotspots at risk?
    May 09, 2025
    less than a minute
More Insights & News
Fagen Friedman & Fulfrost LLP
Get the latest F3 Insights and Invitations
Sign-up Now
Contact Us
  • © 2025 Fagen Friedman & Fulfrost LLP
  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy Policy
  • Sitemap
Site by
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
Do not sell my personal information.
Cookie SettingsAccept
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
__cf_bm30 minutesThe cookie contains information related to the calculation of Cloudflare’s proprietary bot score and, when Anomaly Detection is enabled on Bot Management, a session identifier
algoliasearch-client-js1 yearNecessary in order to optimize the web site's search-bar function . The cookie ensures accurate and fast search results.
AWSELB1 yearUsed to distribute traffic to the website on several servers in order to optimise response times.
AWSELBCORS1 yearRegisters which server-cluster is serving the visitor. This is used in context with load balancing, in order to optimize user experience.
CONSENT1 yearUsed to detect if the visitor has accepted the marketing category in the cookie banner. This cookie is necessary for GDPR-compliance of the website.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-advertisement1 yearUsed to detect if the visitor has accepted the marketing category in the cookie banner. This cookie is necessary for GDPR-compliance of the website.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
JSESSIONID1 yearPreserves users states across page requests.
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
CookieDurationDescription
_ga1 yearRegisters a unique ID that is used to generate statistical data on how the visitor uses the web site.
_ga_#1 yearUsed by Google Analytics to collect data on the number of times a user has visited the web site as well as dates for the first and most recent visit.
_gat1 yearUsed by Google Analytics to throttle request rate.
_gid1 yearRegisters a unique ID that is used to generate statistical data on how the visitor uses the web site.
collect1 yearUsed to send data to Google Analytics about the visitor's device and behavior. Tracks the visitor across devices and marketing channels.
NRBA_SESSION1 yearCollects data on the user’s navigation and behavior on the website. This is used to compile statistical reports and heatmaps for the website owner.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
CookieDurationDescription
LAST_RESULT_ENTRY_KEY1 yearUsed to track user’s interaction with embedded content.
LogsDatabaseV2:V#||LogsRequestsStore1 yearUnclassified
nextId1 yearUsed to track user’s interaction with embedded content.
remote_sid1 yearNecessary for the implementation and functionality of YouTube video-content on the website.
requests1 yearUsed to track user’s interaction with embedded content.
TESTCOOKIESENABLED1 yearUsed to track user’s interaction with embedded content.
VISITOR_INFO1_LIVE1 yearUnclassified
VISITOR_PRIVACY_METADATA1 yearUnclassified
YSC1 yearUnclassified
yt-remote-cast-available1 yearStores the user's video player preferences using embedded YouTube video
yt-remote-cast-installed1 yearStores the user's video player preferences using embedded YouTube video
yt-remote-connected-devices1 yearStores the user's video player preferences using embedded YouTube video
yt-remote-device-id1 yearStores the user's video player preferences using embedded YouTube video
yt-remote-fast-check-period1 yearStores the user's video player preferences using embedded YouTube video
yt-remote-session-app1 yearStores the user's video player preferences using embedded YouTube video
yt-remote-session-name1 yearStores the user's video player preferences using embedded YouTube video
YtIdbMeta#databases1 yearUsed to track user’s interaction with embedded content.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
CookieDurationDescription
BNI_new_persistence1 yearUnclassified
SAVE & ACCEPT
  • Professionals
  • Services
    • Business
    • Communications & Media Relations
    • Education Technology
    • Employment Law
    • Facilities & Construction
    • Governance & Leadership
    • Government Affairs & Public Policy
    • School and College Athletics
    • Investigations
    • Labor Relations & Negotiations
    • Litigation
    • Next Level Client Services
    • Real Estate & Property
    • Special Education
    • Student Rights & Discipline
    • Title IX
    • Virtual Learning
  • Our Clients
    • Charter Schools
    • Community Colleges
    • Higher Education
    • Independent & Private Schools
    • Public Agencies
    • Public Education K-12
    • Religious & Parochial Schools
  • Insights & News
    • Announcements
    • Client Alert
    • News
    • NewsFlash®
    • Symposium Materials
    • Tips & Tools
    • Viewpoints
  • Events
    • Special Education Symposium
    • Student Services Legal Symposium
  • Our Firm
    • Leadership
    • Locations
  • Careers
    • Our People
    • Job Opportunities
  • Our Culture
  • Civics
  • Contact Us