Rachel Sears

A Steady Hand Through a Complex School District Matter

Our small school board was navigating a particularly thorny issue involving a teacher contract dispute and potential policy violations. The situation felt overwhelming, and we needed counsel who understood both the legal intricacies and the unique culture of Maine's educational institutions. Rachel Sears was recommended to us, and her guidance proved invaluable from our first meeting. Her background in education law was immediately apparent. She didn't just quote statutes; she explained how they applied to our specific scenario in Portland, anticipating challenges we hadn't even considered. Her recognition by Best Lawyers in this field was well-earned and gave our board immediate confidence. Rachel methodically broke down a complex problem into manageable steps, communicated with clarity to our non-legal members, and negotiated a resolution that protected the district's interests while being fair to all parties. Her professionalism was matched by a genuine understanding of the pressures public boards face. While her recognition is recent, her skill and strategic approach felt seasoned. We emerged from a potentially damaging situation with our policies strengthened and our focus back on education. We are profoundly grateful for her exceptional service and expertise.