Christian & Small Clients Granted Unanimous Decision by Alabama Court of Civil Appeals
June 10. 2020
The Washington County Education Association along with its President and two other employees of the Washington County BOE filed a suit attempting to block the opening of Woodland Preparatory School. Christian & Small partners Michael A. Vercher, M. Jansen Voss, and David L. Faulkner filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit on behalf of Washington County Students First and individuals associated with that entity.
The Washington County Circuit Court denied the motion and Christian & Small asked for an immediate appellate review via a Writ of Mandamus. In a unanimous decision released on June 5, 2020, the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals granted the request directing the Washington County Circuit Court to dismiss the entire case. The Court held that the plaintiffs, including the Washington County Board of Education, had an available administrative remedy by way of initiating a review procedure with the Alabama Charter School Commission. As a result, the Washington County lawsuit was considered a collateral attack on the Charter School Commission application for Woodland Prep, an action that is barred by applicable law.
About Christian & Small
Christian & Small LLP represents a diverse clientele throughout Alabama, the Southeast, and the nation with clients ranging from individuals and closely-held businesses to Fortune 500 corporations. By matching highly experienced lawyers with specific client needs, Christian & Small develops innovative, effective, and efficient solutions for clients. With offices in Birmingham, metro-Jackson, Mississippi, and the Alabama Gulf Coast, Christian & Small focuses on the areas of litigation and business, is a member of the International Society of Primerus Law Firms, and is the only Alabama-based member firm in the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity. Our corporate social responsibility program is focused on education, and diversity is one of Christian & Small’s core values.
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