Jessica E. Ozalp

Education:

J.D., University of Wisconsin Law School (2010)

M.A. in Applied English Linguistics, with certification in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages, University of Wisconsin-Madison (2005)

B.A. in English, with Distinction, University of Wisconsin-Madison (2002)

Areas of Expertise:

Investigations, Compliance and Discrimination Complaints, Charter School Issues, Contracts, Governance, and Conflict of Interest Issues.

Experience:

Ms. Ozalp is a former educator and has over a decade of experience in school law. She counsels school districts, county offices of education, community colleges, and other public entities on issues such as personnel investigations and discipline, Uniform Complaints, sexual harassment and Title IX compliance, charter school oversight, Brown Act compliance, and conflict of interest laws. Ms. Ozalp provides legal trainings and workshops in these areas of expertise. She also advises clients on the development of governing board and county board policies and regulations. Ms. Ozalp frequently assists public agencies in investigating complaints regarding issues such as workplace misconduct, harassment, and discrimination. She is experienced in conducting fact-finding interviews and drafting investigative reports.

Prior to joining SCLS, Ms. Ozalp practiced education law with a public agency law firm in Northern California. She also served for seven years in Wisconsin government, as legal counsel to the Wisconsin state education agency (DPI) and to the Education committees of the Wisconsin State Legislature. In these roles she provided legal opinions, developed and drafted laws, interpreted and revised regulations, and defended public agencies in administrative hearings and litigation matters. Using her unique perspective gained researching, analyzing and advising on public education matters in state government, Ms. Ozalp practices preventive law through proactively counseling clients on compliance and avoiding legal issues where possible, as well as providing critical legal updates and workshops.

Ms. Ozalp is a member of the State Bar of California and the State Bar of Wisconsin.

Contact:

Jessica E. Ozalp
School and College Legal Services of California
5350 Skylane Boulevard
Santa Rosa, California 95403
T: (707) 524-2690
F: (707) 578-0517
jozalp@sclscal.org