JIM WALSH graduated from the University of Texas School of Law in 1975 and began his career in Texas school law by serving as the attorney for the Region XIII Legal Service Program, beginning in 1979.  In 1983, Mr. Walsh co-founded the firm, now known as Walsh, Gallegos, Treviño, Russo & Kyle, P.C., to focus on representing Texas public schools.   He has conducted in-service training sessions at every Education Service Center in the state and at hundreds of school districts.  Mr. Walsh is a highly sought-after speaker in Texas and throughout the nation.

JOSE MARTÍN is a partner with the school law firm of Richards Lindsay & Martín in Austin, Texas. His practice focuses exclusively on disabilities issues and litigation affecting the schools, including special education consulting and litigation under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act. He represents dozens of public school districts in Texas, and has developed a close understanding of the day-to-day challenges faced by schools in achieving compliance with state and federal disabilities laws. He is a graduate of the University of Texas in Journalism, and the University of Texas School of Law.

PAULA MADDOX ROALSON is a shareholder in the Houston office of Walsh Gallegos Treviño Russo & Kyle, P.C. where she represents school districts in the areas of special education litigation and general school law. She previously served as the Staff Attorney for Special Education for the Texas Association of School Boards, where she edited the Texas Association of School Boards’ Legal Bulletin and Legal Update. Ms. Roalson has spoken at numerous workshops, seminars, and conferences as well as authored numerous articles in the areas of general school law and special education.

GIGI MAEZ is an attorney in the Irving office of Walsh Gallegos Treviño Russo & Kyle, P.C. She graduated from Texas Wesleyan School of Law. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business from East Texas State University, a Master’s degree in Special Education from Texas A&M-Commerce, and holds a Teacher Certification and Educational Diagnostician Certification. Prior to practicing law, Ms. Maez gained six years experience as an educational diagnostician and six years of experience as a general education teacher in Texas public schools. She is also a member of the American Bar Association. Ms. Maez’s practice emphasizes representing school districts in special education litigation.

ELLEN SPALDING is a partner with Rogers, Morris & Grover, L.LP. in Houston. Her practice focuses on all matters concerning public school districts across Texas, including governance, open government, personnel, students, contracts, elections, and litigation. Ms. Spalding is a frequent speaker at school law conferences and conducts numerous trainings for school districts. Ms. Spalding has also represented private entities in all aspects of employment including counseling and litigation. Ms. Spalding has extensive experience practicing before state and federal courts, and is admitted to practice before all Texas Courts, as well as before U.S. District Courts in the Southern, Eastern, Northern, and Western Districts of Texas and the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals.

JANET BUBERT is a shareholder for Brackett & Ellis, P.C. with experience representing boards of numerous independent school districts, charter schools, universities, community colleges, and education foundations. She advises public and private educational entities in all aspects of school and public law, including employment, student discipline, special education, real estate, policy development, elections and open government. She is also a frequent speaker at the state and national level and regularly provides training for boards, school administrators and staff.