* By Bob L. Harris, Esq. What To Do and Not Do When Appearing - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

* By Bob L. Harris, Esq.

What To Do and Not Do When Appearing Before the Commission for Independent Education *

*Representing schools since 1984 *Attended 140+ meetings *Appeared hundreds of times *Turning a “no” into a “yes” *

*How you appear before Commission is important *They have the keys *It is their sandbox *This is a tough business *

*Review these notes *Remember 2-week window *Develop a strategy *Being a little funny is OK *Don’t ignore anyone *

Here we go! Remember, these are secrets…shhhhhhh….. Can you keep a secret? *

*Out of sight, out of mind *Be there *Create a comfort zone by your presence *It is their sandbox #1 *

*Read, “ The Art of War ” *Be prepared *Get summary from staff *Weaknesses/strengths *Bring the experts #2 *

*When in doubt, bring a monkey *Know what they are looking for *Do the work ahead of time #3 *

*Let them help you *The Commission is not like other boards *They are in the business *Rely on professional staff #4 *

*Recognize friendly questions *Don’t fight the obvious *Tell the truth/get caught *Listen, listen, listen #5 *

*If you go up looking for a fight, you will get one *Adopt helpful attitude *Agree with them *Be willing to get better #6 *

*If you bring a lawyer, bring one with a whoa button *Out of state lawyers *Avoid NY lawyers #7 *

*Least said, best said *If you find yourself suffering the pain of an un- delivered speech, take a pain reliever and be quiet #8 *

*Be willing to punt *Have basic understanding of your legal rights under Ch. 120 *Be willing to come b ack #9 *

*Professional submissions *Understand why private schools are monitored *Look at it from their point of view- their responsibility #10 *

Any Questions? Remember, free legal advice is worth what you pay for it *

Bob L. Harris Messer Caparello Law Firm Tallahassee, Florida 850-222-0720 www.lawfla.com bharris@lawfla.com *