Seminar: 2025 Legislative Update Seminar | School Law

Rebekah Jacobson is a leading school and public law practitioner whose deep expertise, clear communication, and steady judgment make her a trusted advisor to educational institutions across Oregon. Beginning her career at the Oregon School Boards Association, Rebekah gained early and extensive experience in the complicated field of education law.

Elizabeth Polay is a partner at Garrett Hemann and a trusted advisor to public school districts, education service districts, and other public education entities across Oregon. Her work is grounded not only in a deep command of school and public law but in a genuine understanding of the day-to-day challenges educators face. Before becoming an attorney, Elizabeth taught high school mathematics in high-needs and alternative education settings — experience that continues to shape her clear, compassionate, and practical approach to helping school districts and education service districts do their essential work.

Elliot Field is a trusted advisor to school districts, ESDs, community colleges, and other public agencies across Oregon. His work spans school and public entity law, employment and labor matters, civil rights defense, human resources consultation, and civil litigation. Elliot’s combination of public sector insight, practical experience in education, and a steady, thoughtful problem-solving style makes him an invaluable partner to his clients.

Emma Christopherson pairs her creativity and sharp research and investigative skills, with a genuine commitment to client service to her work in school and public entity law. She thrives in the role of “master of the facts” when working with partners on complex cases for the firm’s school law clients. She is known for her ability to sort through complex facts, identify what truly matters, and support partners in managing the nuanced issues facing today’s school districts — from special education matters to policy development to employment agreements.