Education

  • The College of William & Mary Law School, J.D.  
  • Capital University, B.A., Political Science and Spanish, summa cum laude

Admissions

  • Supreme Court of Ohio 
  • U.S. District Court, Southern District of Ohio
  • Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals

Badges

Mitchell L. Stith
Associate

Mitch brings his energy and enthusiasm to solving clients’ legal problems.  During his tenure with the firm, Mitch has proven himself to be a strong advocate for public school district clients, defending claims in state and federal court and before various administrative agencies.  Mitch’s devotion to getting the right answer for clients in an efficient and timely manner makes him a valued member of our legal team.   

 Mitch’s practice focuses on providing legal counsel to public school districts throughout Ohio on a wide variety of issues.  He has represented clients in labor and employment matters, discrimination litigation, special education disputes and real property tax matters.

Primary Focus & Experience

  • Education General Counsel:  Provides comprehensive advice and counsel to boards of education throughout the state of Ohio, including advising on public records, open meetings and board policy and governance issues, ethics and contracting advice, contract drafting and interpretation, community and media relations, litigation preparation and avoidance.  
  • Collective Bargaining:  Negotiates labor contracts on behalf of boards of education with teaching and nonteaching unions.  Represents boards in mediation, arbitration, fact-finding and proceedings before the State Employment Relations Board.
  • Employment Law:  Defends boards of education in complaints before the Ohio Civil Rights Commission, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and other state agencies; represents clients in all aspects of employment law, from managing internal complaints and investigations, day to day human resources issues, and complex litigation.   
  • School Business Operations:  Provides proactive advice, review, drafting and negotiations regarding vendor contracts and strategic partnerships, risk assessment and management, and advice regarding financial issues.    
  • Construction and Real Property:  Provides review, drafting and advice on school construction contract issues and disputes; property valuation before county boards of revision and the Ohio Board of Tax Appeals; territory transfers; and bidding and bidding documentation.   
  • Investigations:  Provides guidance to administrators conducting investigations or directly assists with investigations into student and staff issues.   
  • Litigation:  Represents boards of education through all phases of litigation, including employee and student discrimination and civil rights cases; constitutional claims, including equal protection; Section 1983 claims; retaliation claims; sexual harassment and Title IX claims; teacher termination and employee discharge cases; and student discipline and special education claims.   
  • Student Matters:  Provides guidance and advice on various student matters, including bullying, parent complaints, student discipline, equity and diversity issues, and student records and privacy concerns.

Presentations & Publications

Mitch has presented for the following organizations: 

  • Ohio School Boards Association
  • Ohio Association of School Business Officials
  • Ohio Association of Local School Superintendents

Professional Associations & Community Involvement

  • Ohio Council of School Board Attorneys
  • Ohio State Bar Association
  • Columbus Bar Association

You Might Not Know

During college Mitch competed all four years as a member of the Capital University men’s cross country and track and field teams. 

“One of the greatest joys of the work that I do is the opportunity to support dedicated and thoughtful educators and administrators as they strive to instill and inspire excellence throughout Ohio’s public school districts.”