Donald G. Henslee

Donald G. Henslee

3.7
Rating: 1.0

Licensed for 53 years

Education Lawyer at Austin, TX
Practice Areas: Education

901 Mopac Expressway South, Barton Oaks Plaza One | Suite 300, Austin, TX

This attorney is currently not accepting new clients.
Reason: Not Practicing
This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2019
See Details

About Donald

Practice Areas

1

Practice Area

Education 100%

Helping parents, students and educators, with their legal issues with schools and colleges. Help with for-profit schools issues,

53 years | 3,500 cases

100%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Hourly Rates

$ 250-450 per hour

Contingency

20%-40%

Retainer

Always


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in Washington for 24 years

State: Washington

Acquired: 2001

Disbarred

Lawyer disciplined by state licensing authority in 2019

Licensed in Texas for 53 years

State: Texas

Acquired: 1972

Not Eligible to Practice - Discipline

Lawyer disciplined by state licensing authority in 2018

Location

Henslee & Gorman, pllc

901 Mopac Expressway South, Barton Oaks Plaza One | Suite 300, Austin, TX, 78746

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Donald G. Henslee's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

3.7 /5.0

10 Client Reviews

Showing 1 - 5 of 10 reviews

Posted by Chris G | June 08, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Education

Lawyer Stopped Communicating after they Missed Appeal Deadline

I hired the law firm of Donald Henslee for a grievance against our son's school. After spending $1900 to hire them they filled out a completely incorrect two page standard grievance form (they confused my son's case with another one they had). This incorrect form made us look bad in front of the sc...hool and lost most of the credibility they had. When we went to the level 1 grievance meeting Terry was unprepared and barely know any of the details of our case. I had to do all the talking despite the fact that I submitted over a dozen pages of facts to their firm about our case. The 10 minutes we talked before the school meeting was the only time the lawyer spent to learn about us. After the level 1 grievance was denied, Terry was supposed to file the appeal within 10 days. He assured me multiple times that it would be done on time and when the deadline passed (without it being submitted) they stopped communicating with us. I have asked on 5 separate occasions for a case update over the last two months and there have not been any replies. I believe that they lure people in for the easy up-front fee and then put in the minimal effort to try and churn through as many fees as they can. Neither Terry nor Donald have replied to any of my requests. Now my son has this on his permanent school record because this law firm was too uncoordinated to turn in a simple form on time and then didn't even have enough character to tell me they screwed up. I will have to file a complaint with the bar association to try and get my $1900 back.

Posted by anonymous | March 23, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Education

Do Not Hire Donald Henslee

I was a client of Donald Henslee and I retained him to represent me in a educational school law matter with the college I attended. Higher education or post secondary education operates differently than K through 12 grade in Texas. My experiences with Donald were negative as he was not even able to ...speak on my behalf in the meetings we had regarding me as a student. Donald was simply present for the teleconference calls but did not lawyer on my behalf. I ended up with a unfair and adverse excessive sanction from the College I attended. I would recommend citizens and students to save their money and time and hire another lawyer.

Posted by anonymous | August 04, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Education

Don't trust Mr Henslee

I hired Mr Henslee to help with clearing my sons school records so that he may enter into any school or college institute. After I paid the retainer fee, Mr Henslee did not hold his promise. I made several calls to him and to his parallel legal assistant Will Beach. They have failed to return my call...s or give me an update on my case. When I asked for a refund, they ignored me, no response. I was forced to report him to the State Bar of Texas and to the Austin Bar Association, they are working with me to get my money back from Mr Henslee. I hope you do your homework before hiring him. I don't want this to happen to anyone, I am a single mom and $2500 is alot of money for me.

Donald Henslee

Replied last April 06, 2017

Neither I nor my staff know who this anonymous person is or what they are talking about.

Posted by Rafael | May 25, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Education

Reported to SBEC for misconduct

Mr. Donald D. Henslee law office is very professional. I am very pleased with their services. The school district where I worked for ten years reported me to SBEC/TEA for misconduct and Mr. Henslee and his team got a settlement with SBEC/TRA without their help I would have lost my Teacher Certificate.... I highly recommend Mr. Henslee's office if you are an educator and have any kind of issues with your school district or SBEC. Thanks Mr. Henslee

Posted by Dayami B | April 10, 2017

Attorney.

Excellent! I recommended Mr. Henslee and his team, they were great and they help me obtain the desired results.

See All Client Reviews

Donald G. Henslee's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Donald
Jennifer S. Goldman headshot
Jennifer Goldman

Education lawyer | Jan 29

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have referred clients to Mr. Henslee and would not hesitate to do so again. He is my go-to lawyer for any client or individual needing to resolve issues with a school/school district."

Kevin Rindler Madison headshot
Kevin Madison

Education lawyer | Dec 09

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Henslee's credentials are quite impressive. He would be my "go to person" for family or my clients who need a lawyer in any cases dealing with schools or education law. I endorse this lawyer."

Walter Rudolph Hnot, III headshot
Walter Hnot,

Education lawyer | Mar 22

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Donald is an excellent attorney committed to providing the highest quality representation to clients. I endorse this attorney without reservation."

Robert Werner von Dohlen headshot
Robert von Dohlen

Education lawyer | Dec 12

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Jason Henry Schauer headshot
Jason Schauer

Unknown lawyer | Sep 29

Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer. Excellent lawyer and very well regarded in his community."

Dmitriy Shakhnevich headshot
Dmitriy Shakhnevich

Education lawyer | Sep 28

Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer."

Lilian Demonteverde-Hoats headshot
Lilian Demonteverde-Hoats

Education lawyer | Sep 16

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Richard Geller headshot
Richard Geller

Unknown lawyer | Sep 16

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I strongly endorse Donald. Highly respected in the legal community with an outstanding reputation for client advocacy and dedication."

James Charles Shields headshot
James Shields

Unknown lawyer | Aug 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer with no reservation. An extremely talented and well respected attorney in the legal community. Very hardworking and diligent. Consistently achieves superior results. Advice is always practical and on point. I recommend to anyone looking for an attorney who knows the law and truly cares about protecting the rights of clients and achieving the most favorable result possible.I endorse this lawyer."

Sean Cleary headshot
Sean Cleary

Education lawyer | May 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. A highly skilled and respected lawyer in the legal community."

John M O'Brien headshot
John O'Brien

Education lawyer | Apr 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. A highly skilled and respected lawyer in the legal community."

Ligia M Melendez Parmenter headshot
Ligia Parmenter

Unknown lawyer | Mar 22

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Donald G. Henslee is an experienced attorney whose participation and comments in Avvo show his commitment to serving clients very well. He is an excellent attorney that I recommend wholeheartedly."

Jonathan Aaron Weinman headshot
Jonathan Weinman

Unknown lawyer | Dec 05

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Seasoned and experienced professional of the highest quality. Highly recommended."

John M. Kaman headshot
John Kaman

Education lawyer | Dec 04

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I enjoy reading Mr. Henslee's answers to questions regarding education law, a subject that I do not know much about. Based on his answers I would not hesitate recommending a client with a relevant problem to him. I endorse this lawyer."

Samuel Cohen headshot
Samuel Cohen

Education lawyer | Dec 04

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"It is a pleasure to endorse Mr. Henslee. The keen analytic ability he brings when answering questions here in practical and easy to understand methods make his counsel appreciated by his peers. I read his comments to improve my skills as an attorney."

Golnar Sargeant headshot
Golnar Sargeant

Unknown lawyer | Dec 03

Relationship: Other

"I always enjoy reading Mr. Henslee's sage comments on AVVO. He is a top notch attorney with an impeccable reputation."

Christian K. Lassen II headshot
Christian Lassen

Unknown lawyer | Oct 25

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Top-notch attorney. Highly respected in the legal community."

Rhonda Lee Crass headshot
Rhonda Crass

Education lawyer | May 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Henslee has been the leading authority is Texas School Law for over 35 years. He has trained and mentored many attorneys and his firm is considered one of the finest school law firms in Texas."

Duncan Roderick MacRae II headshot
Duncan MacRae

Education lawyer | Mar 08

Relationship: Co-worker

"Don Henslee is an exceptional attorney that I endorse without reservation. During the past fourteen years that we have worked together, I have time and time again witnessed him put his extraordinary skill set to use to successfully resolve the most complex and troubling of matters to the continuing satisfaction of his clients. He is one of those rare attorneys who can be successfully aggressive and a consummate gentleman at the same time."

Steven Harvill Weller headshot
Steven Weller

Business lawyer | Mar 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Don Henslee has been a well known school law attorney in the state of Texas for many years. He has a wide range of experience and expertise in all school law issues."

View All Endorsements
Terry P. Gorman headshot
Terry Gorman

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Kory Robinson

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Experience

Rating:  1.0 (Extreme Caution)

Professional misconduct

This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2019.

Disbarment issued in WA, 2019

updated on 03/28/2019

This is the most serious penalty for a lawyer. If this attorney is currently practicing law, you should contact the the Washington State Bar to understand the reasons for this disbarment.

Resignation in Lieu of Discipline issued in TX, 2018

updated on 01/18/2019

This means the attorney resigned in order to avoid being disbarred. "Disbarment" is the most serious penalty for a lawyer.

Resignation in Lieu of Discipline issued in TX, 2018

updated on 09/19/2018

This means the attorney resigned in order to avoid being disbarred. "Disbarment" is the most serious penalty for a lawyer.

Fully Probated Suspension issued in TX, 2017

updated on 02/07/2018

Fully probated suspension means an attorney is technically suspended but may still practice law. The State monitors the lawyer's activities during the suspension to make sure that he or she does not repeat the behavior.

Public Reprimand issued in TX, 1994

updated on 01/18/2019

Public reprimand means an attorney did something wrong but may still practice law. The State gives the lawyer a public reprimand in hopes that he or she will not repeat the behavior. Details of the infraction are made part of the public record.

Public Reprimand issued in TX, 1994

updated on 09/19/2018

Public reprimand means an attorney did something wrong but may still practice law. The State gives the lawyer a public reprimand in hopes that he or she will not repeat the behavior. Details of the infraction are made part of the public record.

Honors

2010

School Law Conference Planning Committee, University of Texas

2006

Outstanding Service Award, Texas Council of Administrators of Special Education

2005

Honorary Life Membership, Texas Association of Community Schools

2005

Commendation for Service to Rural Schools, Texas Rural Education Association

2001

Special Commendation, National Rural Education Association

2000

Special Commendation, Texas Association of School Boards

1989

Public Service Award, Texas School Public Relations Association

1988

Outstanding and Meritorious Service to Texas Education, Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association

1972

Senior Class President, University of Houston Law Center

1972

Dean (President), Delta Theta Phi Law Fraternity

1969

President, Pi Sigma Sigma Honorary Political Science Society

1967

Preident, Kappa Kappa Psi Honoray Music Fraternity

Work Experience

2013 - Present

Owner, Law Offices of Donald G. Henslee

1978 - Present

Founding Partner, Henslee Schwartz LLP

1975 - 1978

Director of Hearings and Appeals, Texas Education Agency

1973 - 1975

Municipal Judge, City of Webster

1972 - 1975

Partner, Henslee, Ryan & Driscoll

Associations

2009 - 2013

National Association of Minority and Women Owned Law Firms

Member

2008 - 2013

Council on Litigation Management

Member

2007 - 2013

Texas Historically Underutilized Business

Certified

2002 - 2013

Defense Research Institute

Member

1990 - 2013

Texas Association of School Boards Council of School Attorneys

Member

1990 - 2013

National School Boards Association, Council of School Attorneys

Member

1986 - 2013

Texas Rural Education Association

Member

1971 - 1972

Delta Theta Phi

Dean (President)

1971 - 1972

University of Houston Law Center Student Bar Association

President, senior class

1968 - 1969

Pi Sigma Sigma honorary political science society

President

Sample of Legal Cases

Sanches vs. Carrollton-Farmer's Branch ISD

Mr Henslee represented the prevailing school district.

See More Legal Cases

Education

1972

University of Houston Law Center

JD - Juris Doctor

1969

University of Houston

BS - Political Science

Speaking Engagements

2015

11th Annual TxP2P Statewide Parent Conference The Special Education Legal Process in Texas

2010

TWU Graduate Superintendency Program

School Law for Administrators

2007

Texas Association of School Boards Convention

Difficult ARD Committee Meetings

N/A

University of Texas, Graduate School of Educational Administration, Guest Lecturer

The Law of Special Education

N/A

Texas School Law News Annual Spring Conference

Contract Termination and Non-Renewal

N/A

Texas A&M University Graduate School of Education

Employment Reductions in Force

N/A

Texas A&M Commerce Graduate School of Education

Term Contract Non-Renewal

N/A

TCASE Annual Convention

Special Education Law Update

N/A

TCA Annual Conference

Confidentiality and Counselors

N/A

TASSP Principals' Regional Workshop

Negotiation and Mediation of Disputes

N/A

NREA Convention

Consolidation of School Districts

N/A

Lamar U. Graduate School of Educational Administration

School Law for Administrators

N/A

Graduate School of Education

Special Education Law

N/A

Claims Management Training

Resolution of Disputed Claims

N/A

Annual Convention

Competitive Bidding

Publications

2013

Weekly School Law Newsletter Friday Facts

2004

Book School Personnel Law in Texas

2002

Book How it Works - Special Education Law in Texas

2002

Book How it Works - Assessment, The Key To It All

2001

Book School Law for Principals

1999

Book Public Officials Risk Management

N/A

Decisions of the State Commissioner of Education Annotated Decisions of the State Commissioner of Education

N/A

Texas School Law News Legal and Legislative Updates, Weekly

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

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What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline
    This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2019
    Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution