I have been practicing law in Colorado Springs since 1984. I specialize in education law and thoroughly enjoy it. My mother was a teacher, as well as two of my sisters, and I have a great appreciation for educators. Our firm provides legal counsel to a number of school districts and boards of cooperative educational services throughout the Pikes Peak region and beyond, and prides itself on prompt, cost-effective and professional legal service to our clients. We try to help clients avoid problems before they become problems.
Prior to obtaining my law degree, I was a sports writer for six years after obtaining a journalism degree from the University of Missouri. I was the college sports editor for The Atlanta Constitution for three years and then covered the Denver Nuggets for three years for the Rocky Mountain News in Denver.
Practice areas
Representation of school districts, boards of cooperative educational services, and private schools
38 years
Appeals before Colorado Court of Appeals, Colorado Supreme Court, U.S. District Court, District of Colorado and 10th Circuit Court of Appeals
38 years
Generally involving administrative litigation -- teacher dismissal cases, special education due process cases, appeals before the State Board of Education -- and civil litigation defending school clients.
38 years
Languages spoken
English
| State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|
| CO | Active | 1983 | 06/08/2022 |
| MO | Good Standing, Active | 1983 | 01/08/2013 |
| Legal answers | 0 |
| Legal guides | 0 |
| Award name | Grantor | Date Granted |
|---|---|---|
| AV Preeminent Rated | Martindale-Hubbell | 2018 |
| Top Education Lawyer | Colorado Springs Style Magazine | 2017 |
| Top Education Lawyer | Colorado Springs Style Magazine | 2016 |
| Top Education Lawyer | Colorado Springs Style Magazine | 2015 |
| Title | Company name | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Senior partner/President | Anderson, Dude & Lebel, P.C. | 1984 - Present |
| Instructor | Argosy University | 2015 - 2018 |
| Association name | Position name | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| National School Boards Association Council of School Attorneys | Member | 1987 - Present |
| Colorado Council of School Board Attorneys | Member (Chair 2002) | 1987 - Present |
| El Paso County Bar Association | Chair, Law Day, 1992 | 1984 - Present |
| Colorado Council of School Board Attorneys | Former Chair | 2001 - 2002 |
| Missouri State Bar Association | Member | 1983 - 2012 |
| School name | Degree | Graduated |
|---|---|---|
| University of Missouri School of Law | JD - Juris Doctor | 1982 |
| University of Missouri | B.J. | 1974 |
| University of Missouri | B.A. | 1972 |
| Conference name | Title | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Special Education Laws Made Simple | Placement Decisions and Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) | 2017 |
| IEP and 504 Plan Legal Workshop | The IEP Development Process: Handling Difficult Issues | 2016 |
| Colorado Special Education Law | Special Education Law | 2014 |
| CASB Summer Legal Conference | Transgender students | 2013 |
| Special Education Law | Special Education Law | 2012 |
| CASB Fall Legal Conference | Children Internet Protection | 2012 |
| CASB FAll Legal Conference -- Pueblo, CO | Lessons Learned in Teacher Dismissal Cases | 2011 |
| National audio conference | Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse -- The Practical Aspects | 2006 |
| CASB Winter Conference | Superintendent Contracts | 2003 |
| Case name | Outcome |
|---|---|
| In the Interest of J.E.S. | Colorado Supreme Court agreed with School District 11 that legislation changed to school attendance law was unconstitutiional. |
| United Floor v. Eigel, 807 P.2d 1209 (Colo App 1990) | Court of Appeals reversed adverse ruling of El Paso County District Court |
| Floyd v. Bartley, 727 P.2nd 1109 (CO 1986) | Affirmed right of client to proceed with lawsuit. |
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