OUR FIRM

K-12 School Law

We are a group of veteran education law attorneys who started a law firm in May of 2018 dedicated to serving education clients. Our team of attorneys and staff members are laser focused on providing exceptional legal representation and counsel, with compassion, drive and down-to-earth advice. Some things that set us apart:

  • We embrace a growth-mindset approach to the practice of law. We actively seek feedback from our clients, including constructive criticism. It is one of the only tried and true ways to improve and get better. Most attorneys think they are the smartest people in the room. We think quite the opposite. By focusing on what we can learn from others and on our mistakes, we become better and more skilled at what we do.
  • We are servant leaders in the field of education. As John Dewey wrote: “education is not preparation for life; education is life itself.” We spend each day making connections and doing our level best to improve the lives of the educators we serve. All of our attorneys and staff members live to serve others; it is at the very core of what we believe in.
  • We believe in a ‘student-first’ approach to solving problems. As we make decisions and provide counsel throughout the day, we take time to reflect on how the problem or issue we are working on will affect students. This is an integral part of our practice that we always take into consideration. If your mission is to serve students, why shouldn’t that also be reflected in our work?
  • We respect each and every client. It does not matter how large your student population is, how many staff members you employ or where you are located. Each client commands and deserves our respect, attention and admiration. It is surprising how many lawyers in the field fail to understand this very basic premise. With us, you never have to guess where you fit. You will always be our priority.
  • We are experienced school law attorneys who pride ourselves on providing proactive legal counsel to education clients large and small throughout Illinois. We are a full service education law firm that offers the services of veteran attorneys who can counsel you thoughtfully without having to ‘recreate the wheel’.

Our Practice is Exclusive

We understand education institutions and what it takes to run them.  Our attorneys have broad experience in all areas of school law and the practical skills needed to support you in your jobs.  Even more than that, we take the time to get to know each of you and your districts individually, recognizing that no two school districts are alike.  Our advice is always tailored to your specific needs.  Not only do we provide the direction you need when a situation arises, but we are adept at anticipating potential risks and providing preventative advice and proactive solutions. Our clients trust that our unparalleled experience and knowledge in the field of education allows for us to provide clearly defined and concise responses to their most important needs.

  • BOARD GOVERNANCE

  • BUSINESS OPERATIONS

  • LABOR & EMPLOYMENT

  • STUDENT MATTERS

  • SPECIAL EDUCATION

  • LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY

  • CRISIS MANAGEMENT

  • MEDIATION

Praise for Kriha Boucek

What I absolutely love and respect about Darcy Kriha is she just knows us. She understands our school district’s needs both professionally and personally. She makes a great connection with our school board members and administration.

The bottom line is that she, of course, knows the law, but more importantly is that she just knows us.

Jerald M. White, Board President, Morris Elementary School District 54
Sara is a dynamic attorney, a great negotiator, and a leader in education. Sara’s departure from IASA will be a loss to the organization, as well as a tremendous gain to all the school boards in Illinois who will benefit from her representation and collaborative approach in the coming years.
Dr. Brent Clark, Executive Director, Illinois Association of School Administrators

Darcy’s unique collection of talents and experiences should make the decision to hire her an easy one. She is an outstanding attorney with just the right blend of intelligence and toughness, tenacity and zeal, sincerity and empathy. She is authentic and relatable and possesses a wry sense of humor and perspective that I always found helpful during tense situations.

Darcy is highly responsive to her clients’ needs; in fact, she makes you feel as if you are her only client. Knowing that she has your back takes the pressure off during trying circumstances.

Kathryn Robbins, Ed.D., Retired Superintendent and IASA Former President, Leyden High School District 212

Stephanie Jones is a vibrant, thoughtful, and innovative attorney. Her courageous spirit and strong moral convictions help her do what is best for children and to improve environments in ways that maximize their true potential. She is a skilled negotiator and thought partner. Stephanie is a collaborative multi-disciplinary team builder. Her leadership and hard work made ISBE more student-centered and focused on service.

Tony Smith, Ph.D., Former State Superintendent and CEO of Whyspeople

I have had the pleasure of working with Kevin Gordon over the past 14 years. He has guided Grayslake 46 through negotiations, a strike and a countless number of other challenges. What I liked about working with Kevin is the fact that he would not give me an “off the cuff” answer when I called him. He would research, talk to associates and ask me questions to get the whole picture before providing us with direction. I have always found Kevin to be responsive, honest and ethical. He developed excellent relationships with the D46 board and District administration. Most importantly, he developed trust.

Ellen Correll, Retired Superintendent, Community Consolidated School District 46

Darcy Kriha is a passionate, dependable, and exceptionally knowledgeable attorney who provides solid guidance to her clients. She approaches cases from a common sense perspective with a student-focused lens.

Darcy is ethical, compassionate, and committed to her clients, which is evident in her natural ability to build relationships. She cares deeply about her clients and is highly committed to understanding and representing their needs in all situations.

Kathy J. Hinz, Ed.D., Superintendent of Schools, Crystal Lake Elementary District 47

I have worked with Darcy Kriha directly over the past 6 years and Laura Knittle over the past year. These attorneys have made my job as the Director of Special Education seamless when meeting Illinois Board of Education deadlines. Darcy supported me during a difficult Due Process and we prevailed. This was a stressful time and she not only helped me but the whole team get through the process.

Kathleen Dreger, Director of Special Education, Homewood-Flossmoor High School

Great leaders carry with them three critical attributes: credibility, respect, and trust, while seeking the same qualities in those with whom they associate. The collaborative, supportive, advisory relationship with Kriha Boucek offers just that. Members of this impressive firm ensure the needs and best interest of the organization, and those affiliated, are at the forefront of all associated decisions, collective interactions, and the timely legal guidance and direction provided. The KB team profoundly understands education. No matter the legal interaction, labor management, special services, court hearings, or contractual agreements, KB has consistently served as a credible, respected, and trusted partner, throughout.

Dr. Guy Schumacher, Retired Superintendent, Libertyville School District No. 70

Sara takes a pragmatic approach to law and doesn’t over complicate things.  She understands the value of our work and supports decisions that are in the best interest of our students.  Sara is able to develop strong partnerships with her clients which results in better outcomes for school districts.

Dave Palzet, Superintendent, Pleasantdale School District No. 107

Early in my educational career I was faced with two separate and complicated lawsuits that were stressful for the district and myself. In each case I worked with Rob Swain to navigate the process and find successful outcomes. During that time I found him to be an intelligent and tenacious ally who knew how to lead us in a way that managed the intensity of each of the situations we faced. More than a decade later, those early opinions of his ability and character have only been enhanced by our ongoing connections.

Dr. Dean Romano, Assistant Superintendent for Business Services, Geneva Community Unit School District No. 304

The Marengo Union Elementary CSD #165 has been using Kevin Gordon as our school district attorney for well over 12 years. Kevin has always provided the district with excellent legal advice and has always been very timely in preparing resolutions and written opinions. The district has complete confidence in Kevin and relies on him for all components of legal work. One of Kevin’s greatest assets is that he is extremely thorough and invests the necessary time to get all the information, regardless of the magnitude of situation. What may seem trivial may in fact have legal ramifications that were never considered.

Lea Damisch, Superintendent of Schools, Marengo Union Elementary CSD 165

I met Sara early in my career as Superintendent, during a challenging time in our district. Her presence and calm demeanor proved to be invaluable to the healing of District 81. Sara is a force of passion and intelligence, whose dynamic character and reputation as a leader in school law and education reform are well known. Sara’s client care is remarkable, and she cares for our school community deeply. Her compassionate nature is complemented by her confidence and tenacity.

Our Board of Education and administrative team have complete trust in Sara not just because of our history but because she continues to prove herself to be a vital support to our district. She has made genuine and lasting connections within our school community and is treated as a respected member of our team. Sara provides critical support in our most challenging situations and always celebrates our success.

Sara is a valued colleague who I am also blessed to call a friend. I feel fortunate to have the expertise and experience that Kriha Boucek law offers to District 81.

Kimberly Boryszewski, Superintendent, Schiller Park School District No. 81

Our Commitment

We make it our business to know you.  We believe that relationships with our clients are the cornerstone of a good law practice.

We want you to know that you can trust us, our advice, and our work. It is a priority to us to provide top notch legal services at a reasonable cost.  We have made choices in growing our business to keep overhead low.  Our offices are in suburban Oak Brook Terrace with significantly lower rent than Chicago.  Our technology is all cloud-based. We hired only necessary support staff.  We don’t charge you for our incidental expenses because we believe that’s our cost of doing business.  And we are transparent about our fees.