Welcome to CSBA’s District and County Office of Education Legal Services

Bob joined CSBA as Senior Policy Consultant in 2014, served as the Assistant Executive Director of Policy and Governance Technology Services from 2017-2021 and now serves as Chief Legal Counsel.

Bob is licensed in California, Washington, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals and the Federal Court of Claims in Washington, D.C. Prior to joining CSBA, Bob was the founding partner of Jackson & Tuerck, a law office that focused on environmental law and matters affecting families, children and the local community. Bob also served on the governing boards of the Plumas Unified School District and County Office of Education and spent two years as the President of the Plumas County Bar Association.

Bob graduated with honors from Seattle University School of Law, and also has a Master’s Degree in Business Administration and Organizational Leadership. Outside of education, Bob’s passions include his family, fly fishing, hiking and being outdoors.

Alex provides legal advice and representation to school districts and county offices of education in all areas of education law.

Alex is a certified mediator and an academic workplace investigator specializing in discrimination, harassment, and Title IX matters. She handles a variety of employment law matters, including consultation on progressive discipline, performance evaluations, non-renewals, and employee leave benefits.

Prior to joining CSBA, Alex worked for an education law firm where she focused her practice on employment law, public entity defense, board governance, and collective bargaining.

Alex graduated cum laude from Chapman University School of Law earning the William Stallworth award for Contract Law, and the CALI Excellence for the Future Award (highest grade) for Mediation, Advanced Mediation Clinic, Contract Law, Property Law, Psychology of Conflict, and Wills & Trusts.

Outside of work, Alex spends her time entertaining her young kids and taking her standard poodle to the dog park.

Gade Hamilton joined CSBA as a paralegal in November 2021. Prior to joining to CSBA, she worked for law firms specializing in criminal defense, civil rights, and employment law litigation. Gade has experience in civil and criminal litigation, document production, public entity defense, and employment law matters. Gade is also experienced in business development and logistical planning. Gade holds an Associates of Applied Science degree in Paralegal Studies as well as a Bachelor’s Degree in Government and Journalism from California State University, Sacramento where she graduated magna cum laude. California State University, Sacramento’s Government Department faculty also named Gade the Undergraduate Student of the Year.

Outside of work, Gade enjoys spending time with her family, kayaking, and baking.

Maryela joined CSBA as a Senior Legal Services Attorney in April 2022. Maryela provides legal advice and representation to school districts and county offices of education in all areas of education law. Prior to joining CSBA, Maryela worked for a boutique education law firm, where she focused on providing counsel and support to clients regarding special education, public works, environmental compliance, and charter schools.

Maryela received her undergraduate degree cum laude from Harvard University, where she was awarded Harvard College Scholarships for Academic Achievement of High Distinction every semester. Maryela received her law degree from Columbia University School of Law, where she was an Articles Editor for the Columbia Human Rights Law Review.

Outside of work, Maryela spends her time reading, writing, and rescuing animals, as well as dabbling in all things interior design.