Bryant Horsley is a distinguished school and education law attorney with over 15 years of experience, including significant representation of New Jersey school districts and serving as Legal Counsel for the New Jersey Department of Education. His expertise extends to Federal and State trial and appellate courts, impacting New Jersey's Public Education law, especially in areas like student residency, homelessness, fiscal accountability, special education, and transportation.
During his tenure as Deputy Attorney General in the Education Section of the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General, Bryant adeptly represented the Commissioner of Education and the Department of Education in various appellate matters across multiple divisions. His litigation expertise includes trials in the Office of Administrative Law and numerous cases in Federal and State courts.
Bryant's legal practice encompasses advising on legal opinions, statutes, and regulations and conducting investigations of unlawful conduct. He is experienced in handling matters related to the Open Public Records Act (OPRA) and state election law and has litigated cases in state and federal courts, as well as before administrative agencies like the New Jersey Division on Civil Rights (DCR) and the United States Equal Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
A Rutgers School of Law – Newark and Rutgers University graduate, Bryant is admitted to practice in New Jersey, New York, and the United States Court of Appeals, Third Circuit. He has advised school districts on a wide range of legal issues, including budget management, litigation, civil rights, student and employee rights, labor and employment, and compliance. As counsel for Souder Shabazz & Woolridge Law Group, he continues to assist New Jersey boards of education.
Previously, Bryant served as the first General Counsel for the State-operated Camden City School District and as General Counsel for Jersey City Public Schools. In these roles, he was pivotal in addressing legal challenges, improving academic outcomes, and developing employee and student welfare policies. His leadership was instrumental during the COVID-19 pandemic, aiding in managing financial constraints, compliance with emergency legislation, and ensuring the safety of over 6,500 employees and 30,000 students.
Bryant is a respected educator, frequently delivering trainings and seminars on school and education law. His speaking engagements include presentations at the NJSBA School Law Forum and the "Quality in Education Summit" and as a college guest lecturer. He has addressed topics ranging from reduction in force, tenure issues, FERPA, student records, and social media policies.
Holding a Master of Education with a concentration in Science Education from Rutgers University Graduate School of Education, Bryant's unique blend of legal and educational expertise offers a comprehensive understanding of the intersection between law, academics, and student achievement.