Practice areas: Schools & Education
Licensed in Texas since: 2014
Education: Whittier Law School
Selected to Super Lawyers: 2021 - 2022 
Selected to Rising Stars: 2014, 2018 - 2019 Geneva Jones & Associates
2245 Texas DriveSuite 300
Sugar Land, TX 77479 Phone: 832-324-5882 Email: Geneva Jones Visit website
Details 
Geneva Jones is the nationwide expert on education law and one of the most influential school law attorneys in the country. Known as the ‘Champion for Public Education.’ Geneva’s work in school law has a transformational impact on our nation’s educational system. Licensed in Texas, California, New York, and Washington DC, Geneva has worked with the Departments of Education in numerous states nationwide as an expert in school law. Geneva is a frequent keynote speaker at the nation’s most prestigious conferences and state, regional, and local school law conferences nationwide. Geneva is an invited TV news and media commentator for local and national outlets on all school matters and is quoted in numerous publications.
What makes Geneva special is her keen perspective as a parent of a child with a disability and the dynamic approach and skill set that she brings to her practice of law. In short, Geneva fights for what is right. Geneva gave up her first career in healthcare after her son was diagnosed with autism to obtain a law degree. After graduating from one of the nation's only law schools with a school law focus, Geneva has spent her entire career representing schools in their mission to provide students — especially those living with disabilities or socio-economic disadvantages — an equitable and appropriate education. A successful litigator, Geneva’s extensive practical experience in all areas of school law and her specialization in special education, disability, student discipline, equitable learning, civil rights, and employment make her an invaluable asset to her clients.
She founded her law firm, Geneva Jones & Associates, PLLC, on the principle “Honoring the Law - Focused on the Student” and holdfast to her student-focused philosophy. Geneva's full biography, including her unique and remarkable more than 20 year history from special education advocate to school attorney, can be located on her firm's website.
Geneva’s speaking availability is very limited. Please contact her through the firm’s website as early as possible to discuss Geneva’s speaking and media requests availability.
First Admitted: 2008, California
Professional Webpage: https://geneva-jones.com/about/
Bar / Professional Activity
- State Bar of New York, 2021
- State Bar of Washington DC, 2023
- State Bar of Texas, 2014
- State Bar of California, 2008
- 5th Circuit Court of Appeals
- Admitted in the Federal District Court for the Western and Eastern Districts of Texas
- State Bar of Texas Education Law
- Texas Council of Administrator of Special Education
- Texas Council of School Attorneys
- Harris County Bar of Association
- Whittier Center for Children Rights Fellow
Verdicts / Settlements (Case Results)
- Schulenburg Indep. Sch. Dist. v. J.H., 124 LRP 8663 (S.D. Tex. 03/07/24). A Texas district's documentation of a student's "violent and assaultive behavior" toward staff strengthened its request to change the student's stay-put placement. Determining the student was substantially likely to injure himself or others in his current placement, the court granted the district's request for a "< Honig injunction." It authorized the district to implement the behavioral placement in its proposed IEP and exclude him from its schools due to his dangerous behaviors., 2024
- Student v. Hardin-Jefferson ISD, TEA Docket No. 391-SE-0824 (Final Decision signed May 23, 2025) — ALJ held Petitioner failed to prove the proposed IEP inappropriate; all requested relief denied, 2024
- Hardin-Jefferson ISD v. Student, TEA Docket No. 316-SE-0623 (Decision Feb. 12, 2024) — Hearing Officer found the District’s reevaluation appropriate and denied a publicly funded IEE;, 2024
- Student v. Silsbee ISD, TEA Docket No. 109-SE-1223 (Final Decision Dec. 30, 2024) — Hearing Officer denied all claims and dismissed the complaint;, 2024
Representative Clients
- National Association of State Directors of Special Education, 2025
- Kentucky Directors of Special Education, 2025
- Pinellas Public Schools, Florida, 2025
- Oklahoma Parent Center, 2025
- Pacific Northwest Institute on Special Education and the Law, 2024
- Duval County Public Schools, 2025
- Florida CASE, 2024
- Oklahoma Department of Education, 2024
- Idaho ESEA & IDEA Director's Conference, 2024
- Connecticut Counsel of Administrators of Special Education (ConnCASE)
- Tucson Unified School District
- LRP's National Institute
- University of Washington's Pacific Northwest Institute on Special Education & The Law
- Utah State Board of Education
- Colorado Department of Education
Pro bono / Community Service
- Whittier Center for Children Rights Fellow
Educational Background
- California State University, B.A., 2005
- Whittier Law School, J.D., 2008
White Papers
- Does your district’s IEE criteria address the evaluator's conflict of interest?; 08/04/2023 Quick Tip: Focus on promoting skills, not punishing for lack of them; 05/17/2023 Data compares total enrollment of 504, IDEA students with law enforcement referrals; 02/22/2023 Quick Tip: Develop re-entry plan after imposing discipline; 02/01/2023 Quick Tip: Don’t be quick to jump to a BIP; 01/25/2023 Quick Tip: Know when to contact law enforcement; 01/19/2023 Quick Tip: Include rational statement in behavior support plan; 01/13/2023, LRP Special Education Connection, 2023
- Inform parents how classroom removals for private therapy impact LRE; 11/03/2022 Before you overshare, get consent to speak with parent-contracted therapist; 10/28/2022 Quick Tip: Deliberate, don’t be quick to offer preferred seating; 07/05/2022 Quick Tip: Don’t arrive empty-handed to settlement meeting; 06/16/2022 Quick Tip: Use handout to track terms at resolution session; 06/09/2022 Heighten understanding of “hidden traumas,” ways to support students; 05/03/2022 Hear This: Central auditory processing disorder diagnosis may necessitate 504 plan; 04/01/2022, LRP Special Education Connection, 2022
Scholarly Lectures / Writings
- We examine the resilience and foundational strength of the American education system amid ongoing challenges. Participants will explore how educators, leaders, and communities can uphold the core values of equity, inclusion, and opportunity that keep our educational “house” standing strong. We will highlight the importance of collaboration, innovation, and steadfast leadership in ensuring that, despite societal, legal, and cultural shifts, public education continues to serve as the cornerstone of democracy and hope for future generations., Keynote Speaker, Education in America: The House Shall Not Fall, National Association of State Directors of Special Education, Education, 2025
- A look back on the key legal shifts and policy changes shaping Special Education in public education across the nation., Keynote Speaker, The Year In Review: Key Legal Shifts Shaping Special Education, Utah Institute on Special Education Law, Education, 2025
- Focused on connecting effective student discipline practices with informed, legally sound decision-making. We explore how data, documentation, and collaboration drive fair and consistent outcomes in disciplinary situations—particularly when special education considerations are involved. By examining real-world examples and common pitfalls, attendees will learn how to align disciplinary actions with policy, equity, and student support goals. We emphasize proactive leadership and strategic thinking to bridge the gap between discipline procedures and meaningful educational decisions., Expert Speaker, Bridging the Gap: From Discipline to Decision Making, Pinellas Public Schools Florida, Education, 2025
- Exploring the dichotomy of learning from both sides of the Special Education table, as a mom and a school attorney. Lessons on navigating the special education world inside public education., Keynote Speaker, Lessons from Both Sides of the Table: A School Attorney and Mom's Journey, Oklahoma Parents Center, Education, 2025
- Delving into the complex intersection of student safety, disability rights, and due process in cases involving dangerous student behavior. Participants will explore the legal standards and procedural requirements governing disciplinary actions for students with disabilities, including manifestation determinations, interim alternative educational settings, and emergency removals. Through real-world scenarios and practical guidance, we equip administrators and special education leaders with the tools to balance safety, compliance, and fairness when addressing serious behavioral challenges., Keynote Speaker, Dangerous Students: Navigating Discipline, Disability, and Due Process, Duval County Public Schools, Education, 2025
- You've heard plenty about chronic absenteeism plaguing schools nationwide. It is a primary cause of low academic achievement and a powerful predictor of which students will eventually drop out of school. Even sporadic absences can significantly hinder the progress of students with disabilities, and it is nearly impossible to provide FAPE when truancy and excessive absenteeism prevents a child from accessing the educational environment. While not all absenteeism stems from a disability, IEP teams are compelled by law to investigate and address student attendance. Join attorney Geneva Jones as she explores the causes of school refusal and chronic absenteeism, including factors that interfere with student attendance. Geneva will highlight specific special education laws and court cases, pointing out the obligations that fall on the school and IEP team and providing real ways to address absenteeism and improve student outcomes., Keynote Speaker, Addressing Absences and School Refusals in Our Most Vulnerable Population of Students, LRP National Institute on Legal Issues of Educating Individuals with Disabilities, Education, 2025
- Equipping special education leaders with critical updates and practical strategies to navigate the evolving legal landscape. We review recent case law, policy changes, and compliance requirements that impact special education practice. Emphasis will be placed on proactive leadership, risk management, and strategic decision-making to ensure schools meet legal obligations while supporting positive student outcomes. , Keynote Speaker, Navigating the Legal Landscape: Essential Updates and Strategies for Special Education Leaders, Florida CASE, Education, 2025
- Exploring the effects of discipline decisions in both regular as well as public education on the landscape of public education., Keynote Speaker, Discipline Decisions in Public Education, Oklahoma Law Conference, Education, 2025
- Examining effective alternatives to exclusionary discipline by focusing on restorative, reflective, and instructional approaches. Participants learn strategies to teach students accountability, repair harm, and build social-emotional skills, ensuring that discipline serves as a learning opportunity rather than solely a punitive measure. Through practical examples and discussion, attendees explore how these approaches can reduce repeat behavioral issues, foster positive school climates, and promote equitable outcomes for all students., Keynote Speaker, Teaching Student Discipline: Restorative, Reflective, and Instructional Discipline Picks Up When Exclusionary Discipline Falls Short, Idaho ESEA & IDEA Director's Conference, Education, 2024
- This session provides guidance for school leaders on the legal processes and considerations involved in seeking restraining orders and federal injunctions to address threats posed by dangerous students. Participants explore the criteria, procedures, and documentation required to pursue protective measures while balancing student rights and school safety. Through case examples and practical strategies, administrators learn how to take decisive, legally sound actions to maintain a safe learning environment for all students and staff., Keynote Speaker, Obtaining Restraining Orders and Federal Injunctions to Remove Dangerous Students, Idaho ESEA & IDEA Director's Conference, Education, 2024
- Empowering school administrators with the knowledge and skills needed to confidently lead special education meetings while ensuring compliance with legal requirements. We gain a clear understanding of relevant federal and state laws, the rights of students and families, and the administrator’s role in facilitating productive, legally sound discussions. The session provided practical strategies for planning, conducting, and documenting meetings effectively, helping administrators navigate complex situations with confidence, clarity, and authority., Expert Speaker, Administrators Empowerment Training: Understanding the Law and Running the Meeting, Utah Institute on Special Education Law, Education, 2024
- Exploring the growing intersection of artificial intelligence (AI), assistive technology, and the development of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). We examine how emerging tools can streamline data collection, support documentation, and enhance accessibility for students with disabilities, while also considering the ethical, legal, and practical risks involved. Through discussion and examples, educators and administrators distinguish between innovative, responsible use of technology and potential pitfalls, ensuring that AI and assistive tools serve as creative supports rather than sources of concern., Expert Speaker, Using Artifical Intelligence and Assistive Technology to Create an IEP: Creative Tool or Technology Fraught with Peril?, Utah Institute on Special Education Law, Education, 2024
- This session focused on creating meaningful and effective transition plans that prepare students with disabilities for life beyond high school. Participants learned how to design individualized transition goals and activities that build real-world skills, foster independence, and align with each student’s strengths, interests, and aspirations. Emphasizing collaboration among educators, families, and community partners, the session provided practical strategies to help students “learn to fly” confidently before they leave the nest., Expert Speaker, Meaningful Transition Planning: Teaching Students to Fly Before They Leave The Nest, Colorado Department of Education 2024 Transition Leadership Institute, Education, 2024
- This session explores the critical importance of recognizing that every child’s educational journey is unique, there is no “one-size-fits-all” approach. Participants examined the legal and ethical duty to consider exclusionary factors when evaluating and supporting students with potential disabilities. Through practical examples and discussion, the session clarifies how factors such as environment, instruction, and cultural background must be assessed before identifying a disability. , Keynote Speaker, There is No "One-Size-Fits-All" Childhood: The Duty to Consider Exclusionary Factors, LRP National Institute on Legal Issues of Educating Individuals with Disabilities, Education, 2024
- This session addresses some of the most common misconceptions surrounding special education, particularly in the areas of student discipline, IEP documentation, and administrative responsibilities. Participants gain a clearer understanding of the legal and practical realities that guide decision-making in these areas. Through discussion and real-world examples, educators and administrators distinguish between myth and fact, ensuring compliance while promoting equitable and effective support for students with disabilities., Keynote Speaker, Unraveling the Common Special Education Misconceptions Involving Student Discipline, IEP Documents, and the Role of the Administrator, Tucson Unified School Districts, Education, 2024
- Utah State Institute on Special Education, Keynote Expert Speaker, Antibullying Essentials: Designing IEPs to Pick Up Where Your Whole-School Antibullying Programs Fall Short, 2023
- Utah State Institute on Special Education Law, Expert Speaker, Please, Pretty Please, Come to School: Tackling Absenteeism to Ensure FAPE, 2023
- 45th Annual LRP's National Institute on Legal Issues of Educating Individuals with Disabilities, Keynote Expert Speaker, Blurred Lines - Communicating the School and Parents' Role in Serving Students with Disabilities, 2023
- Tucson Unified School District, Keynote Expert Speaker, Unraveling The Common Special Education Misconceptions Involving Student Discipline, IEP Documents, And The Role Of The Administrator, 2023
- Connecticut Counsel Of School Administrators Of Special Education (ConnCASE), Keynote Expert Speaker, Forget the Band-Aid approach. Taking a Holistic Approach to Serve The Child., Connecticut Counsel Of School Administrators Of Special Education (ConnCASE), 2023
- 45th Annual LRP National Institute on Legal Issues of Educating Individuals with Disabilities, Expert Speaker, IDEA: All the Things You Need to Know, 2023
- Colorado Department of Education 2022 Legal Conference , Expert Speaker, Identifying and Eradicating Bias In Special Education, 2022
- LRP Publications Education Webinars, Expert Speaker, Moving Past Standard Discipline to Transform Behavior of Students with Disabilities, 2022
- Utah Institute on Special Education Law , Expert Speaker, Historically Overidentified Populations, LRE and Inclusion, 2022
- 43rd Annual LRP National Institute on Legal Issues of Educating Individuals with Disabilities. LRP is the biggest special education conference in the nation., Expert Speaker, Educating Special Education Trauma Survivors, 2022
- 39th Annual Pacific Northwest Institute on Special Education & the Law in partnership with the University of Washington, College of Law , Expert Speaker, Educating Special Education Trauma Survivors Requires Educators to Recognize the Hidden Signs of Trauma, 2022
- 43rd Annual LRP National Institute on Legal Issues of Educating Individuals with Disabilities. LRP is the biggest special education conference in the nation., Expert Speaker, Beginner Mistakes New Administrators Can Avoid:This May Be Your First Rodeo but That Doesn’t Mean You Don’t Know the Ropes, 2022
- 39th Annual Pacific Northwest Institute on Special Education & the Law in partnership with the University of Washington, College of Law , Expert Speaker, Looking Beyond the Acronym “LRE” to Find the True Meaning of Least Restrictive Environment, 2022
- Presented at the 42nd Annual LRP National Institute on Legal Issues of Educating Individuals with Disabilities. LRP is the biggest special education conference in the nation. , Presenter, LRP National Institute on Legal Issues of Educating Individuals with Disabilities, Are We Doing Enough to Prevent Systemic Racism in Special Education?, 2021
- Presented at the TAESE annual conference., Presenter, Utah Institute on Special Education Law Annual Center for Technical Assistance for Excellence in Special Education Conference, Extended School Year in a Post COVID-19 World: Examining Legal Principles and Practical Application, 2021
- Conducted a National Webinar for School Administrators, Teachers, Special Education Service Providers, and Attorneys with LRP Publications. , Presenter/Trainer, LRP National Webinar, FERPA and Student Privacy in a Post COVID-19 World, 2021
- Presented at the 38th Annual PNWI Conference., Presenter, 38th Annual Pacific Northwest Institute on Special Education and the Law College of Education University of Washington Conference, Eradicating Bias in Special Education, 2021
- Presented at the 42nd Annual LRP National Institute on Legal Issues of Educating Individuals with Disabilities. LRP is the biggest special education conference in the nation. , Presenter, LRP National Institute on Legal Issues of Educating Individuals with Disabilities, Moving Beyond the Basic Legal Principles of Extended School Year Services, 2021
- Presented at the Southern Oregon Education Service District Equity Summit 2021., Presenter, Southern Oregon Education Service District Equity Summit 2021, Preventing Systemic Racism in Special Education, 2021
- Presented at the GCASE annual Fall Forum., Presenter and Expert Panelist, Gulf Coast Administrators of Special Education Fall Forum, ARD/IEP Administrator Empowerment Training, 2021
- Presented at the annual GCASE Winter Law Conference. , Presenter, Gulf Coast Administrators of Special Education Law Conference 2021, Show Up But Don't Show Out - Attendance and Discipline During COVID-19, 2021
- Presented at Rhode Island Cranston Public School Conference. , Presenter/Trainer, Rhode Island Cranston Public School, Identifying and Preventing Systemic Racism for Multilingual Learners and Special Populations, 2021
- Presented at the 41st Annual LRP National Institute on Legal Issues of Educating Individuals with Disabilities. LRP is the biggest special education conference in the nation. , Presenter, LRP National Institute on Legal Issues of Educating Individuals with Disabilities, The Times They Are A-Changin - Hot-Button AT Issues Which Result in Denial of FAPE and Violate FERPA, 2020
- Presented at the 40th Annual LRP National Institute on Legal Issues of Educating Individuals with Disabilities. LRP is the biggest special education conference in the nation. , Presenter, LRP National Institute on Legal Issues of Educating Individuals with Disabilities, Confused About Dyslexia? Don’t Overthink It, 2019
- Presented at the 40th Annual LRP National Institute on Legal Issues of Educating Individuals with Disabilities. LRP is the biggest special education conference in the nation. , Presenter, LRP National Institute on Legal Issues of Educating Individuals with Disabilities, It All Starts with Understanding the Differences and Similarities Between Section 504 and the IDEA, Special Education, 2019
- Presented at this year's TCASE Conference. , Presenter, Texas Council of Administrators of Special Education; When Professional Accountability and Ethical Responsibility Collide in Serving Special Education Students, Special Education, 2019
- Presenter at the Texas Alliance of Black School Educators' 2019 Conference, Presenter / Trainer, Texas Alliance of Black School Educators Making Difficult Decisions: Ethics for Educational Professionals, Special Education, 2019
- Hosted a training at the ESC Region 5 Superintendents RAC Meeting., Presenter / Trainer, ESC Region 5 Superintendents RAC Meeting: Band-Aids are for Cuts not Hemorrhages, 2019
- Presented at this year's TCASE conference., Presenter, Texas Council of Administrators of Special Education, The Safety of Everyone is Our Priority, Special Education, 2019
- Presented at this year's Texas Alliance of Black School Educators Conference. , Presenter, Texas Alliance of Black School Educators: When Professional Accountability and Ethical Responsibility Collide in Serving Students, 2019
Honors
- Geneva Jones was chosen as a General Session Speaker for LRP's National Institute on Legal Issues of Educating Individuals with Disabilities. This is an honor reserved for the top Special Education Attorneys in the United States., General Session Speaker, LRP National Institute on Legal Issues of Educating Individuals with Disabilities, 2024
Industry Groups
- Broadcasting
- Charter Schools
- Departments of Education
- Educational Agencies
- Media
- Public Colleges
- Public Schools
- Public Universities
- Special Education
Office location for Geneva Jones
2245 Texas Drive
Suite 300
Sugar Land, TX 77479
Selections
2 Years Super Lawyers
3 Years Rising Stars
- Super Lawyers: 2021 - 2022
- Rising Stars: 2014, 2018 - 2019