Alana M. Leffler
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Alana’s practice focuses primarily on advising public and private schools in the areas of general school law, special education law, and labor and employment law. She counsels clients on topics such as: student discipline; student bullying and harassment; Title IX; open meetings; public records; school board policies; special education mediation and due process; employee misconduct investigations; sexual harassment; employee discipline and dismissal; and issues arising under the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Family Medical Leave Act.
Alana regularly presents on topics related to general school law, special education law, and labor and employment law. She has collaborated with public and private schools to train school staff regarding legal requirements and best practices. In addition, she has co-taught graduate-level school law courses/seminars at Alverno College and the Milwaukee School of Engineering, and she has guest lectured at the Marquette University Law School’s Education Law course.
Accomplishments
- JD, magna cum laude, Marquette University Law School
- BA, English Literature, University of Wisconsin
- Member, State Bar of Wisconsin
- Member, Wisconsin School Attorneys Association
- Member, National Council of School Attorneys
- Director, Wisconsin School Attorneys Association Board of Directors
Up Close & Personal
Q: Do you have a pet? What kind of pet? What is its name?
A: I have a lab mix named Cracker. I found him on the street (literally) and ended up adopting him. I'm so proud of the progress he's made over the years! Until recently, we also had a pit bull. He was a great dog!
Q: What is your favorite movie and why?
A: "Lost in Translation." It's funny and touching, but in a subtle way. And Bill Murray's in it, so enough said.
Q: What do you do for fun?
A: I like to go fishing with my husband, up North with my family (we have a cabin in the Upper Peninsula), cook dinner with friends, and on hikes with my dog.
Q: If you could take a 6-month sabbatical, what would you do?
A: I would probably just stay home and enjoy being a mom. There's nothing wrong with a staycation!
Q: What is your dream vacation destination?
A: Alaska! I'd also love to visit as many of our National Parks as possible. I've only been to two so far, so I have a lot of work to do.
Q: What is your favorite book and why?
A: "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, "The Dog Stars," and "The Poisonwood Bible" are some of my favorites.
Q: What music would we find on your playlist?
A: Bob Dylan, Ben Harper, Elvis, Joni Mitchell, Bob Marley, anything Motown, Broadway musicals… a little bit of everything.
Q: What is your favorite TV show and why?
A: "Lost." It always kept me guessing, and I loved learning about the characters through flashbacks. "The Wire" is a very close second.
Q: One thing my clients do not know about me is that I…
A: …play the harmonica.
Q: Favorite cuisine or meal?
A: My favorite meal to cook at home is Stephanie Izard's Apple Pork Ragu.
Q: Favorite thing about living in Wisconsin?
A: Being able to see my family so often—my parents, my brother's family, and my in-laws all live nearby. And I love the State Fair!