Legal Services

PASA's Legal Services Program provides employment-related legal resources, guidance, and support to Pennsylvania's Commissioned Officers. Whether you are negotiating an employment contract, navigating a challenging relationship with your school board, addressing an employment dispute, or considering a separation agreement, PASA's legal team is available to help you understand your options.

Your contract is being negotiated or renewed
Get guidance as you review contract terms and navigate employment agreements.

You have concerns about your relationship with your board
Consult with PASA's legal team regarding employment-related concerns and potential disputes.

You are preparing for retirement or facing a separation decision
Receive assistance related to separation, retirement, or settlement agreements, as applicable under the program.

You are facing an employment-related legal issue
Understand what resources and assistance may be available through PASA's Legal Services Program.Who Can Access PASA Legal Services?
 

• Commissioned Officers who are PASA Members: Superintendents, Assistant Superintendents, Intermediate Unit Executive Directors, and Assistant Executive Directors who are PASA members.
• Future Commissioned Officers: Administrators being considered for their first commissioned position may receive assistance with employment contract matters, as outlined in the Legal Services Program.
• Administrators Relocating to Pennsylvania: Experienced administrators moving from another state into a commissioned position in Pennsylvania may receive employment contract assistance.

If you believe you need assistance through PASA's Legal Services Program, please follow these steps:

1. Review PASA’s Legal Services Policy
2. Confirm Payment of all required dues for PASA membership.
3. Contact a PASA attorney to discuss needs and request for assistance
4. Complete PASA’s Request for Assistance form and submit to PASA’s General Counsel.
5. Share relevant supporting documentation with PASA’s General Counsel

PASA's legal team brings extensive experience in Pennsylvania public education law and employment matters. Our attorneys understand the unique challenges facing school leaders and provide legal guidance and representation as outlined in the PASA Legal Services Program.

Robert M. Tomaine, General Counsel:
Bob was appointed General Counsel in May 2025. He is responsible for the overall supervision and administration of the PASA Legal Services Program, which supports PASA members serving as commissioned officers across Pennsylvania.

Prior to being hired as PASA's top lawyer, Bob served as legal counsel for the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE). He is a former PDE Chief Counsel and assumed various supervisory and leadership roles during his 25-year tenure with the agency. Bob graduated from Dickinson College with a Bachelor of Arts in English and received his Juris Doctor from Dickinson School of Law.

Email: rtomaine@pasa-net.org  |  Phone: 717-503-3704
 

Linda McKay, Deputy General Counsel:

Linda began her service as PASA's Deputy General Counsel in January 2013. She provides direct legal advice and representation to chief school administrators regarding public education employment issues in accordance with PASA's Legal Services Program, under the direction of the PASA General Counsel. Prior to joining PASA, Linda served as the Director of Mediation for the Office of Dispute Resolution; as Assistant Counsel in the Pennsylvania Department of Education; and Linda also worked in private practice. Linda graduated, cum laude, from the University of Delaware with a Bachelor of Arts, and she received her Juris Doctor form Dickinson School of Law.

Email: lmckay@pasa-net.org | Phone: 717-592-8388