The mission of the Legal Department is to provide the highest quality legal services to the School District of Manatee County by ensuring timely and accurate legal advice and effective representation on all legal matters faced by the district in fulfilling its mission of educational excellence.

The Legal Staff is comprised of a General Counsel, Mitchell Teitelbaum, Esq. and his Executive Assistant Sharon Walrath. Mr. Teitelbaum was born and raised in Southern California. He graduated at the top 10% of his law class and is admitted to practice law in Florida, New York and California. 

The General Counsel is hired by and reports directly to the Superintendent. He provides general legal advice and representation for the entire School District, consistent with the School Board of Manatee County Policy and Procedure Manual. He represents the Superintendent in prosecuting employee discipline cases and student expulsions. He oversees all district contracts as well as all existing and new school board policies. He attends all board meetings. 

The role of the School Board Attorney is currently served by James D. Dye, Esq., of the Bradenton law firm of Dye, Dietrich, Petruff & St. Paul, P.L. The School Board Attorney is contracted to provide general legal advice and representation to the School Board.