To avoid fear of potential lawsuits, administrators today must include a school attorney in decision-making. An attorney is especially useful in performing such functions as reviewing board policies and administrative regulations; monitoring collective bargaining negotiations; advising concerning employee termination and nonrenewal; consulting regarding student civil rights; previewing board agendas; forecasting implications of pending legislation; representing school administration before administrative agencies; drawing up corporal punishment procedures; reviewing employee negligence procedures; advising concerning bidding on and offering service contracts; monitoring bonding and finance policies; counseling on reorganization procedures; and setting up transportation plans. School administrators must keep many important things in mind when retaining an attorney. Hiring should be done by the school board after careful study. Dismissing should only be for serious failings. Arrangements for payment should be clearly agreed on. The attorney's responsibility in litigation should be clearly spelled out. Most of an attorney's activity should be in preventing lawsuits. The relationship between the attorney and the school board should be open enough that the attorney will point out possible legal problems before they occur. Although retaining an attorney may at first look expensive, it may save the school large sums in lawsuits. (Author/JM)