Atty. Beth A. Bourassa
Ms. Bourassa is senior counsel at Whiteman Osterman & Hanna, where she has practiced since 1990.
Education & More Attorney · Serving Albany, NY · 35+ Years Experience
Profile Summary
About Beth A. Bourassa at a Glance
Beth A. Bourassa is a Senior Counsel based in Albany, New York, practicing at Whiteman Osterman & Hanna LLP. They have 35+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1991. Their practice focuses on employment and education. Admitted to practice in New York (1991). Educated at Albany Law School of Union University (J.D., 1990) and Colby College (B.A., 1980). Recognitions include BV Distinguished. Active member of Affiliations Ms, Bourassa is a member of the New York State Bar Association and the Labor and Employment Law Section of that bar association, and She is also a member of the National and New York State Councils of School Attorneys. Serves clients in Albany, NY and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About Beth A. Bourassa
- Ms. Bourassa is senior counsel at Whiteman Osterman & Hanna, where she has practiced since 1990
- She represents public and private sector management in broad areas of employment law, with a particular focus on the defense of federal court employment discrimination actions
- She also advises public school district clients of the Firm on a wide range of education law issues, including special education
- Background/Education Albany Law School (J.D., valedictorian and summa cum laude, 1990; Executive Editor of the Albany Law Review) Colby College (B.A., cum laude, 1980)
- Representative Accomplishments Defense of federal and State court employment discrimination actions, including several verdicts for the defense in federal court jury trials, successful summary judgment motions, and appellate practice. •Represent school district management in disciplinary actions against employees under the New York State Civil Service Law and the New York State Education Law
- arbitration proceedings arising under collective bargaining agreements
- Article 78 proceedings
- special education hearings and appeals
- appeals to the Commissioner of the State Education Department
- Title IX and other civil rights investigations by the Office of Civil Rights
- and federal court civil rights actions. •Provide counseling and advice to management with respect to a wide range of regulatory matters including the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, and other employment law issues
- Represent management in a variety of matters before the United States and New York State Departments of Labor, including investigations and enforcement actions arising out of alleged minimum wage/overtime and child labor law violations. •Provide counseling and advice to school districts on a broad range of education law issues, including special education, teacher tenure issues, student discipline, student residency, and municipal law requirements
- Other Experience Prior to attending law school, Ms. Bourassa was employed as a personnel supervisor and a vocational training coordinator
Practice Areas Explained
Beth A. Bourassa's Areas of Legal Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Beth A. Bourassa handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in Albany.
Employment Law in Albany
Employment lawyers represent workers in wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, wage & hour disputes, and severance negotiations.
Beth A. Bourassa is one of 167,770 employment attorneys indexed nationally. Browse employment attorneys in New York →
Education Law in Albany
Education attorneys for special education (IEP), school discipline, Title IX, and student rights.
Beth A. Bourassa is one of 23,864 education attorneys indexed nationally. Browse education attorneys in New York →
Jurisdictional Context
Why Local Counsel Matters in Albany
Practicing law in New York. Legal matters in New York are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Albany are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate New York state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in New York brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this venue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in New York courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.
Albany Courts and Legal Process
Choosing a Albany-based attorney means your counsel already knows the local docketing timelines, preferred filing formats, and how individual judges typically rule on procedural motions — details that only come from practicing in this jurisdiction day after day. That local familiarity can translate to better strategy, faster filings, and fewer costly surprises.
Looking for additional New York attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Albany or all attorneys in New York.
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Professional Profile
Why Clients in Albany Choose Beth A. Bourassa
Selecting an attorney is one of the most consequential decisions you can make when a legal matter arises. Below are the core qualities that distinguish Beth A. Bourassa's practice in the field of employment and education.
Decade-Tested Legal Experience
Beth A. Bourassa brings 35+ years of hands-on legal practice — enough to have navigated the recurring fact patterns, procedural traps, and negotiation dynamics that shape case outcomes.
Broad Practice Area Coverage
Covering employment and education, Beth A. Bourassa can address the full spectrum of a client's legal needs without requiring referrals to separate specialists for each issue.
Local Presence in Albany
A Albany-based practice means Beth A. Bourassa attends hearings in the same courthouses, knows the local clerks, and understands the unwritten scheduling norms that affect every case filed here.
Case Types
Common Legal Issues Beth A. Bourassa Handles in Albany
Below is a representative sample of the types of matters Beth A. Bourassa has experience with under New York law. If your situation involves one of these case categories, this attorney may be well positioned to help you understand your options.
This list is illustrative, not exhaustive. Contact Beth A. Bourassa directly to discuss the specifics of your situation.
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Beth A. Bourassa's Practice Areas & Specializations
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