HEATH MERCHEN

Heath Merchen is an attorney practicing in Oklahoma who represents members of Oklahoma Education Association in a wide variety of education related matters. After graduating with honors from Seattle University school of law, he started his legal career as a prosecuting attorney in Washington state and then went into private practice representing businesses, cities and school districts. Mr. Merchen later became the executive director of Human Resources and general counsel for the Auburn School District in Washington. In 2002, he moved to Oklahoma to be closer to family, working with the OEA and continuing his private practice. He litigates in state and federal courts as well as administrative proceedings and school board hearings, providing representation and advice to a wide range of clients. He also lectures at Oklahoma colleges regarding teacher liability issues and provides training to schools throughout Oklahoma.

Mr. Merchen has litigated special education matters, attended IEP meetings, handled OCR investigations, and provided ongoing legal advice and assistance to both school districts and teachers regarding special education issues. He focuses on helping parents and schools work together for the best interests of the student while maintaining legal compliance and avoiding unnecessary conflict and legal entanglements. His training focuses on using real world scenarios, open discussions, and he encourages questions throughout the presentation.