Overview
James Petrungaro is a partner in the Education Practice Group at Franczek P.C.
James has a diverse practice focusing on board governance, labor and employment, business practices, and student issues. James has an extensive litigation background at both the trial and appellate levels that make him a much sought-after ally and representative of educational institutions.
James has significant experience in the application of Illinois’ Local Government Tort Immunity Act, student transportation matters, Open Meetings Act and FOIA compliance, and board self-governance. He regularly represents boards of education in student disciplinary and employee due process proceedings and defends them in grievance arbitrations and from charges of unfair labor practices. His practice also includes tax rate referenda and guiding public officials on conflicts of interest and ethics. James currently serves as chairperson for the Illinois Council of School Attorneys from 2023 to 2025.
During law school, James lived in Washington D.C., where he clerked for the General Counsel’s Office of the National School Boards Association and for the General Counsel’s Office of the American Federation of Teachers, AFL-CIO.
James resides in Glenview with his wife, Dr. Kathryn Petrungaro and their three children.