In a legal landscape often characterized by stress and pressure, Claire E. Parsons stands out as a beacon of mindfulness, compassion, and holistic well-being—creating a blueprint for a truly balanced and empowered existence.

Claire E. Parsons is a seasoned attorney with an illustrious 15-year career, specializing in litigation matters in state and federal courts in Kentucky and Ohio. Claire's practice encompasses school law, administrative law, municipal law, employment law, and litigation in both states. Notably, she is the General Editor of a legal treatise on employment contracts by LexisNexis, that was published in 2024.

In prior roles, Claire successfully handled all facets of civil rights and tort litigation as insurance counsel for county, municipal, and school entities and officials in both Kentucky and Ohio. Her achievements include serving as first chair defense counsel in three successful jury trials and multiple administrative hearings before the Kentucky and Ohio Departments of Education. As general counsel for multiple Kentucky school districts, she provides guidance on employment matters, policies and procedures, open records and open meetings questions, and various legal issues. At the onset of Claire's legal career, she obtained precedent-setting decisions through written and oral advocacy in the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit and the Kentucky Court of Appeals. A proficient communicator, Claire has demonstrated her skills not only in the courtroom, but as an excellent presenter and writer on legal and other topics for various organizations at local, regional, and national levels.

Claire’s litigation experience has supported her work in other roles as well. She has handled employment, student, and administrator investigations for schools and other public sector entities. Claire has also used her knowledge of hearing procedures and special education  law to serve as a Section 504 impartial hearing officer.

Beyond her legal prowess, Claire is a recognized leader both within and outside the legal sphere. Her strong commitment to promoting and mentoring young attorneys, fostering employee well-being, and contributing to volunteer and professional associations showcases her dedication to the legal community. Claire E. Parsons stands out as a distinguished legal professional with a wealth of experience and a passion for making a positive impact in and beyond the courtroom.

Education

University of Louisville, Brandeis School of Law, J.D., cum laude (2008)

University of Louisville, B.A. – Philosophy, magna cum laude (2005)

Distinctions

• Awarded, “Gary Beatrice Leadership Award”, NKY Chamber Leadership Programs (2024)
• Certified, SHRM-CP (2023)
• Certified, SHRM Workplace Investigations Specialty Credential (2023)
• Awarded, “Sharing Her Passion,” Ms. JD (2020)
• Selected, Ms. JD Writer in Residence (2018)
• Awarded, “Emerging Leader,” Outstanding Women of Northern Kentucky (2015)
• Awarded, “Legacy’s Next Generation Leader,” Business, Financial, and Legal Services (2015)

Professional Activities

• Chair, Ohio State Bar Association Wellness Advisory Board
• Member, Northern Kentucky SHRM Board of Directors
• Current Vice-President
• Member, Federation of Defense and Corporate Counsel (2021–Present)
• Vice-Chair of Civil Rights and Local Government Liability Section
• Chair of FedLife Committee
• Board Member, Northern Kentucky Education Council (2018–Present)
• Member, National School Attorneys Association
• Member, Kentucky School Board Associations Council of School Attorneys (2010–Present)
• Past President
• Member, Kentucky Bar Association (2009-Present)
• CLE Co-Chair, 2024 Kentucky Bar Convenction
• Chair of Education Law Section
• Member, Northern Kentucky Bar Association (2008–Present)
• Past Chair of Women Lawyers Section
• Member, Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce
• Past Roundtable Committee Chair
• Class of 2015, Leadership Northern Kentucky
• Vice-Chair of Class Project

News

Resource Centers

Speaking Engagements

Additional Items

• Editor, Employment Contracts and Agreements: A Guide for Corporate Counsel (Lexis Nexis 2024)
• “Stress Management for Special Education Attorneys”, LRP National Institute (April 2025)
• “Self-Defense for Special Educators in an Osbstructionist Culture” LRP National Institute (April 2025)
• "Mindfulness for School Attorneys," National School Attorneys Association (October 2023)
• Author, “Mommy Needs a Minute” (May 2023)
• "Calm in a Crisis: Mindfulness for Stress and Risk Management," Crisis Prevention Institute (April 2023)
• Author, “How to Be a Badass Lawyer: The Unexpected and Simple Guide to Less Stress and Greater Personal Development Through Mindfulness and Compassion” (November 2022)
• Participant, Legal Roundtable, Kentucky Council of Administrators of Special Education (July 2022 & 2025)
• "Be the Adult in the Room: How to Avoid and Resolve Disputes Relating to Special Education," LRP - Special Ed (April 2022)
• “NTI Will Fly: Litigation Challenging District Flexibility During a Pandemic,” Kentucky Council of School Board Attorneys (May 2021)
• "Don't Get Schooled: How to Avoid 'Familial Status' Discrimination in Local Zoning Actions," DRI Government Liability Newsletter (April 2020)
• Author, "School Sanctuary: An Analysis of Federal Education Law and Immigrant Students," Common Defense, Kentucky Defense Counsel, Inc. (August 2017)
• Author, "What Is an Appropriate Education: The Supreme Court’s Most Recent Interpretation of the IDEA’s FAPE Standard," Lex Loci, Northern Kentucky Bar Association (July 2017)
• Author, "Discovering Coverdell: Maximizing Statutory Immunity for School Officials," Common Defense, Kentucky Defense Counsel, Inc. (July 2014)
• Author, "What Is a Child’s Then Current Educational Placement When He Is Unilaterally Enrolled by His Parents in a Private School?" National School Board Association Council of School Attorneys (June 2014)
• Author, "Miranda and Student Interrogations: To Warn or Not To Warn" Inquiry & Analysis, National School Board Association Council of School Attorneys (October 2013)
• Author, "Did the Supreme Court Strip Away the Authority of School Officials? Searches in School and the Fourth Amendment" Lex Loci, Northern Kentucky Bar Association (August 2010)

Meet Claire E. Parsons, a certified yoga, meditation, compassion, and pranayama teacher. She weaves a tapestry of well-being into the fabric of her legal career, focusing on mental, emotional, and physical health. These multifaceted interests extend to the kitchen, where her love for cooking becomes a canvas for creativity and mindfulness. She also embraces Power Zone training on her Peloton, demonstrating a commitment to physical well-being that parallels her focus on mental and emotional health.

Beyond the courtroom, Claire is the founder of the Brilliant Legal Mind blog (www.brilliantlegalmind.com), a platform that reflects her commitment to nurturing the mental and emotional health of legal professionals. A captivating speaker and accomplished writer, Claire shares her wisdom on mindfulness, compassion, stress management, and confidence for lawyers and other professionals. Her passion for well-being is not just a sideline; it's a central theme in her life.

In November 2022, Claire authored "How to Be a Badass Lawyer: The Unexpected and Simple Guide to Less Stress and Greater Personal Development Through Mindfulness and Compassion," a groundbreaking work that offers a fresh perspective on navigating the challenges of legal practice. Building on this success, she followed up with "Mommy Needs a Minute" in May 2023, showcasing her ability to connect with a diverse audience, and extending her insights beyond the legal realm.

In a legal landscape often characterized by stress and pressure, Claire E. Parsons stands out as a beacon of mindfulness, compassion, and holistic well-being. Her narrative is an inspiring testament to the possibility of intertwining a successful legal career with a rich, fulfilling personal life, creating a blueprint for a truly balanced and empowered existence.