TCTA staff attorneys
TCTA's experienced attorneys assist members with employment-related legal programs arising after they join.* Most of our attorneys have been with TCTA for at least 20 years, and they have a passion for helping teachers.
Lonnie Hollingsworth
General Counsel
BA (Plan II Honors Program), University of Texas at Austin
Doctor of Jurisprudence, University of Texas at Austin
Joined TCTA in 1986
Past chair, School Law Section of the State Bar
Holly Eaton
Director of Professional Development and Advocacy
BJ (Journalism), University of Texas at Austin
Doctor of Jurisprudence, University of Texas at Austin
Joined TCTA in 1996
Michael Currie
Staff Attorney
BA (English), University of Michigan
Doctor of Jurisprudence, Syracuse University
Joined TCTA in 1999
Past chair, School Law Section of the State Bar
Gerald Francisco
Staff Attorney
BS (History) and Teacher Certification, Eastern Michigan University
Doctor of Jurisprudence, St. Mary’s University
MS in Academic Advising, Kansas State University
Joined TCTA in 1999
Julie Leahy
Staff Attorney
BA (English and History), University of Texas at Austin
Doctor of Jurisprudence, University of Houston
Joined TCTA in 2004
Past chair, School Law Section of the State Bar
Paige Williams
Director of Legislation
BS (Psychology), Texas A&M University
Doctor of Jurisprudence, University of Texas at Austin
Joined TCTA in 2008
Kaylan Dixon Smith
Staff Attorney
BA (Political Science and Government), Fisk University
MEd (Educational Leadership and Administration), Lamar University
Doctor of Jurisprudence, UNT Dallas College of Law
Joined TCTA in 2023
Lindsay Gustafson
Contract Attorney
BA (Political Science), Southwest Texas State University
Doctor of Jurisprudence, University of Houston
How to reach us
Call 888-879-8282 – Members with legal questions involving specific facts should call TCTA headquarters so we can guarantee confidentiality. (Emails sent from school district email accounts are not confidential and can be read by school employees. They may also create a government or student record.)
Ask-a-Lawyer Email Portal – TCTA members may submit general work-related legal questions to the TCTA Legal Department via Ask-a-Lawyer.
*Legal services, as determined appropriate by the legal staff, are available only to members regarding employment-related matters arising after the effective date of membership. Membership with TCTA is subject to the terms of benefits as defined on the membership application.
Copyright© 2024 Texas Classroom Teachers Association® The Educated Choice® All rights reserved.