A color headshot of VJG attorney Nate Schmutz.

Practice Areas

School Law; Special Education; Employment Law; Workplace & Title IX
Investigations.

Education

  • BYU J. Reuben Clark Law School, Juris Doctorate
  • Concordia University – Portland, Ed.D. Transformational Leadership
  • Washington State University, M.Ed. School Leadership
  • Brigham Young University, B.S. Physical Education/Health Education

3 Things You Are Most Proud of Professionally

  • Remaining calm and civil even when others are not.
  • Honesty and integrity in my dealings with others.

3 Things a Client Wouldn’t Know About You

  • My wife and I take our five kids backpacking every summer, starting each as
    toddlers by carrying them until they have grown big enough to walk on their own.
  • I am a rockhound and have an ever-growing rock collection.
  • I am a bird enthusiast and am regularly looking to add to my life list.

Why You Decided to Practice and/or Continue Practicing This Type of Law

Upon completing my Doctorate of Education in general organizational leadership
studies, along with becoming a certified Emotional Intelligence consultant, I
developed an interest in working with school leaders. My background in education has
shaped my interest in pursuing a career in school law.

When You Leave the Profession What Do You Want to Be Known For

Always being prepared, submitting quality work on time, and being reasonable to
work with.

As an Attorney What Makes You Stand Out?

I have over ten years of relevant, boots-on-the-ground experience in education,
ranging from substitute teaching, classroom instruction, coaching, and school
administration. I am currently certified in Washington as a teacher and a principal. I
understand the practical implication of receiving legal advice and then rolling up
one’s sleeves to implement it at the ground level.

Publications

  • Teacher Levels of Emotional Intelligence in Selected Beat-the-Odds Schools: A Descriptive Study, 2017 (Doctoral Dissertation)
  • A CIL Right to Free and Compulsory Education, Journal of Law and Education, University of South Carolina School of Law, Nov. 2022