Industries & Practices
Colleges & Universities
We give administrators the legal tools they need to build and sustain thriving campuses.
Our skilled team of lawyers effectively manages both common and unique legal challenges today’s colleges and universities face. For decades, we’ve built lasting partnerships with numerous higher education clients, providing solutions that allow them to focus on their educational missions.
Institutional governance, nonprofit exempt status, educational services, Title IX, and campus preservation and expansion are just a few of the matters our attorneys frequently address.
Types of clients we represent:
- State universities
- Independent colleges and universities
- Community colleges
- Non-traditional education providers
- Career/technical schools
COVID-19 management counseling
Helped clients understand their legal obligations under new labor and employment laws passed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Drafted work-from-home, leave, and reopening policies; advised on ...
MoreAcademic medical center clinical research
Represented a large academic medical center with a comprehensive cancer center that participated in sponsored research and investigator initiated studies.
MoreUnion arbitration
Represented university client in labor arbitration involving a campus maintenance driver who was terminated for a series of accidents in a College vehicl...
MoreTitle VII and Title IX settlement
Advised higher learning institution’s leadership and a board chairperson regarding the investigation and ultimate resolution of Title VII and IX harassment and retaliation claims made against...
MoreOFCC K-12 Project on State University Campus
Served as counsel for a recently consolidated school district for a $42 million K-12 OFCC (state) co-funded project on the campus of a state university, with the local share bonds sold to the USDA....
MoreAffiliation arrangement
Arranged an affiliation between a large, hospital-owned physician group and the faculty practice plan of a state-owned college of medicine
MoreBillion dollar borrowing program for The Ohio Stat...
Served as bond counsel for the issuance of two series aggregating $630 million in General Receipts Bonds of The Ohio State University issued as the first installment in a billion dollar borrowing p...
MoreTitle IX investigator training
Served as the sole presenter at training workshops for Title IX investigators at the college and K-12 levels, helping administrators to become trauma-informed and approach cases involving sexual as...
MoreBond counsel for community college district and st...
Served as bond counsel on Ohio’s first voted bond issues for a community college district and a state community college.
MoreUniversity defense in Section 504 discrimination c...
Successfully resolved claims of failure to accommodate a student in university programming.
MoreAreas of Focus
Education Law
We partner with higher education administrators to help them understand and comply federal and state laws related to civil rights, disabilities, collective bargaining, campus safety and more. Our attorneys frequently handle statutory and constitutional issues, such as access to student records, student discipline, student civil rights and discrimination. We also assist with accreditation disputes, governance issues and other concerns unique to institutions of higher education.
MoreTitle IX & Sexual Misconduct
Due to the Department of Education’s recent spotlight on the Clery Act pursuant to the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) and Title IX, we help administrators protect their employees and students in the areas of sexual harassment, pregnancy discrimination, athletic discrimination and more. Our team is experienced in Title IX and sexual misconduct proceedings, and we work with educational institutions to prevent violations and handle these cases effectively. Visit our Title IX Resource Center >>
Employment & Labor
From providing guidance on executive and faculty compensation to assisting with union negotiations, our employment attorneys collaborate with our education team to build proactive plans and creative solutions for administrators.
MorePublic Finance
We work with higher education leaders to provide viable options for their institution’s development. For many years, we have served as bond counsel in numerous higher education financings for large public universities, private colleges and universities, and community colleges. Our experience specifically includes tax-exempt bond financings, taxable financings for private-use facilities, post-issuance compliance, bank financing and construction loans.
MoreConstruction
We represent public and private higher education institutions on all aspects of construction projects — from the preparation of contract documents through litigation, when necessary. Our experience includes multiple prime contractor, general contractor, construction manager at risk and design-build delivery models that are now available to public as well as private institutions.
MoreLitigation
Whether the solution is an aggressive motion practice, mediation, arbitration or trial by jury, our goal is to deliver results while preserving resources and protecting the relationships that help institutions succeed. Some of the common areas in which we practice include discrimination, harassment, date-rape, wrongful expulsion, toxic mold liability and ERISA.
MoreReal Estate
We understand the pressure for colleges and universities to preserve, expand and modernize their campus facilities. Our real estate team assists educational clients in obtaining bank financing and construction loans, acquiring real estate, zoning variances and conservation easements, and handling eminent domain and appropriation actions.
MoreIntellectual Property
Our attorneys work with institutions to protect trademark, copyright, internet, domain name, unfair competition, joint venture and corporate intellectual property rights. We also help institutions acquire and license proprietary assets and technology.
MoreGovernment Relations
Our team of lawyer-lobbyists frequently advocate legal changes on behalf of higher education institutions. We constantly monitor legislative activity for issues impacting higher ed and help our college and university clients take advantage of legislative and regulatory opportunities.
MorePeople
Laura G. Anthony
Partner & Education Law Chair
Amy S. Bartemes
Partner
Melissa Martinez Bondy
Partner
Erin E. Butcher
Of Counsel
Melissa M. Carleton
Partner & Higher Education Chair
William T. Conard II
Partner
Kate Vivian Davis
Senior Attorney
Nicole M. Donovsky
Partner
Jessica L. Galanos
Of Counsel
Dane A. Gaschen
Partner
Warren I. Grody
Senior Attorney
Joseph Hall
Higher Education Specialist
Robert T. Kent
Of Counsel
Jeff Knight
Of Counsel
David J. Lampe
Partner
Robert F. McCarthy
Partner
Beverly A. Meyer
Partner & Political Subdivisions Chair
Austin W. Musser
Partner
Kasey Nielsen
Staff Attorney
Joshua D. Nolan
Partner & Higher Education Chair
Susan L. Oppenheimer
Senior Attorney
Karen "Katy" W. Osborn
Of Counsel
Kylie E. Stryffeler
Staff Attorney