Education NEW

Schools and universities operate at the intersection of corporate governance and public accountability, requiring strategic guidance across diverse legal and operational landscapes. From the creation of new schools to addressing student and employee issues, property management, and regulatory compliance, the Adams & Reese Education Team advises and represents all types of institutions at every stage of their development and growth.

INDUSTRY CLIENTS

Our education lawyers represent a diverse set of clients.

• Charter Schools
• Colleges and Universities
• Educational Foundations and Advocacy Organizations
• Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)
• Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs)
• Nonprofits
• Private Schools
• Public School Districts
• Technical and Vocational Schools

Adams & Reese education attorneys partner with clients to further their growth by tailoring our legal services to the specific needs of their organizations. We are often asked by education associations to speak on issues of school administration, breaking news and regulations, and industry trends. Serving a wide array of organizations gives us a comprehensive perspective on the challenges facing institutions of all sizes and missions.

INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE

Adams & Reese counsels education clients on all operational, regulatory, and litigation needs.

• Athletics: Advising on secondary school and collegiate-level athletics issues, including eligibility determination, Name Image and Likeness (NIL) compliance, drug testing, athletic conference affiliation, use of athletic facilities, Title IX and gender equity, equipment safety, and IP and trademark issues, including logo usage and licensing, and use of sports mascots and team names.
• Construction, Land Acquisition, and Property: Providing guidance on land acquisition, construction, property management, bond issues, and finance, ensuring these complex transactions align with state and federal law.
• Discrimination and Civil Rights: Representing clients in matters involving federal desegregation decrees, Title IX, Title VII, and Section 1983 actions.
• Government Relations: Assisting clients with funding and grant opportunities; working with public-private partnerships; advocating for clients on legislative and policy matters; representing clients before all state and federal regulatory agencies; and municipal relations for infrastructure concerns like traffic and utilities.
• Labor & Employment: Advising on FMLA federal law compliance in workplace regulations under the ADA, ADEA, and FLSA; also on tenure, employment contracts, benefits and compensation, faculty handbooks, employment policies and practices, harassment and discrimination policies and training, drug and alcohol testing, termination, and disciplinary hearings.
• Operational Matters: Supporting schools in contract negotiations with vendors, as well as ensuring compliance with public procurement requirements.
• Public Finance: Working with clients to secure all forms of available financing from public bonds to alternative leasing arrangements.
• Social Media & Technology: Assisting institutions with social media policies to create safe school environments, while balancing First Amendment rights; and helping clients with data protection, cybersecurity, and technology development.
• Student Matters: Assisting with policies and procedures for social media, special education, and Section 504.