
Higher Education
USA Guide 2026 : USA - Nationwide
Rankings

Ranked Individuals
Ranked Individuals
About
Provided by Thompson Coburn LLP
The rules in the highly regulated industry of higher education are unforgiving, leaving no room for inexperience. There are few bona fide higher education practice groups with our depth of experience that are entirely dedicated to this space. Our attorneys have worked for institutions of higher education, served as post-secondary regulators, and hold advanced degrees in education and administration. As we guide clients through complex regulatory, transactional, litigation and policy matters, we never forget who they are and what makes them special.
Our regulatory prowess is foundational: The laws, standards and guidance enforced by the U.S. Department of Education, accreditors and state education agencies, and the complex Federal Student Aid Programs framework are table stakes. And we never simply tell clients what the law says -- we provide practical solutions for compliance and achieving business goals.
Colleges and universities are combining forces at an accelerating pace, and investors are active in the arena as well. We are optimally positioned for handling every aspect of higher ed M&A.
Our postsecondary litigators have successfully defended institutions in lawsuits and arbitrations brought by former students and have extensive experience advising those facing government investigations, charges brought by regulators, False Claims Act actions and employee-related litigation. And our Lobbying and Policy practice boasts decades of experience in higher ed policy.
Chambers Review
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Work Highlights
Provided by Chambers
The Thompson Coburn team obtained dismissal of class action claims and subsequent favorable settlement in a purported class action in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois on behalf of DeVry University.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
Thompson Coburn distinguishes itself through consistency in advocacy, transparency with clients and integrity in all proceedings.
Higher Education respondentUSAThompson Coburn’s higher education regulatory team distinguishes itself through deep subject-matter expertise, practical and timely guidance and a strong understanding of how regulations translate into day-to-day institutional operations.
Higher Education respondentUSAThompson Coburn has a strong knowledge of the education industry and the different regulatory bodies.
Higher Education respondentUSA
Notable Practitioners
Provided by Chambers
Band 2 
Band 2 
Aaron Lacey
Aaron Lacey is chair of the higher education practice. He is adept at guiding clients through regulatory processes and is further noted for his significant transactional experience in the space.
Aaron Lacey is an exceptional professional who possesses the rare ability to educate lawmakers crafting legislative language in higher education.
Higher Education respondentUSAAaron Lacey is very knowledgeable and an expert in the education industry.
Higher Education respondentUSA
Band 4 
Band 4 
Emily Murphy
Emily Murphy represents education clients in a range of matters, including corporate governance, strategic transactions, mergers, acquisitions and other commercial work. She is based in Washington, D.C.
Emily is outstanding to work with.
Higher Education respondentUSAEmily Murphy is consistently proactive, deeply knowledgeable and meticulous.
Higher Education respondentUSAWe make the right decisions thanks to her advice,
Higher Education respondentUSA
Band 4 
Band 4 
Tres Cleveland
Tres Cleveland specializes his practice in education-related litigation. His work covers ADA accreditation, the False Claims Act, Title IX matters, federal and state program reviews and enforcement actions.
Tres Cleveland is an expert in his legal area and is able to develop creative strategies for unique matters.
Higher Education respondentUSA
Ranked Individuals at Thompson Coburn LLP (3)
Members
Provided by Thompson Coburn LLP

Emily Wang Murphy
Head of Department

Tres Cleveland
Head of Department


Brandt Hill

Evan Moltz

Lorrie Hargrove

Scott Goldschmidt

Anna Knouse

Joyce Lee

Leah Northener

Roger Swartzwelder

Katie Wendel

Hope Watson

Kayla Siam

Christopher Murray

Karolyn Eilertsen

Alexander Spanos

Julie Woodruff

Emily Murphy
View profile of Emily Murphy
Tres Cleveland
View profile of Tres Cleveland
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