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.
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.
Provided by Chambers
Thompson Coburn distinguishes itself through consistency in advocacy, transparency with clients and integrity in all proceedings.
Thompson 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.
Thompson Coburn has a strong knowledge of the education industry and the different regulatory bodies.
Thompson Coburn distinguishes itself through consistency in advocacy, transparency with clients and integrity in all proceedings.
Thompson 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.
Thompson Coburn has a strong knowledge of the education industry and the different regulatory bodies.
Provided by Chambers
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.
Aaron Lacey is very knowledgeable and an expert in the education industry.
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.
Emily Murphy is consistently proactive, deeply knowledgeable and meticulous.
We make the right decisions thanks to her advice,
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.
Provided by Thompson Coburn LLP
Head of Department
Alexander Spanos
Anna Knouse
Brandt Hill
Christopher Murray
Emily Wang Murphy
Head of Department
Evan Moltz
Hope Watson
Joyce Lee
Julie Woodruff
Karolyn Eilertsen
Katie Wendel
Kayla Siam
Leah Northener
Lorrie Hargrove
Roger Swartzwelder
Scott Goldschmidt
Tres Cleveland
Head of Department