Kathryn M. Nash

Career

“Kathryn Nash’s ability to handle complex matters in a nuanced and thoughtful manner is outstanding,” said one client . “She takes the time to fully understand the organization and present solutions that are tailored to the needs of the institution.” Another client said, “Kathryn’s keen understanding of our university, mission and institutional goals has effectively informed her counsel to us. We deeply appreciate her communication style, wisdom and expertise.”

Kathryn Nash is a trusted advisor and chair of the firm’s Labor, Employment and Higher Education practice areas. She regularly counsels a broad spectrum of clients, including colleges, universities, K-12 schools and faith-based nonprofits. Her work covers a wide range of complex legal matters, including:

Borrower Defense to Repayment (BDR) claims

Child safety prevention and response

Clery

Faculty issues

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA)

Revising institutional policies

Sexual misconduct and harassment investigations

Student affairs

The Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act (VAWA)

Title IX

Kathryn works closely with clients and colleagues to develop practical and legally compliant solutions. By understanding each client’s unique mission, she ensures her guidance addresses legal considerations and their decisions’ broader, real-world impact. She “aims to help clients navigate complex issues in a way that supports their long-term goals.”

Clients gain from Kathryn’s extensive knowledge of the higher education sector and clear guidance on addressing sensitive matters like child abuse allegations. Whether conducting investigations, reporting to government officials, notifying affected community members or reviewing past misconduct cases, she provides clients with confidence and clarity in navigating complex issues.

Her legal counsel extends beyond education and nonprofits, as Kathryn also advises businesses on a range of employment matters, including:

Affirmative action plans

Child labor issues

Disability and leave issues

Employee handbooks and policies

Employment and severance agreements

Independent contractor arrangements

Non-compete agreements

Reductions in Force (RIFs)

Terminations

Unemployment claims

Wage and hour issues

As a litigator, Kathryn represents clients in court and administrative proceedings involving employment and student affairs-related disputes. She also assists clients in responding to state and federal audits concerning affirmative action and wage and hour compliance.

Sought after by the media, Kathryn’s insights have appeared in The Economist, The Atlantic and various local media outlets. She is recognized for her deep knowledge of Title IX, VAWA and sexual violence in educational settings, and has earned notable recognition, including being named one of Minnesota’s Attorneys of the Year by Minnesota Lawyer for her innovative approach to advising educational institutions.

Kathryn co-founded trainED™, a nationally recognized training and compliance program for higher education institutions. trainED™ provides online modules that help institutions meet their Title IX and VAWA training obligations for students, faculty and staff. Her leadership in this area has positioned Kathryn as an authority on campus sexual violence, with the Minneapolis Star Tribune describing her as a “leading national expert on campus sexual assault.”

Practice Areas

Labor & Employment

Investigations

Employment Counseling & Personnel Management Advising

Training & Tools for Clients

Employment Litigation

Discrimination, Harassment & Abusive Conduct

General Business & Complex Commercial Litigation

Education

Higher Education

Experience

Advised a higher education institution on responding to student protests over sexual misconduct policies and procedures.

Advised an institution on responding to allegations of inappropriate conduct involving a senior leader.

Advised clients on hiring and terminating employees in foreign countries.

Assisted a faith-based organization with child abuse prevention, investigations and response efforts.