As general counsel to several educational institutions, we have advised on a range of matters involving student rights and discrimination:

  • Student discipline for academic and social misconduct
  • Title IX compliance in the area of sexual assault prevention and response
  • Title IX implications in interscholastic athletics programs and student activities
  • Accommodating students with disabilities, including learning disabilities, eating disorders and emotional or mental illness.
  • Right to access and privacy of student records under FERPA and state statutes
  • Campus crimes and safety
    • Clery Act
    • Violence Against Women Act
    • Campus SaVE Act
  • Social media, the internet and information privacy
  • Student internships and study abroad programs
  • Immigration

Representative Experience

We serve as outside general counsel to Bates College, providing advice to the Board of Trustees and Administration on issues relating to risk, Title IX compliance, student discipline, student accommodations, other academic and student affairs matters, employment, immigration, intellectual property, and other matters. We have also advised Bates on construction-related matters including contract review and resolution of claims.

Bates College Outside General Counsel

We have advised the Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE) in relation to their student study or work abroad programs, and on employment matters.

Council on International Educational Exchange Employment Matters

As counsel to the Maine Principals’ Association, firm partner Meg LePage was the principal drafter of the MPA’s groundbreaking policy ensuring expanded opportunities for transgender student-athletes. This policy assures that Maine's transgendered high school athletes will receive equal opportunities to play on the school's sports teams.

Equal Opportunity for Maine's Transgender High School Athletes

We have successfully defended the Maine Principals’ Association in numerous legal challenges to its student athlete eligibility rules, including claims that the rules discriminate against student athletes on the basis of sex, national origin, religion and disability.

Maine Principals' Association Defense of Student Athlete Eligibility Rules

We have served as outside general counsel to North Yarmouth Academy in matters involving employment, student affairs and governance. We have also assisted NYA with employment-based immigration work.

North Yarmouth Academy Outside General Counsel for Employment Matters