Overview
Overview
O’Hagan Meyer’s Higher Education team advises public and private colleges, universities, and professional schools on legal, regulatory, and operational issues, from day-to-day counseling and policy development to transactions and high-stakes disputes.
We work closely with boards, presidents, general counsel, and senior administrators, providing practical, tailored solutions that reflect the realities of institutional governance, shared decision-making, and community impact. Drawing on firsthand higher education general counsel experience, nationally recognized trial capabilities, and deep regulatory knowledge, our team brings a nuanced perspective on the structures, cultures, and competing priorities that define colleges and universities. We address issues as they develop across campus, focusing on reducing risk while supporting institutional mission and continuity.
Our approach is collaborative, practical, and holistic. We assess each matter in the context of the institution’s governance framework, legal obligations, and operational priorities, recognizing that issues involving employment, student affairs, compliance, and operations often intersect. Whether advising on a sensitive internal matter, navigating regulatory requirements, or managing disputes, we deliver clear, forward-looking guidance aligned with each client’s goals and campus environment.
Our experience includes:
Governance & Compliance
- Advising boards on governance, transparency, fiduciary responsibilities, bylaw development, and public record and open meeting laws
- Navigating accreditation standards and oversight processes
- Advising on student privacy, data security, and FOIA and FERPA compliance and other regulatory matters
- Managing risk in affiliations, foundations, joint ventures, and strategic partnerships
Employment & Labor
- Advising on faculty and staff matters across the employment lifecycle, including hiring, tenure, promotion, grievance and disciplinary processes, and terminations
- Drafting and negotiating employment agreements for leadership, faculty, and staff
- Providing guidance on workplace policies and compliance
- Defending institutions against claims under Title VII, ADA, and ADEA, as well as other discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wrongful termination, and wage and hour (FLSA) matters
- Counseling on leave policies, including FMLA, parental, and medical leave
Student Affairs
- Guiding institutions in fostering safe, inclusive, and legally compliant learning environments
- Advising on Title VI, Title IX, Clery Act, and VAWA obligations
- Developing and applying student conduct and expressive activity policies
- Crafting and enforcing student housing policies and contracts, and advising on accessibility and disability accommodations under the ADA and Section 504
- Representing institutions facing student complaints, investigations, and litigation
Business & Operational Matters
- Advising on and negotiating real estate acquisition, leasing, and sales agreements and campus development projects
- Protecting and licensing intellectual property, including trademarks, copyrights, patents
- Negotiating vendor agreements, service contracts, and procurement arrangements
- Advising on NCAA compliance and athletics-related agreements and legal issues
- Supporting development and fundraising efforts, including donor agreements and endowment-related matters
Litigation & Crisis Management
- Handling litigation, arbitration, and administrative proceedings at all levels
- Asserting sovereign immunity defenses for public institutions
- Conducting internal investigations and compliance audits
- Responding to subpoenas, government inquiries, and enforcement actions.
- Advising on crisis response and managing reputational risk in high-profile or sensitive matters
