Latham advises many of the most prominent public and private higher education institutions in the US in high-stakes investigations, disputes, crises, and compliance matters. Higher education is under unprecedented scrutiny, and there are unique considerations that require a seasoned team who understands how to keep the institution’s strategy aligned with its mission and stakeholders.
We routinely guide higher education institutions through:
- Anti-discrimination and civil rights matters
- Government investigations and congressional inquiries
- Internal investigations, including into highly sensitive allegations of discrimination and harassment, and related student and employee matters
- Complex civil litigation and class action lawsuits
- Real estate matters
- Grants, government contracting matters, and research security
- Trademark, copyright, and tax issues
- Research security inquiries and compliance
- Global campus considerations
A proven track record. Our team has helped dozens of high-profile institutions successfully address crises, disputes, and investigations involving substantial legal and reputational risk, in challenging political and regulatory environments.
An experienced team. Latham has a deep bench of former senior government officials and experienced lawyers deeply familiar with higher education law and US legislative, regulatory, and enforcement bodies that directly impact universities. Our bipartisan team of former government lawyers includes the former White House Counsel to the President and other senior White House officials, as well as former US Department of Justice, Defense, Treasury and Homeland Security officials, and Capitol Hill staff..
Guidance that helps you see around corners. We draw on our breadth of knowledge and experience across practices and industries to help clients anticipate developments in a fast-moving regulatory environment and stay ahead of the curve. With direct experience handling federal investigations, high-stakes civil litigation, engaging with Congress, developing federal policy, and litigating alongside and against the government, we are well-positioned to tackle the complex challenges facing institutions of higher education.
Experience:
- Multiple universities in DOJ inquiries relating to university medical schools and undergraduate admissions
- Multiple universities in litigation by former faculty members and students related to discrimination retaliationA leading US university in a congressional investigation into alleged political censorship
- Multiple universities on admissions, scholarships, and diversity initiatives including internal reviews, risk assessments, and government-facing inquiries under Titles VI, VII, and IX
- A private university in an investigation regarding its response to sexual misconduct complaints, benchmarking practices against peers and new Department of Education regulations
- Multiple universities on Title VI and Title IX compliance, including investigations into handling of student harassment, doxing, and sexual misconduct complaints, benchmarking practices against peers, and advising on new Department of Education regulations
- Multiple universities in an inquiry related to research security and international partnerships
- Multiple universities in insurance claims and related disputes
- A major university on immigration enforcement, student visa, and work authorization issues
- A major university in putative class action litigation seeking tuition refunds after transition to remote instruction due to COVID-19 pandemic
- A major university in putative class action litigation relating to research performed in public school system
Latham advises many of the most prominent public and private institutions of higher education in the US in high-stakes investigations, disputes, crises, and compliance matters.
