As the education industry continues to evolve, so do the challenges faced by school systems, boards of education, colleges, and universities across the country. Dinsmore has a robust and dedicated education law group that spans several states. Whether managing multifaceted personnel issues, addressing financial challenges, navigating complex government regulations, providing in-service trainings or workshops, or just handling general operational matters, schools benefit from having the right counsel by their side at every step.
Our attorneys have deep experience working with schools of all varieties, ranging from K-12 school systems to colleges and universities, shepherding them through the full spectrum of challenges that arise. Recognizing the unique environment in which these clients operate, we take pride in building practical strategies for them, balancing their legal needs with their overall mission of serving students and paving the way for better communities across our country.
K-12 School Systems and Boards of Education
Drawing on our unique backgrounds in education, including experience as educators and administrators, we work closely with our K-12 clients to offer in-service training and consultation programs, helping them to identify risks and avoid issues before they surface. We offer counseling and guidance in a variety of areas, including:
- Employee codes of conduct
- Employee grievances
- Student disciplinary issues
- FOIA requests
- Special education issues
- Open Meetings Act
- Ethical issues
- Claims of harassment or abuse
- Bidding and purchasing procedures, including lease purchase agreements
- Facility issues
- Immigration
- Title IX
- Board governance
Of particular note, our Public Finance attorneys serve hundreds of city, local, exempted village and school districts, helping them finance building projects, as well as providing refinancing and working capital needs. We are experienced in preparing bond proceedings and tax levies, as well as working with governmental agencies to administer state-assistance programs.
Our K-12 clients also appreciate our team’s ability to look around the corner for industry issues and challenges that may be coming, including the filtering down of Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) issues from the collegiate world. With the impact of NIL on all impacts of the higher education world, from roster construction to personnel decisions to funding, our team works with clients to ensure they are prepared to navigate this evolving world, including abiding by complex state and federal regulations.
Higher Education
Our team also works with colleges and universities across the country to advise on many of these same issues, from operational and corporate matters to financing to litigation.
We have handled financing matters, including bond financing, for colleges and universities of all sizes, calibrating structures that enable them to continue to serve their students and their communities. Our attorneys understand the sophisticated and nuanced regulations governing financing in the education industry, and we work diligently to provide practical, efficient resolutions for our clients.
Our team also has deep experience in navigating complex immigration challenges that can arise at colleges and universities as our clients continue to appeal to a global market for talent. Working closely with our Immigration attorneys, we provide pragmatic counsel to clients to help them ensure compliance with constantly-evolving regulations, as well as shepherding them through the sometimes complex and politically sensitive issues that can arise in this space.
When disputes arise or litigation is looming, our attorneys stand ready to defend our clients. Whether dealing with general business disputes or more sensitive matters involving liability claims stemming from injuries or fatalities, we understand the various dynamics that can impact strategy, from internal and/or law enforcement investigations to media coverage to political dynamics. We work closely with each client to determine their objective for each matter and then work diligently to find resolutions to fit their needs.