HIGHER EDUCATION
- OVERVIEW
- EXPERIENCE
- INSIGHTS
- NEWS & EVENTS
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CONTACT
- Scott Goldschmidt
- 202 585 6963 202 585 6963 direct | Email
- Aaron Lacey
- 314 552 6405 314 552 6405 direct | Email
- Emily Wang Murphy
- 202 585 6939 202 585 6939 direct | Email
- Christopher Murray
- 202 585 6916 202 585 6916 direct | Email
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Thompson Coburn's higher education practice is led by a team of experienced attorneys dedicated to serving institutions of higher education. With backgrounds encompassing in-house roles at universities and advanced degrees in education and managing legal and policy matters for postsecondary institutions, we are fully committed to supporting the higher education community.
Our higher ed attorneys boast a successful track record handling diverse legal matters for educational institutions, third-party servicers, and financial investors in a wide range of legal matters. Their experience extends across dozens of reported cases throughout the country. From corporate to regulatory and litigation services, we offer comprehensive legal support. Leveraging our significant lobbying and policy experience in higher education, we provide insightful and efficient advice on issues ranging from student affairs to governance and operations.
Our attorneys leverage their knowledge and experience to deliver insightful, creative, and efficient legal advice across a wide range of issues, including those involving students, faculty and staff, facilities, academics, governance, and operations. We routinely offer general counsel, compliance, and training services to small and mid-size institutions of higher education, while providing specialized services to large institutions with in-house legal departments. Our clients include public, private non-profit, and proprietary institutions of higher education. We also periodically represent organizations that provide academic, financial, or operational services to postsecondary institutions.
Their capabilities cover a broad spectrum of education-related issues, including those concerning the False Claims Act, Title IX, ADA Accreditation, privacy and security (FERPA, GLBA), state authorization and reciprocity (NC-SARA), and institutional and programmatic accrediting standards and federal and state program reviews. They are also adept at handling matters related to State Attorneys General enforcement actions, student fraud, educational malpractice claims, employment discrimination, real estate and vendor contract disputes, and even arbitration enforcement. The team's experience extends to defending educational institutions in student and employment litigation and arbitration, and they routinely advise schools on navigating regulatory issues with the U.S. Department of Education and the Higher Education Act.
Additionally, we have a robust practice in higher education mergers and acquisitions, managing various transactions for both nonprofit and proprietary clients, and higher education litigation, where we have a proven track record of success in defending institutions against a wide range of legal claims. Beyond legal services, we provide valuable resources such as our higher education blog (REGucation), advisories, desk guides, whitepapers and webinars to assist our institutional clients with navigating the complexities of the postsecondary regulatory and policy environment. Our attorneys are deeply involved in higher education organizations and frequently contribute to discussions on policy and regulation, further demonstrating our commitment to serving the sector.
Assisted in creation of Lindenwood Education System and acquisition of Dorsey College
Thompson Coburn’s higher education practice, assisted by attorneys throughout the firm, supported the transformation of Lindenwood University into Lindenwood Education System, a private, non-profit university system that now includes both Lindenwood University and Dorsey College. Lindenwood University is a 190-year old liberal arts university located in Saint Charles, Missouri. Dorsey is the oldest career college in Michigan, serving more than 1,800 students across eight campuses in the state. The creation of the System and the subsequent acquisition of Dorsey was a complex and multi-faceted process that required a cross-office, cross-practice effort from the Thompson Coburn team.
Forbes characterized the deal as “big and important for several reasons.” In recent years, a number of for-profit colleges and universities have been acquired by traditional, non-profit institutions of higher education. However, in most cases, the buyer was a public institution and the acquisition target predominantly offered degree programs through distance education (e.g., Kaplan University, Ashford University, Grantham University). The “selling” institutions also were typically assimilated into the public university brand and structure post-closing.
In this case, the acquiror is a private, non-profit, and the target is a career school with multiple, physical campus locations. Perhaps more significantly, the transaction heralds the emergence of the private, non-profit postsecondary system, a group of affiliated institutions that operate under their own brands, offer their own programming, and serve their own student populations.
Blog Posts
Student Loan Debt Relief: Is Forgiveness Really Divine?
Updated Financial Responsibility Reporting Guide 2024
ED's New Financial Responsibility Rules Deserve Attention
Title IX Rule: Key Changes and Next Steps for Institutions
U.S. Department of Education Issues New Guidance on Implementation of Program Length Regulations
Title IX (Joe’s Version) Dropped This Morning
ED’s Latest Financial Value Transparency/Gainful Employment Guidance
Borrower Defense to Repayment (BDR) Round-Up
Free Desk Guide and Webinars: ED’s Final Financial Value Transparency and Gainful Employment Rule
TCLE
ED’s Evolving State Authorization and Professional Licensure Requirements
The Higher Education Regulatory Outlook for 2024
Projecting Debt-to-Earnings Rates Under ED’s New Financial Value Transparency and GE Rule
ED’s New Financial Value Transparency and Gainful Employment Rule
Responding to Student Borrower Defense to Repayment (BDR) Claims: 2023 Edition
Affirmative Action in Higher Education: Impact of SFFA v. Harvard and SFFA v. UNC
ED’s Proposed Financial Value Transparency and Gainful Employment Rule
Safeguarding the Data and Your Compliance Program – USED and GLBA
A review of ED’s new third-party servicer guidance and suggestions for public comment
The Higher Education Regulatory Outlook for 2023
ED’s Proposed Borrower Defense to Repayment Rule: A Detailed Examination
ED’s New Title IX Rule: A Careful Review and Suggestions for Public Comment
ED’s Increased Scrutiny of College Contracts with Online Program Managers
Responding to Student Borrower Defense to Repayment (BDR) Claims
The Higher Education Regulatory Outlook for 2022
The Revised FTC Safeguards Rule - What It Means and Why It Is More Important Than You Might Think
Best Practices and Risk Considerations Relating to Summer Camps on Campus
Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccines in Postsecondary Education
Postsecondary Institutions: Business Considerations
Examining ED’s Incentive Compensation Rule
Higher Education Transactions: Valuation & Structure
CMMC and 800-171 in Government Contracting and Higher Education
The Regulatory Outlook for Higher Education
Protecting the Ever-Increasing Endpoints in Higher Education
Analyzing ED’s New Distance Education Rule
Title IX Module 6: Title IX Appeals
Title IX Module 5: Title IX Determinations
Title IX Module 4: Title IX Hearings
Title IX Module 3: Title IX Investigations & Informal Resolutions
Title IX Module 2: Formal Complaints of Title IX Sexual Harassment
Title IX Module 1: An Introduction to Managing Title IX Sexual Harassment on Campus
Getting Ready for USED’s New Student Disclosure Requirements
USED’s New Title IX Rule: A Detailed Examination
The CARES Act for Higher Education: Strategy and Implementation
Contingency Planning for Distressed Institutions of Higher Education
Higher Education & Immigration: Five Evolving Areas to Watch
Recent Court Decisions in Student Disputes That You Should Know About
A Year-End Roundup of USED Rulemaking Activity
Merging Institutions of Higher Education: Corporate and Tax Considerations
An Examination of ED's New Borrower Defense Rule: The Borrower Defense Claim Process
Colleges Held for Ransom: Responding to a Ransomware Attack
Examining the USED Approval Process for Higher Ed Mergers and Acquisitions
A Midsummer Update on USED Rulemaking Activity
Charitable Giving for Institutions of Higher Education
Advertising and Communications for Institutions of Higher Education
Intellectual Property Primer for Higher Ed Institutions
Guidance on Borrower Defense Regulations
USED’s Proposed Title IX Rules: A Detailed Examination
Mergers and Acquisitions in Higher Education: Key Points of the Letter of Intent
Minimizing Litigation Risk As To Student-Related Disputes
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on Borrower Defense
Disclosure Requirements for Online and Distance Professional Licensure Programs
Borrower Defense Rule: Negotiated Rulemaking Session 3
Borrower Defense Rule: Negotiated Rulemaking Session 2
Borrower Defense Rule: Negotiated Rulemaking Session 1
Gainful Employment Disclosures and Student Warnings
New Audit Guidelines for Higher Educational Institutions
Final Borrower Defense Rule Webinar Series
Borrower Defense Rule Webinar Series
Gainful Employment Webinar Series
National Policy Perspectives on Cybersecurity
Publications
EEOC issues new guidance on COVID-19 vaccinations in the workplace
A look at recent student athlete name, image and likeness legislation
News
Thompson Coburn Attorneys Recognized in Chambers USA 2024
Thompson Coburn Shuts Down Fraudulent Website for Marymount California University
Industry Coverage: Thompson Coburn Expands Higher Ed Practice, Adds Birmingham Office
Thompson Coburn Expands Its Leading Higher Education Practice with Addition of Lateral Partner Group
Aaron Lacey Discusses Potential Consolidation of UA and UAGC
Aaron Lacey Discusses Complexities of Mergers in Higher Education
David Kaufman Explores the State of College Athletics Amid Changing NIL Landscape
Aaron Lacey Discusses Impact of New Rules from U.S. Education Department
David Kaufman Explores How NIL Collectives Could Be Tax-Exempt After IRS Curveball
Thompson Coburn Assists in Creation of Lindenwood Education System and Acquisition of Dorsey College
JD Supra names Aaron Lacey a 2023 Readers’ Choice Top Author for Education
Jim Shreve talks cybersecurity and higher education with University Business
Thompson Coburn client Charles Rice wins 2020 Nobel Prize for Hepatitis C Virus discoveries
Claire Schenk imparts life (and rock climbing) advice in UMSL commencement speech
Bob Wallace launches sports podcast After the Buzzer
Bill Bay elected chair of the ABA House of Delegates
Higher ed webinar series provides insider’s look at borrower defense rulemaking
Bill Bay receives Spurgeon Smithson award
Rhonda Thomas listed in Crain’s Chicago Business among ‘Most Influential Women Lawyers in Chicago’
Bill Bay to receive Distinguished Lawyer Award at 2017 Law Day festivities
Rhonda Thomas to receive the University of Missouri School of Law Citation of Merit Award
Emily Wang Murphy appointed to Lawyers Have Heart board
Bill Bay named a 2016 ‘Excellence in Law’ award winner by St. Louis Magazine
Congratulations to our 2017 ‘Lawyers of the Year’
Thompson Coburn's lobbying group honored as among the top in the nation
Bill Bay elected to American Law Institute’s class of 2016
Webinar series to help higher ed navigate gainful employment regulations
Thompson Coburn earns corporate counsel recommendations five years running in national report
Aaron Lacey, Chris Murray author paper on regulatory hurdles for competency-based education
U.S. Olympic Committee appoints Ken Salomon to ethics committee
Tom Minogue named chair of University of Missouri-St. Louis board
Lori Jones elected to American College of Employee Benefit Counsel
Rightsizing the Right Way: Restructuring and Realignment in Higher Education
Chris Murray named to National Law Journal’s '40 under 40'
University of Missouri refinances $300 million in outstanding bonds
UMSL Research & Innovation Week to feature Tom Schlafly presentation
Steve Ritchey publishes article on patent basics for American Ceramic Society
Higher education attorney Aaron D. Lacey joins Thompson Coburn
Bob Wallace article: What’s acceptable behavior in the sports workplace?
Tom Minogue speaks at UMSL's 50th anniversary dinner
Ouster of Rutgers coach, athletic director highlights risks for universities
Lobbying & Policy group revs up with first three clients
Thompson Coburn launches new bipartisan Lobbying & Policy group in Washington, D.C.
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Partner
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St. Louis
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Bill Bay represents major corporations in high-stakes litigation nationally and is also at the forefront of leadership in the legal profession as president of the America... Bill Bay represents major corporations in high-stakes litigation nationally... |
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Senior Counsel
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St. Louis
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Ed serves as a key tax advisor to companies embarking on any type of corporate restructuring, from acquisitions and dispositions to spinoffs and management changes. Ed serves as a key tax advisor to companies embarking on any type of corpor... |
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Partner
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Birmingham
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Tres Cleveland's deep experience in the higher education industry enables him to anticipate and support all client needs. Tres Cleveland's deep experience in the higher education industry enables h... |
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Partner
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St. Louis
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Jeff helps all types of businesses navigate complex litigation, arbitration, class action, regulatory, and transactional matters in venues across the country. Jeff helps all types of businesses navigate complex litigation, arbitration... |
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Partner
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St. Louis
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Garrett counsels banks, financial institutions and other businesses on a variety of tax credit, commercial transaction and regulatory issues. Garrett counsels banks, financial institutions and other businesses on a va... |
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Senior Counsel
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St. Louis
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Dean has extensive first chair trial experience, limiting his practice to intellectual property and commercial litigation. Dean has extensive first chair trial experience, limiting his practice to i... |
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Associate
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St. Louis
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With previous experience in higher education and secondary school administration and a master's degree from Harvard Graduate School of Education, Stephanie is keenly awar... With previous experience in higher education and secondary school administr... |
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Partner
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Washington, D.C.
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A former deputy general counsel for a private university, Scott understands the unique challenges that our higher education clients face and how to best help them achieve... A former deputy general counsel for a private university, Scott understands... |
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Partner
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St. Louis
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Ed is a veteran litigator and head of the Firm's Antitrust Practice Group. Ed is a veteran litigator and head of the Firm's Antitrust Practice Group. |
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Partner
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Birmingham
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As an experienced litigator in the firm's higher education practice group, Brandt Hill defends educational institutions in student and employment litigation and arbitrati... As an experienced litigator in the firm's higher education practice group, ... |
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Associate
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St. Louis
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Eric is an associate in the Firm's business litigation and higher education groups. Eric is an associate in the Firm's business litigation and higher education... |
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Partner
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St. Louis
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Chris serves as Chair of Thompson Coburn, managing the 800+ person firm and leading the firm's executive and management committees in the execution of its strategic plan. Chris serves as Chair of Thompson Coburn, managing the 800+ person firm and... |
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Partner
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St. Louis
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Larry serves clients in the firm's Private Client Services practice. Larry serves clients in the firm's Private Client Services practice. |
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Partner
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Chicago
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David is Co-Chair of the Firm's national Corporate and Securities Practice Group. David is Co-Chair of the Firm's national Corporate and Securities Practice ... |
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Associate
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Birmingham
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Anna's litigation background is specifically tailored to the needs of institutions of higher education. Anna's litigation background is specifically tailored to the needs of insti... |
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Senior Counsel
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St. Louis
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Sara is a trusted legal advisor to public entities, nonprofit borrowers, investment bankers and bankers in a wide variety of public financing and lending transactions. Sara is a trusted legal advisor to public entities, nonprofit borrowers, in... |
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Partner
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St. Louis
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The Chair of Thompson Coburn's Higher Education Practice, Aaron assists institutions to navigate a wide range of complex legal and regulatory matters. The Chair of Thompson Coburn's Higher Education Practice, Aaron assists ins... |
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Partner
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St. Louis
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Mike focuses his legal practice on public finance, corporate law, business transactions, governmental and nonprofit law. Mike focuses his legal practice on public finance, corporate law, business ... |
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Partner
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St. Louis
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Rick advises companies and individuals on a variety of federal (domestic and international), state and local tax matters. Rick advises companies and individuals on a variety of federal (domestic an... |
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Partner
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Chicago
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Susan is a highly experienced employment law attorney who serves as a seamless extension of her clients' HR and in-house legal teams. Susan is a highly experienced employment law attorney who serves as a seaml... |
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Partner
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St. Louis
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Sonette is a highly experienced litigator and business advisor who counsels corporate clients on all phases of commercial litigation in state and federal courts throughou... Sonette is a highly experienced litigator and business advisor who counsels... |
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Partner
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St. Louis
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Steve serves as a trusted advisor to financial institutions engaged in all types of public finance and lending transactions. Steve serves as a trusted advisor to financial institutions engaged in all ... |
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Partner
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Birmingham
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Evan's practice primarily relates to higher education litigation, as well as business disputes, product liability and environmental matters, and complex litigation. Evan's practice primarily relates to higher education litigation, as well a... |
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Partner
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Washington, D.C.
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Clients have consistently praised Emily for her "practical, common sense solutions" and "natural instincts" for deal flow. Clients have consistently praised Emily for her "practical, common sense so... |
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Partner
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Washington, D.C.
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Chris came to Washington to attend college and has been at the intersection of politics and education ever since. Chris came to Washington to attend college and has been at the intersection... |
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Associate
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Dallas
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Leah Northener is a former charter school general counsel who excels at navigating the complicated world of education law and enabling clients to keep their focus on educ... Leah Northener is a former charter school general counsel who excels at nav... |
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Partner
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St. Louis
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Chuck is a creative and highly efficient employment litigator and advisor to private and public sector employers across a wide spectrum of industries. Chuck is a creative and highly efficient employment litigator and advisor t... |
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Partner
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St. Louis
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Ali is experienced in various types of tax-exempt and taxable financings as bond counsel, underwriter's counsel, issuer's counsel, disclosure counsel and bank counsel. Ali is experienced in various types of tax-exempt and taxable financings as... |
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Partner
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St. Louis
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Steve advises clients on domestic and international patent applications and provides comprehensive counsel on licensing and technology transfer. Steve advises clients on domestic and international patent applications and... |
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Partner
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Washington, D.C.
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Jayna advises companies, transportation authorities, educational institutions, and other entities regarding their rights and obligations when doing business with or recei... Jayna advises companies, transportation authorities, educational institutio... |
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Partner
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Washington, D.C.
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Ken has spent his entire legal career in the public and private sectors in Washington, DC and has a thorough understanding and appreciation of how lobbying can advance cl... Ken has spent his entire legal career in the public and private sectors in ... |
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Senior Counsel
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St. Louis
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Linda advises companies that provide goods or services to the federal government; she also has extensive experience in business immigration matters. Linda advises companies that provide goods or services to the federal gover... |
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Associate
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Chicago
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Kayla brings a keen insight to assess corporate transactions from an analytical and economic perspective. Kayla brings a keen insight to assess corporate transactions from an analyt... |
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Partner
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Washington, D.C.
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Roger represents institutions of higher education in a wide array of regulatory, accreditation, and operational issues. Roger represents institutions of higher education in a wide array of regula... |
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Partner
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Chicago
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Rhonda is a public finance attorney who leads complex, large-scale projects for public- and private-sector clients across the country. Rhonda is a public finance attorney who leads complex, large-scale projects... |
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Partner
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St. Louis
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In August 2024, Bob Wallace began an appointment as interim president of Explore St. In August 2024, Bob Wallace began an appointment as interim presid... |
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Associate
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Washington, D.C.
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Throughout her career, Hope has always found ways to help public institutions achieve their goals. Throughout her career, Hope has always found ways to help public institutio... |
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Counsel
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Washington, D.C.
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Katie handles a wide variety of regulatory and transactional work for the nonprofit and for-profit higher education sector, including online education programs, and has e... Katie handles a wide variety of regulatory and transactional work for the n... |
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