Education
Holland & Knight’s Education Team is one of the largest and preeminent practices in the country. We represent nationally renowned public and private universities, numerous private colleges and independent schools. We have served as legal counsel to institutions including:
- public elementary and secondary schools
- university affiliated foundations
- contract and for-profit education providers
- several national collegiate fraternities and sororities
- a major regional accrediting agency
We also serve on the defense panel of the leading liability insurance company for educational institutions and have been named its select counsel in Massachusetts. We are committed to serving the needs of in-house counsel and effectively serve as outside general counsel for institutions without an in-house legal staff.
Holland & Knight’s Education Team adds value by combining the expertise of lawyers from various legal disciplines, including:
- education
- employment
- corporate and tax
- estate planning
- bond financing
- ERISA
- intellectual property
- technology and media
- alcohol and beverage
- public and legislative
- real estate and environmental
- constitutional
- litigation
- False Claims Act defense
In addition, Holland & Knight delivers an extremely high level of client service with our “one firm” approach. This approach allows us to provide each institution we represent with immediate access to all of our resources, regardless of location. We are the ninth largest firm in the nation with over 1,200 attorneys and offices in 25 U.S. cities. Our education clients require specialized legal assistance and we are able to deliver attorneys with a broad knowledge base and diverse and varied experience.
Our lawyers counsel clients in all matters that arise in the academic setting, including:
- student disputes and discipline
- hiring and termination
- promotion, tenure and other employment and benefits issues
- intellectual property issues
- distance learning, study abroad, internships and joint study programs
- academic freedom and applicable constitutional issues
- discrimination and Title IX issues as they relate to both students and faculty
- residence hall contracts
- real property issues
- governance and board issues
- charitable giving, sophisticated tax issues and complex financing
- the formation of entities and foundations, as well as other business and corporate transactions, particularly as they relate to not-for-profit organizations
In addition, our lawyers advise institutions on administrative and regulatory issues relating to licensing and accreditation, student loans, grants, rulemaking and construction matters, as well as, land use, environmental and zoning issues. We also represent institutions in the legislative process and in civil litigation. We structure and negotiate contracts, leases and other agreements, and assist with internal grievance and disciplinary procedures.
We understand the unique nature of educational institutions and draw on a broad range of legal experience to address all matters that arise in academia.