Schools, Colleges and Universities Practice Group

Our attorneys understand the issues facing academic institutions from a legal point of view and also from a first-hand perspective gained through service as directors, trustees, and adjunct faculty members of local schools, colleges, and universities.

Academic, Business and Student Affairs

We support the academic mission with advice on lawful and efficient governance, including tenure decisions. We provide guidance on the legal aspects of academic affairs, student life, and administration, including plans for compliance with the Patriot Act, health and privacy laws and other statutes and regulations.

Litigation

Our reputation for the highest quality service extends to the state and federal trial courts throughout Massachusetts and beyond. The key to our success on behalf of clients, in both simple and complex matters, is the combination of our long-standing familiarity with the trial courts, our sensitivity to the unique culture in academic institutions, and our commitment to quality.

Environmental Issues

The development, operation and maintenance of educational facilities raise a variety of environmental regulatory issues, including permitting review, accommodation of financing sources for new construction, and defending enforcement actions for alleged non-compliance with often complex and complicated requirements. Our environmental practice group has the detailed knowledge and experience to help clients fix past mistakes, comply with current requirements, and develop and implement practices and procedures to ensure future compliance.

Real Estate/Housing

We handle real estate acquisitions and dispositions, landlord/tenant issues, leases and a complex of other issues.

Employment and Labor Matters

We provide advice on a wide range of human resources issues including those relating to accommodation of disabilities, labor organization, discrimination, harassment, policy and handbook development, and management of specific personnel actions. We have considerable experience in handling employment litigation and labor matters.

Finance and Bond Work

We are experienced in providing advice on the sources of funding and terms and structure of all types of unsecured and secured financing transactions. We have acted as borrowers' counsel in connection with tax-exempt bond issues.

Intellectual Property

We have a breadth of knowledge of copyright, trademark and patent matters. We provide registration and licensing services as well as representation in disputes and litigation.

Construction

Our clients have trusted us to draft and review their construction documents, and to deal with disputes or litigation arising out of construction projects.

Government Strategies

We have experience and expertise in formulating, assessing and implementing strategies concerning governmental matters, and also represent clients in regulatory, investigative and enforcement matters.

Representative clients include Amherst College, Mount Holyoke College, Smith College, Five Colleges, Incorporated, and a number of private elementary and secondary schools in Western Massachusetts, including Deerfield Academy and Eaglebrook School. We also represent and respond to the specific needs of several Massachusetts charter schools.

The Schools, Colleges and Universities Practice Group Coordinator is Peter H. Barry.