Hogan Lovells US LLP ‘has an education law practice that can serve global needs’, with co-head of the Washington DC-based practice William Ferreira having ’exceptional experience advising higher education institutions in their international activities’. Core to Ferreira’s practice is government grants and contracts and international projects spanning university relationships in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. On the globalization front, he routinely advises on study abroad and international academic programs. Alongside him, global education head Stephanie Gold puts her deep knowledge of education sector regulations to use on a broad spectrum of matters ranging from highly sensitive regulatory compliance matters to government investigations and M&A work. Other areas of focus for the team include research, particularly issues surrounding integrity, misconduct, conflicts of interest and foreign influence. Education regulatory lawyer Joel Buckman stands out for representing higher education institutions on issues related to claims under, and compliance with, federal regulations including repayment claims under Title IV and Section 117 compliance reviews. Megan Wilson is highlighted for her support on these high-stakes compliance issues. All aforementioned lawyers are located in Washington DC.
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Testimonials
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‘I have worked with Joel Buckman during a transaction involving a change of sole member of a university. Joel is always available and a good colleague to work with. Joel is very creative and understood very clearly our purposes in the transition. ’
‘William and his team are just perfect. They are quick to understand Indian regulatory and tax issues that may affect clients and are able to come up with solutions that are effective and practical. Their approach to the matter draws me towards them every time. ’
'The team has sophisticated attorneys practising in the higher education department, who can tap the expertise of their colleagues in other practices (tax, non-profits) and in offices throughout the world to assist in international higher education matters.'
‘William Ferreira is our relationship partner. He understands higher education and academic medicine and also has a strong capacity to handle issues on a multi-national scale.’
‘I can't say enough good things about working with William Ferreira. He is incredibly thoughtful in giving legal advice, comes up with creative strategies and solutions to approaching a legal issue, and is incredibly responsive and transparent.’
‘Very strong knowledge of federal and state educational regulatory rules and related agency procedures. Often the go-to firm for complex, novel transactions and structures. Also very strong presence internationally. ’
‘In addition to her own subject-matter expertise, Stephanie Gold has a strong ability to quickly assemble a solid team within the firm for complex education-related transactions, including in corporate, intellectual property, and real estate. We value her responsiveness and her adept ability to work seamlessly with other consultants.'
- 'Megan Wilson is a stand-out associate in the regulatory space. ’
Key clients
- Carnegie Mellon University
- University of Idaho
- Yale University
- University of Kansas
- American Council on Education
- National University
- New York University
- Vanderbilt University
- University of Louisville
- American Public Education, Inc.
Work highlights
- Representing Yale University in Choh et al. v. Brown University et al., an antitrust class action challenging the Ivy League’s policy prohibiting athletic scholarships.
- Representing University of Idaho and Four Three Education, Inc. (Four Three) in Four Three’s proposed transformative acquisition of the University of Phoenix, an online university.
- Representing Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) across a spectrum of regulatory compliance matters and controversies in the education sector, including employment, intellectual property, academic/scientific research compliance, study abroad, and international academic programs.
Lawyers
Hall of fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
William Ferreira
Next generation partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Joel Buckman
Practice head
Stephanie Gold; William Ferreira
Other key lawyers
Joel Buckman; Megan Wilson