Lauded for being ‘an essential resource for any higher education institution’, the group at Husch Blackwell LLP has a deep bench of specialists operating in the full gamut of regulatory, contentious and transactional education mandates. The team’s key strengths include handling sensitive compliance reviews, high-profile investigations and transactions such as change of control processes involving mergers, acquisitions and divestitures. Co-leading the team from Kansas City, Hayley Hanson is relied upon by private and public universities and colleges, major research institutions and academic medical centers. Also in Kansas City, team lead Sean Tassi provides clients with day-to-day counseling on federal and state regulations and online offerings. Leading the group’s accreditor practice, Chicago-based Julie Miceli has carved out a strong niche supporting accreditors navigating the revision of accrediting standards with respect to their diversity, equity and inclusion goals and regulations. Another integral member of the firm’s Chicago office is Lisa Parker who routinely represents higher education institutions in litigation before trial and appellate courts.
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘This practice is unique because of the breadth of the experience of the education team, the diversity of lawyers and the competence of the lawyers’
‘Lisa Parker is just amazing. Smart, strategic and a great counselor. ’
‘Husch Blackwell should be the go-to firm for higher ed institutions. They are so knowledgeable and have folks that can help with any concern. Bottom line, they care and they treat clients as family.’
‘I primarily worked with Julie Miceli and quite simply, there is no possible way I could have navigated the situation in which we found ourselves without her. She is kind, knowledgeable, articulate and efficient. She was always available and made time for me no matter what, she genuinely cared about us.'
‘Broad subject matter expertise, including several people who have worked in the US Department of Education in various capacities, which helps to inform their advice. Strong knowledge of higher education industry, and unique innovation of having an education practice (very few other firms commit to having people work 100% in education), which informs that expertise even among associates. Especially strong in faculty-related litigation; Title IX; and other civil rights matters. ’
‘The entire Husch Blackwell legal team demonstrates exceptional expertise in the higher education sector (including academic medical centers), offering in-depth knowledge of the unique legal challenges faced by academic institutions. They are second to none in this sector and are the gold standard for navigating complex issues in higher education, including issues related to regulatory compliance, accreditation, faculty and student rights, and institutional governance.'
'The team’s ability to balance legal precision with the mission-driven goals specific to our institution makes them a trusted and invaluable partner for any academic organization.’
‘I've never worked with a firm more committed to meeting our legal and regulatory needs than Husch Blackwell. That client service spirit is nurtured and embraced by Hayley Hanson and the other leaders on the Education team - including Derek Teeter, Sean Tassi, and Jason Montgomery. Hayley and her team are invaluable strategic partners and are an essential resource for any higher education institution.’
'The Husch Blackwell team brings strength in every area we encountered.'
'They are highly responsive and up to date with best practices that allow for them to provide expert level advice.'
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Sean Tassi; Hayley Hanson
Other key lawyers
Julie Miceli; Lisa Parker; Derek Teeter; Jason Montgomery