Government investigations, Title IV compliance, civil rights and education-related labor and employment matters, covering faculty members and student-athletes are some of the core areas of practice of the broad education group at McGuireWoods LLP. The firm routinely assists higher education institutions, K-12 schools, academic medical centers but also presidents and coaches, especially is contract negotiations. Washington DC-based Farnaz Thompson leads the department and handles litigation and investigations before federal agencies. Another highlighted contact is Chicago-based Sarah Wake, who handles both contentious and advisory mandates, and Virginia-based Michele McKinnon, who specializes in assisting universities and their affiliated foundations on tax and planned giving matters. Insurance recovery expert Shelby Guilbert in Atlanta is also noted.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
- Profile
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'They have lawyers who can handle almost anything.'
- 'Michele McKinnon is the best non profit lawyer that I know.'
Key clients
- University of Arizona
- Arizona State University
- The Los Angeles Film School
- Education Affiliates
- Prince William County School Board
- Stanford University
- University of Southern California
- Norfolk State University
- University of Virginia
- Washington & Lee University
Work highlights
Represented Oberlin College, and former Vice President and Dean of Students of Oberlin, Dr. Meredith Raimondo, in a complex bad faith insurance coverage lawsuit against four insurers.
Secured a nationwide preliminary injunction for Cortiva Institute and the Coalition for Career Schools in a case regarding the enforcement and implementation of the Bare Minimum Rule.
Represented the University of Virginia School of Medicine employees who were sued by a former student in a First Amendment rights case.
Lawyers
Practice head
Farnaz Farkish Thompson
Other key lawyers
Sarah Wake; Michele McKinnon; Shelby Guilbert