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Higher education institutions, including public and private colleges, universities, and research entities, are a fundamental part of society. Not only do they equip the next generation for the future, but they also stand at the forefront of developing groundbreaking research and technology innovations. However, these institutions operate in a highly-regulated environment, at times under deep scrutiny, where they contend with competing interests.
Dickinson Wright has decades of experience counseling universities and other higher education institutions. Whether assisting with a financial transaction, overseeing a major construction project, protecting intellectual property, or providing legal advice and representation during an investigation, our higher education attorneys understand the complexity of the issues facing colleges and universities. We currently serve over 45 higher education institutions across the U.S. and globally.
Our Team
Our higher education lawyers are esteemed by both clients and peers for their industry experience and commitment to excellent representation as well as their significant appointments to bar associations and the judiciary. Additionally, they are regularly cited for their work by Chambers®, Super Lawyers®, and Best Lawyers®.
Our Services
Administrative & Regulatory: We counsel higher education institutions to ensure they are compliant with the regulatory requirements that govern their daily operations. Our administrative and regulatory work covers a full spectrum of matters, including:
Student records and privacy matters relating to the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
First Amendment challenges
Title IX compliance, including student and staff conduct
Tax-exempt status compliance
Public policy, ethics, and lobbying
Conflicts of interest policies
Transparency compliance, including public access to meeting and records
College loan, grant, and scholarship programs
Fundraising, endowments, and planned giving
Investments
Intercollegiate sports and athletic departments
Health Care Research & Academic Institutions: Our team advises and assists higher education institutions through every stage of the research cycle, including the creation of policies, negotiation of clinical trial agreements, and development of research affiliation agreements with academic partners and collaborating research sites.
Intellectual Property: Our higher education team works with universities and research institutions to help them protect important technologies in areas ranging from biotechnology to the engineering arts. We also assist with patent and trademark prosecution and commercialization as well as trade secret and copyright law issues.
Technology Transfer: Understanding the importance of identifying and protecting innovations at the earliest stage possible, we counsel clients regarding the risks and complicated transactions that come with the development, licensing, acquiring, and selling of technology, giving them a competitive advantage and helping them reach their full commercial potential.
Land Use & Economic Development: We help colleges and universities with all of their land use and development needs, including:
Advising on land acquisitions, financing, renovation, and leasing
Obtaining zoning, rezoning, site plan, special land use, and sign approvals
Ensuring compliance with environmental, wetlands, and water rights regulations
Negotiating access, utility, conservation, and reciprocal easements
