Saul Ewing: Go-to Legal Advisors for Colleges & Universities

The latest on our group

Go-To Legal Advisors for Colleges and Universities

Notable team results over the past three years

sexual misconduct matters, including Title IX

100+

30+

OCR investigations

15+

100+

class action matters

policy and handbook reviews

Mapping our experience across the U.S.

Industry-tailored legal advice

Labor & Employment

Cybersecurity & Data Privacy

Public Finance

IP & Technology Protection

Regulatory Compliance

Including Technology Transfer Services

Restructuring Matters

Endowment Development and Trust & Estate Gifts

Environmental Matters

Litigation

Real Estate

Including Mergers & Acquisitions

Educating the educators

Covering all of your campus's legal issues

Robust Paid Training Programs

Complimentary Webinars

Industry Conferences

Tailored Presentations

These half- or full-day sessions cover a variety of topics and typically offer CLE credits in several states. As one example, we offer a comprehensive Title IX training consistent with the new regulations. If you are interested in our Title IX training programs, contact Josh Richards.

CYCLE by Saul is an educational CLE series that addresses important and nuanced legal challenges associated with operating higher education and K-12 institutions, such as Title IX litigation, labor and employment, real estate, contracting issues, and hazing policies.

2025 NACUA Annual Conference National Association of College & University Attorneys (NACUA) North American Career Education Convention Career Education Colleges and Universities (CECU) Spring 2025 CLE Workshop: Discrimination Law National Association of College & University Attorneys (NACUA) 46th Annual National Conference on Law & Higher EducationStetson University School of Law 2024 Annual ConferenceUniversity Risk Management & Insurance Association (URMIA) 2024 NACUA Annual Conference National Association of College & University Attorneys (NACUA) Higher Education & Healthcare Research Compliance ConferenceSociety of Corporate Compliance & Ethics The Fame Conference Fame (Financial Aid & School Management) Delaware Valley Student Affairs Conference The Delaware Valley Student Affairs Conference (DVSAC)

Collaborating with industry associations, our team has presented on a variety of topics for numerous groups. Here are a few examples from 2021-2023:

We offer training sessions for our clients tailored to their individual needs. Recent topics have included: Title IX-compliant training Clery Act training for CSAs and Clery compliance teams Collegiate athletics compliance

Our team analyzes breaking legal developments and industry updates on a variety of topics. Recent alerts include: DOJ Announces New Initiative to Use False Claims Act to Enforce Administration’s Civil Rights Agenda, Targeting Recipients of Federal Funds, May 22, 2025 Harvard University Sues Trump Administration Over Federal Funding Freeze, April 28, 2025 Department of Education’s February 14 Dear Colleague Letter on Title VI and Equal Protection: Overview, Open Issues, and Implications for Higher Education, February 21, 2025 President Trump’s Executive Order on “Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity” – Overview, Open Issues, and Implications for Higher Education, February 4, 2025 Stop Campus Hazing Act Signed Into Law, January 6, 2025

Representing colleges and universities nationwide (in blue below)...

... far and wide outside of the firm's office footprint

Alerts & Reference Guides

Higher Ed Class Actions

Emerging Issues

Fostering Collaboration with Colleagues

Team Growth

higher ed class actions

As a group, we are tracking key issues confronting higher education institutions, including, but not limited to, current administration actions impacting higher education, affirmative action in admissions, race-conscious programming, and DEI initiatives, mental health awareness, and, of course, the implementation of amended Title IX regulations.

Emerging Issues

To facilitate peer learning and networking, we are hosting a series of virtual roundtables with college and university representatives. If you are interested in joining an upcoming roundtable, contact Josh Richards.

Fostering Collaboration with Colleagues

We continue to expand the depth of our bench with exceptional attorneys.

Team Growth

Interested in joining our team? Contact Jim Keller or Josh Richards.

As institutions of higher learning face increasingly public regulation from the Department of Education as well as state and other federal agencies, plaintiffs’ lawyers have taken note and begun to file class actions with increasing frequency. Our considerable higher education experience gives us an intimate understanding of college and university operations and decision-making processes, so that when it comes time to defend a school in a class action, we can move quickly. We have defended institutions of higher education in class actions alleging breach of fiduciary duty, antitrust violations, breach of contract, and consumer fraud related to promotional materials or quality of education.

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For additional information on the above areas, click on our Higher Education webpage.

Click on icons above for details on our notable team results.

Jennifer Becnel-Guzzo Wilmington Jen draws on 20 years of litigation and in-house experience to provide strategic legal advice to higher education institutions. Her former role as associate vice president and deputy general counsel at a major research university gives her a deep understanding of the expansive issues that in-house legal teams face, including matters involving students, employees, vendors, sponsors and donors. She advises colleges and universities on how federal, state and local laws and regulations apply to their operations and helps them fashion compliance solutions. Read more here.

Saul Ewing's Higher Education Law Practice:

Colleges and Universities

Go-To Legal Advisors for

Explore more about our firm HERE

Saul Ewing’s Higher Education Law Practice:

Go-To Legal Advisors for Colleges and Universities

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Spotlight on Attorneys Advising Colleges & Universities

Megan Moyer

Meet Megan

1. What primary services do you provide to higher education institutions?

Any and all transactional real estate services, including assistance with leases, contracts, development projects, acquisitions and sales, financings, real estate tax appeals and exemptions.

Partner, Philadelphia

Unlike traditional commercial real estate developments that are largely driven by financial returns, higher education real estate projects prioritize the institution’s need to maintain control over its campus environment, academic mission, and long-term institutional goals. When higher education institutions are property owners or occupiers, there must be a careful balance between financial sustainability, academic priorities, student experience, and community relations.

2. Name a nuance/complexity specific to higher education real estate projects colleges and universities should be aware of.

Higher education institutions are likely to continue to see the many impacts of declining on-campus enrollment and increased hybrid education. As more students opt for online learning, institutions must reconsider how they use traditional classroom and dormitory space. We are likely to see increases in the downsizing or repurposing of lecture halls into collaborative, multi-functional spaces and a shift toward tech-enhanced classrooms that support hybrid learning. Public-Private Partnerships (P3s) are likely to continue as vehicles for cost-effective development, particularly in student housing projects, research facilities and innovation hubs.

3. Identify a real estate trend that will likely impact higher education institutions this year.

Real Estate

Immigration

Counsel, Washington, D.C.

cynthia gomez

Meet Cynthia

Intellectual Property

Partner, Philadelphia

Domingos silva

Meet Domingos

Athletics and Title IX

Partner, Philadelphia

amy piccola

Meet Amy

White Collar

Partner, Philadelphia

justin danilewitz

Meet Justin

Regulatory

Counsel, Washington, D.C.

brandon sherman

Meet Brandon

Megan Moyer: Real estate

Advises colleges from all sectors of higher education, accreditation agencies, and student loan servicers on administrative, transactional, and litigation matters. Brandon regularly advises institutions on regulatory compliance matters on issues pertaining to Title IV, accreditation, cybersecurity, marketing and advertising practices, and related regulatory matters.

1. What primary services do you provide to higher education institutions?

In July, the U.S. Department of Education published a notice of proposed rulemaking on issues relating to distance education, return of Title IV funds (R2T4), and federal TRIO programs. In addition, the Department announced its intent to commence negotiated rulemaking to consider regulations related to third-party servicers.

2. Are there any recent legislative updates that higher education institutions should be aware of?

Successfully represented an institution in its appeal of a denial of initial state authorization.

3. Tell us about your proudest professional moment/accomplishment to date.

brandon sherman: regulatory

Drawing on a combination of legal experience from private practice and government roles at the U.S. Department of Education, Brandon’s experience includes advising institutions on U.S. Department of Education regulations, state authorization, cybersecurity, anti-discrimination laws, marketing and advertising practices, and accreditation. Brandon is also a member of the Federal Regulatory Affairs Committee for the Career Education Colleges and Universities (CECU).

overview

Amy collaborates with institutions of higher education to address compliance, policy, and liability issues. She also advises education clients on athletics matters, including the evolving landscape of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) and esports on campus.

overview

My work for higher education institutions ranges from counseling, or in-the-moment advising; to policy/handbook drafting and related training; to conducting and overseeing investigations (internal or external), and everything in between. Student conduct matters, civil rights issues, including under Title VI and Title IX, diversity initiatives and compliance, and more nascent areas like esports and NIL are among my core areas of focus.

1. What primary services do you provide to higher education institutions?

The collegiate athletics landscape is (and has been!) shifting dramatically as courts, state legislators, and the NLRB ask institutions to reimagine their relationships with athletes. Just when we caught our breath in navigating the new world of Name, Image, Likeness (NIL) rights, the proposed settlement in House v. NCAA would have us pivot again. Once the dust settles, institutions will be reviewing gender equity implications of this changed landscape, having a firm grasp on this area of compliance now can only be helpful.

2. Many of the colleges and universities Saul Ewing represents have active, well-regarded athletic programs. Are there specific legal issues schools should be aware of as it relates to these programs and/or student athletes?

While litigation victories are always sweet, I’m most proud of the “smaller moments.” The best example of this might be working in partnership with newly hired staff who were building out a Title IX compliance program. They essentially started from scratch (after a challenging history at the institution). There weren’t headlines or celebrations, but getting to be a part of the effort was incredibly rewarding.

3. Tell us about your proudest professional moment/accomplishment to date.

amy piccola: athletics and title IX

Justin leverages his experience as a former federal prosecutor to vigorously defend clients in criminal and civil enforcement actions, conduct internal investigations, and address whistleblower complaints and qui tam suits.

overview

The Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) has gained increased attention in recent years as a result of numerous high-profile prosecutions of those alleged to be acting as public relations “agents” of “foreign principals” abroad. As our college campuses are, once again, ground zero for the ideological battles of competing foreign interests, academic institutions are likely to see increased U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) interest in the possible foreign origins of campus activism and financing. Even being a mere bystander witness to such investigations is likely to involve higher education institutions to some degree, with all the expense and distraction that is sure to follow.

1. Are there any recent legal updates that higher education institutions should be aware of?

Being an Assistant U.S. Attorney, and telling judges and juries that “I represent the United States” was a career highlight, and an all-the-more poignant honor as a first generation immigrant to the United States. Being an AUSA, as most AUSAs will tell you, was a formative experience that colors everything I do, and every client interaction I have—from anticipating the government’s next move on the chess board, to counseling my clients on when to fire back and when to keep the “powder dry.” But perhaps the most important lesson I learned from experienced prosecutors who I admire was the value of civility and courtesy, which goes a long way toward appropriate resolutions of even very contested cases.

2. How has your work as a former federal prosecutor impacted your approach to working with clients at saul ewing?

justin danilewitz: white collar

I offer comprehensive immigration services to higher education institutions, including immigrant/nonimmigrant visa sponsorship for foreign faculty, researchers, and staff, guidance on immigration policies, and I-9 verification support. I help institutions navigate visa complexities and ensure compliance while effectively addressing their immigration needs.

1. What primary services do you provide to higher education institutions?

Proactive planning for immigration needs when recruiting foreign faculty and staff should be a priority. This includes assessing temporary visa options like H-1B while strategizing for permanent residence. Such planning ensures smooth onboarding, minimizes visa processing delays, and shows the institution's commitment to supporting the career progression of foreign hires, aiding talent retention.

2. Identify a key best practice for recruiting foreign-born faculty and research staff in higher education.

There are multiple visa options, depending on their specific roles and qualifications of the employee. Common temporary categories include H-1B for specialty occupations, J-1 for exchange visitors, and O-1 for extraordinary ability. For permanent residency, options include EB-1 and EB-2 employment-based green card categories.

3. Are there more than one type of visa option for employees and potential employees of higher education institutions?

cynthia gomez: immigration

I-9 compliance requires employers to verify employee eligibility, which is complex for higher education institutions due to the diverse employment categories at an institution. Noncompliance can lead to financial penalties and legal issues. I help institutions develop I-9 compliance programs, conduct audits, and train staff to manage these responsibilities effectively.

4. What is I-9 compliance and how does it impact higher education institutions?

I provide patent prosecution services to higher education institutions (including patent drafting and prosecution, client counseling, portfolio management, opinion work, and inventorship determination).

1. What primary services do you provide to higher education institutions?

Patent inventorship in higher education institutions is often complex, because of the multi-lab collaborations that result in invention disclosures. Such complexity increases if the collaborating groups belong to distinct institutions and/or have specific assignment obligations, as that may lead to questions about ownership and prosecution control.

2. What is one major issue related to patent inventorship higher education institutions should be aware of?

Make sure to identify all innovators associated with an invention disclosure and determine what specific contributions they made to the invention, as soon as feasible, before researchers leave the institute and before the invention gets licensed.

3. Name one best practice higher education institutions should keep in mind for capturing and determining inventorship in patent disclosures.

Took part in a rather complex inventorship determination investigation, involving two high-profile researchers from the same institution. The investigation involved reviewing hundreds of email messages, reviewing lab notes, and interviewing researchers linked to the disclosure.

4. Tell us about one of your proudest professional moments/accomplishments to date.

domingos silva: intellectual property

Robust paid training programs

complimentary webinars

industry conferences

alerts & reference guides

tailored presentations

sexual misconduct matters, including Title IX, handled

100+

30+

OCR investigations handled

15+

class action matters

policy and handbook reviews

100+

Counsel, Washington, D.C.

Our team analyzes breaking legal developments and industry updates on a variety of topics. Recent alerts include: Department of Education’s February 14 Dear Colleague Letter on Title VI and Equal Protection: Overview, Open Issues, and Implications for Higher Education, February 21, 2025 President Trump’s Executive Order on “Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity” – Overview, Open Issues, and Implications for Higher Education, February 4, 2025 Stop Campus Hazing Act Signed Into Law, January 6, 2025 The Biggest Trademark Decision of 2024: Penn State Takes on Ornamentality and Wins, December 16, 2024 As Changes in Washington Loom, Administrative Law Takes on New Significance, December 3, 2024 Eleventh Circuit Finds No Private Right of Action Under Title IX for Sex Discrimination in Employment, November 11, 2024

Collaborating with industry associations, our team has presented on a variety of topics for numerous groups. Here are a few examples from 2021-2023:

2023 Northeast Regional ConferenceThe University Risk Management & Insurance Association (URMIA) 2023 Western Regional ConferenceThe University Risk Management & Insurance Association (URMIA) Winter Athletics Compliance RoundtableNational Association of College & University Attorneys (NACUA) Wellness Summit on Student Mental HealthAssociation of Delaware Valley Independent Schools (ADVIS) 2022 NACUA Annual ConferenceNational Association of College & University Attorneys (NACUA) Athletics Risk ManagementUniversity & College Insurance Consortium (UCIC) 2022 Spring Employment Law WorkshopNational Association of College & University Attorneys (NACUA) Spring 2022 CLE WorkshopNational Association of College & University Attorneys (NACUA) Higher Ed & COVID-Related Topics in a Post-Omicron World Annual Development RetreatAssociation of Delaware Valley Independent Schools (ADVIS) “Lawyers Roundtable” at the ACCT ConferenceAssociation of Community College Trustees (ACCT)

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Matthew Reinhard Baltimore Matt is a seasoned litigator and advisor to institutions of higher education on a wide range of matters, from institutional compliance and employment law to collegiate athletics and student conduct issues. He brings insight from his former roles as deputy general counsel for a state university and assistant attorney general for the Higher Education Division in the Maryland Office of the Attorney General to his practice. His experience includes representing colleges and universities in litigation before state and federal courts, as well as administrative agencies. Read more here.

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Brandon Sherman Washington, D.C. Drawing on a combination of legal experience from private practice and government roles at the U.S. Department of Education, Brandon’s experience includes advising higher education institutions on U.S. Department of Education regulations, state authorization, cybersecurity, anti-discrimination laws, marketing and advertising practices, and accreditation. He also helps clients resolve complex regulatory and enforcement challenges. Read more here.

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Brian Willett New York Brian provides legal counsel to colleges and universities with respect to compliance with state and federal regulations. He also handles matters involving student affairs, scholarship equity, and internal investigations and advocates for educational institutions facing government investigations. Read more here.

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