Higher Education

College and university administrators need partners who understand their world - the dynamic relationship between faculty and administration, the challenges of ensuring a stable and well-regulated student community, the expanding regulatory climate affecting education, and the technology that will frame the institutions of tomorrow. Lozano Smith's commitment to the continued success of its education clients includes the firm's Higher Education Practice Group.

The attorneys who make up this group specialize in the representation of private and public institutions of higher education, and bring to the table a depth of expertise unmatched in California. They understand the unique challenges facing today's higher education institutions and provide their clients with sustained legal guidance through the contracts, relationships and regulatory environments that define an educational institution. Lozano Smith attorneys are privileged to serve as institutional representatives to the National Association of College and University Attorneys (NACUA), and therefore enjoy access to resources on best practices and emerging trends on a national scale.

Areas of Practice

We routinely advise university administrators on compliance, best practices, and trends in the law uniquely affecting institutions of higher education. These areas include:

Institutional policies, including Employee, Faculty and Student Handbooks
Admissions policies and practices
Financial aid and scholarships
Construction agreements and facilities finance
Labor negotiations
Compliance with laws regulating classified and certificated employees
Wage and hour compliance
Severance and separation agreements
Technology and software licensing agreements
Third-party vendor and multi-institution contracts
Online education contracting
Regulatory compliance
Fundraising and development
University governance
Bond counsel services

Lozano Smith clients consistently turn to the Higher Education Practice Group for guidance in every aspect of claims and litigation. They assist this specialized group of clientele with:

Employment litigation
Harassment and discrimination complaints
Student code of conduct violations and proceedings
Tenure disputes
First Amendment claims
Layoff proceedings
Labor arbitrations
Breach of contract claims
Embezzlement/fraud issues
Unfair business practices claims
Premises liability claims
Vendor disputes

Real World Applications

By working with attorneys who specialize in the law of higher education, colleges and universities save time and money, and can trust that the lawyers they are speaking to already understand their world. The Group's practical experience translates into proven, efficient solutions.