College & University

 “What most distinguishes you is your dedication to clients and their causes; you will go the extra mile – or ten or twenty – to advance and defend your client’s interests, regardless of whether the case involves millions of dollars or simply a matter of principle.”   
-University General Counsel

Public and private colleges and universities, and private secondary schools, need a variety of counseling and litigation services on a repeat basis. They benefit when such services are coordinated by lawyers who are familiar with the particular dynamics of the educational arena - the lawyers in our College and University Group.

NKMS attorneys regularly work with in-house counsel, administrators, risk managers, campus planners and facility operators, human resource personnel, and campus police, to effectively deal with the issues that disrupt the rhythms of campus life and the school day. We belong to such groups as NACUA and URMIA in order to keep current on the issues confronting these institutions. Our broad experience allows us to help the institution protect its special relationship with its employees, its students, and the campus community.

Our sensitivty to the campus environment means that, when handling a matter, we identify the crucial documents and information, and interact with only the necessary employees, in the least intrusive way. We explain complex legal issues in a way that's useful to the responsible officials, and invites their input, which allows them to consult the appropriate decision-makes when necessary. If required, we deal with public relations issues and provide a quick response team to deal with controversial news or evidentiary issues. In appropriate circumstances, we act to protect confidential and proprietary information, and help create rules and policies for administering  the litigation process to the school's satisfaction.

Typical Matters Handled by the College & University Group:

  • Governance issues
  • Removal of College President by Board of Trustees
  • Internal Investigations
  • Government Investigations
  • Student Affairs and Discipline
  • Academic Freedom
  • Employment counseling and litigation
  • Business Affairs and Contracts
  • Intellectual Property
  • Campus Safety
  • Defamation
  • Civil Rights
  • Disability Discrimination
  • Educators Legal Liability Claims
  • Complex General Liability Claims
  • Crisis and Risk Management
  • Privacy Issues

We consider it a privilege to represent our clients. We know we have to earn their trust. We engage our clients as partners in the work we perform with them. Our work is guided by the following principles: 

  • Passion for our client’s cause
  • Innovative strategies
  • Creative solutions
  • Cost efficiency
  • Responsiveness
  • Excellent results
These are not only the promises we make to our clients, these are also the promises we keep.

College & University Resources

[1/15/2010] Charitable Immunity In Massachusetts
[1/29/2008] AIG Executive Liability
[4/17/2007] Student Suicides and Colleges' Liability
[3/30/2007] Educational Malpractice
[2/22/2007] Ethical Lessons Learned from Scandal at American University
[1/17/2007] Expect Increased Scrutiny of Executive


College & University News

[5/4/2010] Bob Smith to Open National Association of College Auxiliary Services Conference
[5/5/2009] Bob Smith Representing Student in a Disciplinary Action