Colleges and universities play a vital role in our society—educating the next generation, creating jobs in the community, fostering innovation—and answer to many different stakeholders. From labor and employment to financing, construction, real estate, accreditation, intellectual property, internal audits and investigations, or litigation, an institution’s need for informed, responsive legal guidance on a host of topics is clear. Alston & Bird’s Colleges & Universities Team is a multidisciplinary group of lawyers steeped in the industry and attuned to the myriad challenges facing educational institutions today. A number of our team’s lawyers have served on boards of trustees for private and public colleges and universities, giving us a front seat to the issues that most concern you.
Unlike many firms that provide one-off representation for a given case or transaction, we believe in building long-term relationships with your in-house professionals, whether we are providing valuable advice to members of your legal department, interacting with faculty and staff, or advising the board on strategic initiatives. We are flexible, responsive, and cost-efficient, aiding you through investigations, employment disputes, litigation, accreditation issues, or deals so that you are confident in both the process and the outcome.
Our Colleges & Universities Team includes respected intellectual property lawyers and agents who work with universities and research institutions to protect important technologies in areas like biotechnology, engineering, and pharmaceuticals. If government regulators or accreditors have singled out your institution for investigation, we will protect your interests while conducting a thorough examination of the processes and specifics to reduce the likelihood of future scrutiny.
In project finance, our lawyers have helped more than 40 colleges and universities expand and improve through real estate acquisition and construction. With your planning and goals in mind, we work to properly structure transactions and anticipate problems that could lead to delays.
By taking the long view and focusing on your strategic vision, Alston & Bird’s Colleges & Universities Team produces a seamless experience in any matter.
Colleges & Universities
Colleges and universities juggle competing priorities and varying legal needs. Our lawyers are members of NACUA and we understand what it takes to support you as an extension of your internal team, collaborating on construction projects or taking on the heavy lifting of an investigation or significant financing transaction. When challenges arise, we deliver the approach that works best for you.