Robinson+Cole regularly serves as outside counsel to large universities, midsize colleges and independent schools, providing investigatory, advisory, transactional, and litigation services to meet the needs that are unique to educational institutions. We provide legal services in a broad range of practice areas that shape the student, faculty and administrator experience.
COMPLETE SERVICE
The issues faced by our education clients are as diverse and complex as the members of their communities, from governance and administration to employees and students. Drawing upon the collective experience of every practice group Robinson+Cole has to offer, our Education Group brings a collaborative approach to solving these problems. Schools face many challenges amid dwindling resources, and we provide clear, practical guidance to help them achieve their mission.
Decisions in one area often cause ripples elsewhere that can disrupt the equilibrium of an institution. Our lawyers know this, and they work together and with clients to assess risk and provide practical solutions. When necessary, our attorneys guide clients through processes to resolve disputes early and efficiently. If early resolution is not possible, we are prepared to pursue a resolution in any forum, including litigation. Our firm has a wide range of experience in practice areas that educational institutions require:
MISSION AWARENESS
Our lawyers closely monitor developments in the education sector. We maintain active membership in, attend and present at national and regional conferences for leading organizations such as the National Association of College and University Attorneys, the Higher Education Real Estate Lawyers, the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities in Massachusetts, and the Licensing Executive Society.
Robinson+Cole offers clients personal attention, responsiveness, cost efficiency, and creative, alternative approaches to fees.
Representation of a university client in the review and negotiation of numerous technology and software as a services contracts to protect and secure student data, HR data and research data pursuant to state and federal laws, including FERPA.
Representation of a university client in the negotiation of a contract with a third-party vendor to conduct a security risk assessment and penetration test. Oversaw assessment and worked with vendor and the University to implement appropriate training, policies, procedures and technical safeguards based on the findings. Assisted in review of cyber liability insurance related to the same.
Successfully negotiated adjunct faculty contract well in advance of contract expiration, and thus avoiding threatened picketing during high-visibility weekend.
Representation of Providence College in drafting and negotiating the design and construction agreements for the Ruane Center for Humanities, a 63,000-square-foot building constructed to accommodate its new Development of Western Civilization program, as well as offices for the School of Arts & Sciences, the center for the Study of the Humanities, the Liberal Arts Honors Program, and the Departments of English and History.
Representation of an independent coeducational college preparatory boarding and day school in negotiating a design contract for a 24,000-square-foot science building designed and built in accordance with sustainability principles of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) rating system of the U.S. Green Building Council.
Representation of a Connecticut town in drafting the construction and design services agreements for the proposed renovation of a high school, the roof replacement at an elementary school, and a new town hall and police station.
Representation of Common Ground in New Haven, Connecticut, the nation's longest-running environmental charter high school, in preparing RFP materials and a construction contract for the construction of a new center for learning and leadership, renovating existing school buildings, and making extensive sustainability upgrades on the charter school's 21-acre campus.
Representation of King Low Heywood Thomas School in Stamford, Connecticut, in preparing design and construction management contracts for the phased renovations to the Upper School, including a state-of-the-art academic center, new common space with integrated vertical circulation, substantial renovation of support space, asbestos abatement, and infrastructure improvements.
Represented the University of Hartford in the sale of several campus buildings, including drafting and negotiating of purchase and sale agreement and ancillary closing documents, attention to title matters, and preparation for and attendance at closing.