Experience

Dismissal with Prejudice of Claims Against School Board Chair

On our motion, we secured a dismissal with prejudice for the board chair of a private school on claims of consumer fraud and infliction of emotional distress. The multi-party suit arose out of alleged acts and omissions at the school related to claimed cyberbullying and a former student’s tragic death by suicide.

Summary Judgment in Employment Discrimination Case

Secured summary judgment in the Circuit Court of Cape Girardeau County, Missouri, for a university client in a heavily contested employment discrimination case. A former university coach claimed she was discriminated against based on gender stereotyping and implicit bias. Following numerous depositions and testimony from expert witnesses on both sides, the Court granted summary judgment for the university on all counts.

Summary Judgment for Higher Education Client on MHRA Claims

Obtained summary judgment for a higher education client on Missouri Human Rights Act (MHRA) claims in state court where the claims were based on gender and race discrimination, sexual harassment, hostile work environment and retaliation.

Investigated, Counseled and Presented on Topics Related to Title IX

Conducted investigations concerning alleged violations of Title IX. Assisted in drafting, revising and advising on Title IX policies, and presented trainings to prepare higher education staff to conduct Title IX investigations.

Patent Portfolio Strategy for University Covering Pharmaceuticals, Life Sciences and Medical Fields

Developed and executed patent filing strategy and managed diverse patent portfolio for a large university client. Technologies span various subject areas including pharmaceuticals, life sciences and medical fields.

Patent Portfolio Strategy for University Covering Science, Engineering and Medical Fields

Developed and executed patent filing strategy and managed diverse patent portfolio for a large university client. Technologies span various subject areas including science, engineering and medical fields.

M&A Counsel to Private Liberal Arts College

Represented a private liberal arts college in the acquisition of a fine arts museum and its collections valued in excess of $100 million.

Drafted IP Agreements for University

Evaluated and drafted IP licensing agreements, research and collaboration agreements and material transfer agreements for a large U.S. university.

Advised University on Inventorship Determination in Dispute

Advised a large U.S. university regarding inventorship determination in a disputed matter with a collaborating university.

Challenged Home Office’s ‘Intention to Revoke’ a Sponsor Licence for Educational Establishment

Successfully challenged Home Office’s ‘Intention to Revoke’ an educational institution’s sponsor licence. Subsequently undertook a mock audit with the client to ensure compliance with the Immigration Rules, and represented client at their next Home Office audit.

Successfully Defended University, Individual Against Missouri Human Right Act Claims

Secured a full defense verdict for a university and individual on multiple claims alleging violations of the Missouri Human Rights Act. After a one-week trial in the City of St. Louis Circuit Court, the jury returned verdicts in favor of our client on all counts.

Defense Verdict for Public Entity in Vendor Contract Dispute

We obtained a full defense verdict in a jury trial in Jackson County, Missouri, on behalf of a public entity regarding a contract dispute with a vendor. The plaintiff alleged representations from the public entity's leadership induced performance in support of a claim for breach of warranty ex contractu. The jury agreed with our defense that the representations did not happen and that the plaintiff did not prove damages.

Obtained Summary Judgment in Construction Negligence Action

Obtained summary judgment for a client in a tort claim arising out of a construction project.

Dismissal of Negligence Claims Against School Officials

Obtained dismissal of negligence claims against public school officials in the Circuit Court of Jackson County, Missouri. The plaintiff alleged wrongful death from a shooting in the parking lot of a public building during a public event. We demonstrated that official immunity barred the claims.

Successfully Defended College in Discrimination Case Before the EEOC

Successfully defended EEOC charges alleging race and gender discrimination on behalf of private liberal arts college.

Counsel on Early Retirement Offers for Professors, Staff

Counseled private liberal arts college regarding early retirement offers for professors and staff.

Ongoing Title IX Counsel for Liberal Arts College

Provided ongoing counsel to liberal arts college in Title IX investigations and issues.

Trial Counsel in $240 Million Suit for College Brought By Colorado Attorney General

Lead counsel in a four-week trial against consumer protection and lending claims where the Colorado Attorney General sought $240 million. The decision limited the state’s relief to $3 million, which was later reversed and remanded by the Court of Appeals.

Dismissal of Wrongful Termination Suit for University

Obtained dismissal of lawsuit brought in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri by the former employee of a university, who claimed wrongful termination in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act and Missouri Human Rights Act.

Structured Multimillion-Dollar, Multi-Year Sponsored Research Program and Joint Venture for Health Care Client

Structured a multimillion-dollar, multi-year sponsored research program and related joint venture between a health care client and a leading research university. Structured budgeting and oversight mechanisms for research funding; structured LLC joint venture (JV) entity and related governance matters; completed licensing agreements and conducted analysis related to JV intellectual property ownership; all enabling future commercialization of intellectual property developed from funded research.

Contract Review for Liberal Arts College

Reviewed vendor contracts for private liberal arts college, including food service agreements, cable television agreements, campus maintenance agreements and telephone systems agreements.

Filed University's First Ever Patent Applications

Filed the first ever patent applications for a university client. Worked with the university to create and implement internal intellectual property procedures for the client.

Pharmaceutical Patent Portfolio for University

Managed pharmaceutical patent portfolio that includes filings in over 16 different countries. Worked with university and licensee on achieving patent protection worldwide.

Patent Preparation and Prosecution for Leading-Edge Technologies

Prepared and prosecuted patent applications on leading-edge technologies developed by research institutes, including medical instruments and imaging methodologies for treating and detecting diseases.

GDPR Compliance Program for University

Helped facilitate the design and implementation of all facets of international university’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) program.

Restructuring, Reclassifying Endowment Funds for Liberal Arts College

Counseled private liberal arts college regarding restructuring and reclassifying endowment funds.

Restructuring of Multi-State, For-Profit College

Served as counsel to a multi-state, for-profit college in its restructuring and ultimate closure.

Bond Issuance for Liberal Arts College

Served as counsel in bond issuance for liberal arts college to build additional student housing.

Defeat of 21 Injunctions Against Private University

Defeated a request by the Colorado attorney general for 21 separate injunctions sought against a private university. After a five-day preliminary injunction proceeding, the court rejected each of the state’s requests finding they had no reasonable likelihood of success on the merits.