Seeking legal advice when you have been wronged is difficult, and yet it is an empowering step in the right direction. If you work in the field of education, are an adult student, are a teen in school, or are the parent of a child in school, then your life, and theirs, is focused on the job of teaching or learning. The possibility of something going wrong is difficult to consider, and yet when something happens, you need to be prepared.
How to do that probably feels impossible. You are working or trying to learn while dealing with injustice and problems that are currently beyond your control. You need the expert guidance of a legal team. Unfortunately, there are so many prospects that the process of researching and selecting the right one can leave you with an inability to move forward.
Luckily, you’ll discover plenty of options – but which ones are the best of the best and right for your unique situation? This guide will make your decision easy by walking you through the absolute best education law firms at this moment in time.
1. K Altman Law – The Best for an “Inside-Out” Defense Strategy
K Altman Law operates on the premise and belief that everyone has a right to a fair education. After witnessing problems in the education system, their mission was born. The legal team at K Altman Law is experienced litigators in the arena of education law. They have a broad depth and breadth in that niche category that ranges from civil rights to special education and everything in between.
The law team at K Altman Law uses a unique “Inside-Out” defense strategy that encompasses employees who were formerly employed in the field of education. As such, they have vast experience that they can translate to the legal world to help their clients. They have worked as deans, superintendents, and university professors and have the inside information on the inner workings of the education world.
Unlike competing law firms, K Altman Law leverages this hybrid team to navigate internal disciplinary systems using “insider” knowledge of how schools operate, rather than relying solely on external legal pressures. This means they understand what the opposing team is thinking and have the skill set to counter them effectively.
| Pros | Cons |
| Experienced litigators | Niche law firm |
| Dedicated to civil rights | Very busy practice |
| Well-versed in education law | |
| Highly attentive team | |
| Uses “inside” knowledge to serve clients | |
| Comprehensive body of online resources |
2. Morgan Lewis – Ideal for College Sports Representation
Morgan Lewis is a unique law firm with a wide range of specialties; however, they shine in the arena of college sports representation. Whether it is backing up a player and defending their rights through NIL or Name, Image, and Likeness contract negotiations and representation or Title IX infringements, they are well-versed in this arena.
They don’t offer a one-size-fits-all approach to their student-athlete clients, as everyone’s situation and experiences are unique. They are versed in brokering high-value media contracts for their clients.
| Pros | Cons |
| High-quality work | Very busy practice |
| Global reach | Some online reviews perceive a conservative culture |
| Offers tailored advice | |
| Strong organizational design |
3. Paul Hastings, LLP – Good for Education Labor and Employment Cases
Paul Hastings, LLP is a good fit for clients who have education-related labor and employment cases. Whether you have been passed over for a job based on your unique demographic make-up or physical features, or believe you have been treated unfairly in an education setting, they might be the right fit for you.
They are practiced in representing multiple clients in workplace investigations, in addition to Title IX and harassment claims. Their lawyers have represented students, faculty, contractors, and various other higher education staff regarding a variety of legal issues, as well.
| Pros | Cons |
| Considerable experience in education law | Very busy firm |
| Experienced litigators | Large law practice |
| Highly ranked law firm | |
| Experienced with high-profile cases |
4. McDermott, Will & Schulte – Good for Charitable Contributions
McDermott, Will & Schulte is a global law firm with a broad focus in multiple areas. However, they have a specific service sector in the education industry. With a rise of fraud surrounding charitable giving and contributions in the realm of education in recent years, litigation in this area has picked up pace. MWS is skilled in this particular niche of law representation and strives to ensure entities are acting according to the letter of the law.
McDermott, Will & Schulte works with charitable giving organizations to ensure they are following the appropriate legal guidelines when their charitable programs are created. Some areas they work in include scholarships, foundation support, gifts, pledges, grants, and fundraising and development.
| Pros | Cons |
| Has a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion policy | Many departments of focus |
| Ranks among top law firms | Very large law firm |
| Boasts 1,1750 lawyers | |
| Has more than 20 offices |
5. Ropes & Gray, LLP – Good for Higher Education Cases
Ropes & Gray, LLP focuses on higher education, whereas other law firms on this list provide services that span education from preschool to post-doctoral areas. They are skilled in some particular verticals within higher education, including corporate and finance, academic medicine, research, and healthcare; complex transactions; and sensitive investigations, litigation, and compliance.
Ropes & Gray has been in operation for more than 150 years. They have received consistently high reviews from their clientele and have a broad reach across both the United States and the globe to provide services.
| Pros | Cons |
| Client-focused | May not be a good for smaller businesses |
| Receives consistent recognition for their work | May be busy |
| Employs more than 1,500 lawyers | |
| Global span |
Final Thoughts
Finding a law firm to work with and represent your needs can feel overwhelming. If just the thought of opening your laptop to begin research is too much, you can rest easy by using this short guide to help you find a trusted legal firm for your education-related legal concerns. Take your time to look at each entry on the list and find the right fit for you.
