3. Higher Education Overview
akerman.com 3
Among our legal breadth, Akerman has a thriving Higher Education Policy
and Regulation Practice who's members serve as advisors to colleges and
universities, both non-profit and for-profit, private and public, as well as other
organizations in the education industry, such as education associations,
companies and foundations. We have experience working with large state
university systems, large private institutions, small independent colleges and
universities, community colleges and publically traded career college
companies.
We represent clients in connection with the following:
Regulatory & Compliance
Akerman helps clients comply with governmental regulations and to structure
transactions and initiatives to meet institutional goals while minimizing risks.
Members of our higher education policy and regulation practice advise
clients on matters involving federal and state regulatory compliance, such as
Title IV and Title IX compliance, accreditation, state licensure, distance
education programs and institutional governance.
Policy
Akerman’s bipartisan team of lawyers and public policy advisors have a
broad range of strategic experience and relationships at the federal, state,
and local levels. The team helps clients advance their legislative,
administrative, and regulatory agendas and business objectives on Capitol
Hill, in the White House and with all federal and state agencies.
General Representation
We serve as general counsel to institutions providing general counsel
services, at a cost effective rate, to institutions who may not have an in-
house legal team.
Labor & Employment
Our lawyers defend employers in all types of employment litigation, including
class and collective actions, under federal, state, and local employment laws
including the Fair Labor Standards Act, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the
Americans with Disabilities Act, and other employment laws. Known for work
in specialized areas of practice such as employment law compliance, non-
compete and trade secret issues, ADA public access, and labor relation. We
also offer expertise of nationally recognized immigration planning and
compliance practice.
4. Higher Education Overview
akerman.com 4
Intellectual Property
Akerman provides intellectual property counsel to higher education clients.
Our lawyers have extensive experience representing clients throughout the
U.S. and worldwide in connection with all IP matters, including patents,
trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets, and entertainment & sports law. Core
services include patent, trademark and copyright application preparation,
prosecution, due diligence, licensing, sale, and counseling, as well as
litigating claims involving patent, trademark, copyright, counterfeiting, trade
secret, domain name, Internet, entertainment, antitrust, and contract law.
Financing
Akerman has one of the leading teams in the U.S. representing borrowers
and lenders in a broad range of real estate and construction financing
transactions. Our lawyers are also engaged to work on public-private
partnerships (P3) for the construction of infrastructure, the creation of
community development districts, and other public financing aspects of real
estate development. Our team is experienced in single-asset and portfolio
transactions across the U.S., involving stadiums and arenas.
Construction
Akerman manages the legal aspects of major construction initiatives and
infrastructure projects around the world, providing practical counsel on
contract formation and administration issues, as well as construction
litigation, arbitration, and mediation services. Our team serves a wide array of
industry participants, including public and private owners, contractors,
designers, insurance carriers, sureties, and lenders.
Acquisitions & Dispositions
Members of Akerman's Higher Education Policy and Regulation Practice
have extensive experience representing clients in connection with the
purchase and sale of institutions or institution assets.
Real Estate and Land Use
Akerman represents clients in complex real estate transactions, development
and redevelopment projects, and public-private initiatives. Our lawyers
manage the legal aspects of large land deals and major construction
projects, assist developers in meeting environmental regulations and green
building standards, conceptualize and obtain development incentives, advise
on all aspects of transactional work, including leasing, acquisitions, sales,
financings, and loan restructurings, and represent clients in disputes and
litigation. With a nationally recognized real estate and land use practice and
5. Higher Education Overview
akerman.com 5
experience in complex and large-scale development and urban infill projects,
we regularly provide real estate purchase, zoning, construction, and
development advice for colleges and universities.
Tax
Our team regularly provides tax advice for both profit and not-for-profit
universities.
Litigation
Akerman is experienced providing commercial litigation services to
universities, research foundations, and institutions among others, and is
recognized as a national tier one law firm by U.S. News - Best Lawyers in the
Commercial Litigation category. Our team has vast experience in a wide
range of civil and criminal litigation.
6. Higher Education Policy & Regulation
akerman.com 6
Akerman represents institutions of higher education across the entire
spectrum of postsecondary education including public and private colleges
and universities offering doctoral and graduate degrees, two and four-year
associates and baccalaureate degrees, certificate, and diploma programs as
well.
Our policy consultants closely monitor issues that affect clients and their
programs, seeking to ensure that policy makers are aware of the impact of
even minor revisions to statutes, and regulations that can impact student
and institutional access, eligibility, future success, and employability of their
graduates.
Practice Highlights
• Regularly advise clients on matters including student discipline, student
accommodations, Title IX compliance including complaints and
investigations, FERPA, Clery Act, and the Program Integrity regulations
• Experience representing educational institutions with respect to the
structuring and execution of a broad range of transactional,
restructuring, finance, and corporate governance matters
• Involved in efforts to re-write the Higher Education Acts currently before
Congress, including provisions on regulatory reform, eligibility of Pell
Grants, and International Education (Title VI) programs
• Established the Higher Education Allied Heath Leaders (HEAL) Coalition
to promote the interests of allied health professionals attending
proprietary institutions of higher education
• Experience managing all facets of student litigation, representing an
institution when dealing with the Department of Education, Title IV
program reviews, and federal and state cases
• Team members include former in-house counsel at non-profit education
system, former NCAA assistant director of academic & membership
affairs, and a current NCAA Division II infractions appeal committee
chair member
7. About Akerman
akerman.com 7
Akerman LLP is a leading transactions and trial law firm known for its core
strengths in middle market M&A, within the financial services and real estate
industries, and for a diverse Latin America practice. With more than 600
lawyers and government affairs professionals and a network of 20 offices,
Akerman is ranked among the top 100 law firms in the United States by The
American Lawyer (2015). Akerman also is ranked among the top 50 law firms
for diversity in The American Lawyer's Diversity Scorecard (2015).
Practices
• Appellate
• Automotive
• Banking, Lending & Structured
Finance
• Bankruptcy & Reorganization
• Capital Markets
• Class Action Defense
• Construction
• Consumer Finance Litigation &
Compliance
• Corporate
• Data Law
• Economic Development &
Incentives
• Employee Benefits & Executive
Compensation
• Entertainment
• Environment & Natural Resources
• Financial Institutions Commercial
Litigation
• Franchising & Licensing
• Fraud & Recovery
• Government Affairs & Public Policy
• Government Contracts
• Green & Sustainable Development
• Healthcare
• Higher Education Policy &
Regulation
• Immigration Planning &
Compliance
• Insurance Litigation & Regulation
• Intellectual Property
• International Litigation &
Arbitration
• Labor & Employment
• Land Use & Urban
Development
• Latin America & the Caribbean
• Litigation
• Lodging & Lifestyle
• Mergers & Acquisitions and
Private Equity
• Products Liability & Mass
Torts
• Public Finance
• Public-Private Partnerships
• Real Estate
• Restaurant
• SEC Receiverships
• Securities Litigation
• Sports
• State & Local Tax Litigation
and Controversy
• Tax
• Transportation & Public
Infrastructure
• Trusts & Estates
• White Collar Crime &
Government Investigations
• Workouts & Restructuring
8. About Akerman
akerman.com 8
Recognition
U.S. News - Best Lawyers 2015
• Antitrust Law (National)
• Appellate Practice (National)
• Banking and Finance Law (National)
• Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights/Insolvency and Reorganization
Law (National)
• Commercial Litigation (National)
• Construction Law (National – Tier One)
• Corporate Law (National – Tier One)
• Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law (National)
• Employment Law - Management (National)
• Franchise Law (National)
• Health Care Law (National – Tier One)
• Insurance Law (National)
• International Arbitration - Commercial (National)
• International Trade and Finance Law (National – Tier One)
• Labor Law - Management (National)
• Land Use & Zoning Law (National)
• Leveraged Buyouts and Private Equity Law (National)
• Litigation - Antitrust (National)
• Litigation - Banking & Finance (National – Tier One)
• Litigation - Bankruptcy (National – Tier One)
• Litigation - Construction (National – Tier One)
• Litigation - Intellectual Property (National)
• Litigation - Labor & Employment (National)
• Litigation - Real Estate (National – Tier One)
• Mergers & Acquisitions Law (National)
• Private Funds/Hedge Funds Law (National)
• Real Estate Law (National – Tier One)
• Securities/Capital Markets Law (National)
• Securities Regulation (National)
• Tax Law (National)
• Trusts & Estates Law (National)
• Venture Capital Law (National)
10. LaKeisha C. Marsh
Partner
71 South Wacker Drive
46th Floor
Chicago, IL 60606
Tel: 312.634.5700
Fax: 312.424.1900
lakeisha.marsh@akerman.com
LaKeisha Marsh focuses her practice on the higher education industry,
representing various institutions including colleges and universities on a full
range of topics including federal and state regulatory compliance,
accreditation, state licensure, distance education programs, institutional
governance, and collegiate sports and NCAA compliance-related matters.
She regularly advises clients on matters including student discipline, student
accommodations, Title IX compliance including complaints and investigations,
FERPA, Clery Act and the Program Integrity regulations. She brings vast
working experience and knowledge of the laws, regulations and informal
guidance that together govern institutional participation in the programs of
student financial assistance under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965.
She has managed all facets of student litigation, representing an institution
when dealing with the Department of Education, Title IV program reviews, and
federal and state cases.
She has experience representing educational institutions with respect to the
structuring and execution of a broad range of transactional, restructuring,
finance, and corporate governance matters. In addition, in her previous role at
an entrepreneurial, not-for-profit educational system, LaKeisha managed a
robust legal department with primary focus in the areas of corporate
governance, corporate compliance, corporate transactions, mergers and
acquisitions, and litigation management.
She frequently speaks on higher education topics including Title IX, Clery Act,
Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), sexual misconduct and
student-athletes, incentive compensation, and gainful employment. As a
former member of the NCAA staff, in the Academic and Membership Affairs
department (formerly Membership Services), LaKeisha has firsthand
knowledge of the NCAA bylaws and rules for Division I, II, and III athletics. She
has handled NCAA certification, compliance reviews, infractions and appeals,
student-athlete eligibility and waivers, and Title IX matters.
Practices
Government Affairs & Public Policy
Education
J.D., Loyola University Chicago
School of Law, 2005
B.A., Clark Atlanta University, 2000;
Political Science
Bar Admissions
Illinois
11. Areas of Experience
Higher Education Policy & Regulation
Professional Memberships & Activities
• American Bar Association, Member
• National Association of College and University Attorneys (NACUA), Member
• NCAA Division II Infractions Appeal Committee, Chair
• Posse Foundation, Chicago Leadership Council
• Corporate Counsel Women of Color, Member
Related Professional Experience
• TCS Education System, Associate Vice President & Senior Counsel,
2008-2014
• National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), Assistant Director of
Academic & Membership Affairs, 2006-2008
12. Richard L. Spees
Office Managing Partner
Chair, Government Affairs & Public Policy Practice Group
750 Ninth Street, N.W.
Suite 750
Washington, D.C. 20001
Tel: 202.824.1701
Fax: 202.393.5959
rick.spees@akerman.com
Richard L. Spees is the Akerman Government Affairs & Public Policy Practice
Group Chair and serves as the office managing partner of the Washington,
D.C. office. He has over 25 years of experience representing clients before the
federal government. Rick represents a wide range of public and private clients
including cities, counties, transit properties, science centers, educational
institutions, corporations, and hospital systems.
Before starting his legal practice, Rick served in a number of positions in the
U.S. Senate, including three years as the Staff Director of the Senate
Commerce, Justice, and State and Related Agencies Appropriations
Subcommittee. He also served on the Senate Judiciary Committee and as a
Legislative Assistant for Senator Paul Laxalt (R-Nevada).
Areas of Experience
EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program
Energy Project Development & Finance
Federal Appropriations & Government Funding
Higher Education Policy & Regulation
Local Government Advocacy
Regulated Substances Task Force
Transportation Regulation & Policy
Representative Experience
• Appropriations - Experience includes assisting clients in securing federal
funds, in legislative allocations, authorizations and agency grants.
Practices
Government Affairs & Public Policy
Representative Clients
Central Florida Regional
Transportation Authority (LYNX)
Chabot Space and Science Center
City of Orlando, Florida
Nye County, Nevada
Ocean Stewards Institute
Peralta Community College System
Carson City, Nevada
CapSpan
Education
J.D., Georgetown University Law
Center, 1979; with honors
B.A., University of California,
Berkeley, 1976; Economics, with
honors
Bar Admissions
District of Columbia
California
13. transportation reauthorization bills, part of the team that helped draft the
State Infrastructure Bank legislation which was the first federal innovative
financing program, and assisting ports and beach communities obtain
funding and project management from the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers.
• Government - Experience includes work for cities, counties, transit
properties, airports, educational institutions, science centers and foreign
governments.
• Council of American Overseas Research Centers - General Counsel
• International Center for Middle Eastern+Western Dialogue (The
Hollings Center) - General Counsel
• Ocean Stewards Institute - General Counsel
Published Work & Lectures
• Association of Science Technology Centers (ASTC) Annual Conference,
Speaker, "Defying Physics: A Countervailing View of Washington," October
2014
• Nuclear Waste Strategy Coalition Fall 2013 Meeting, Speaker, "Charting a
Path Forward Without a Map," November 2013
• "Paul Laxalt -- Man of Political Independence," The Maverick Spirit:
Building the New Nevada, Chapter 11, 1999
Court Admissions
• U.S. District Court, District of Columbia
Professional Memberships & Activities
• The U.S. Conference of Mayors, Business Council, Member
• Reading Partners DC, Board Member
• Foundation for Prader Willi Research, Pro bono legal work
Related Professional Experience
• U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on the Departments of
Commerce, Justice, State, Judiciary, and Related Agencies, Staff Director
and Chief Counsel, 1982-1986
• U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee on Regulatory Reform, Majority Counsel,
1981 - 1982
• Office of Senator Paul Laxalt, U.S. Senate, Legislative Assistant
• Transportation - Experience includes work on several surface
14. Tom E. Netting
Public Policy Advisor *
750 Ninth Street, N.W.
Suite 750
Washington, D.C. 20001
Tel: 202.393.6222
Fax: 202.393.5959
tom.netting@akerman.com
Tom Netting has more than 20 years of experience working in government
relations and public policy on matters involving higher education and
workforce development, elementary and secondary education, healthcare,
veterans affairs and the procurement of federal appropriations. Tom
represents for-profit institutions of higher education and post-secondary
education companies.
Areas of Experience
Federal Appropriations & Government Funding
Healthcare Legislation & Government Affairs
Higher Education Policy & Regulation
Representative Experience
• On behalf of higher education clients, advocated for the inclusion of
specific public policy provisions in the Higher Education Opportunity Act,
enacted into law Aug. 14, 2008
• Established the Higher Education Allied Health Leaders (HEAL) Coalition to
promote the interests of allied health professionals attending proprietary
institutions of higher education.
• Secured federal financial support for National Demonstration Projects to
reduce student test-taking anxiety and prevent student dropouts and
teacher attrition to help ensure that the goals of the No Child Left Behind
Act are achieved.
Practices
Government Affairs & Public Policy
Representative Clients
American Association of
Cosmetology Schools
National Accrediting Commission of
Cosmetology Arts & Science
Education
B.A., Presbyterian College
Bar Admissions
* Not admitted to the practice of law
15. • National Conference on Allied Health Education, Presenter, "Impact of
Public Policy on Health Education: Past, Present & Future," February 23,
2012
• Virginia Career College Association Fall Conference, Speaker, "Federal
Legislative & Regulatory Potpourri," September 28, 2012
Professional Memberships & Activities
• Higher Education Allied Health Leaders (HEAL) Coalition, Executive Director
• Fairways to Habitat, supporting Habitat for Humanity builds in Maryland,
Virginia and the District of Columbia, Board Member
• Career Education Review, The Career College Information Source, Editorial
Advisory Board Member
Related Professional Experience
• Corinthian Colleges, Inc., Corporate Director of Government Relations
• Association of Private Sector Colleges and Universities (APSCIA), formerly
the Career College Association, Lobbyist and Senior Accreditation
Specialist
Published Work & Lectures
16. Dean A. Dickie
Partner
71 South Wacker Drive
46th Floor
Chicago, IL 60606
Tel: 312.634.5700
Fax: 312.424.1900
dean.dickie@akerman.com
Dean Dickie is as a partner in the Litigation Practice Group. An experienced
trial lawyer, Dean focuses his practice on business and commercial litigation
matters involving intellectual property, securities, and professional liability
claims. He has tried cases in federal and state courts throughout the United
States, representing officers, directors, and corporations in securities fraud,
insider trading, breach of fiduciary duty, accounting malpractice, Securities
Exchange arbitration, product liability, antitrust, and civil rights claims. His jury
trial experience includes patent infringement, trademark, trade dress, breach
of fiduciary duty claims, breach of contract and tortious interference with
contracts, usurpation of corporate opportunity, and director and officer liability
claims.
Representative Experience
• Received a rare plaintiff's verdict in a trade dress case on behalf of a client
in the retail housewares and apparel industries.
• Represented the outside directors of a securities firm in a class action
case, and resolved the matter without any personal liability to the clients.
• Prosecuted a policyholder’s multi-million dollar claim for environmental
cleanup costs, including reimbursements of attorney’s fees and costs.
• Defended a municipality in a three month zoning trial. Before plaintiffs
rested, they moved to dismiss their case voluntarily after calling only five of
their 30 witnesses.
Court Admissions
• U.S. Supreme Court
• U.S. Court of Appeals, Second Circuit
Practices
Litigation
Education
J.D., Georgetown University Law
Center, 1969; Professional Hockey
(3 years)
B.A., Northwestern University, 1966;
Varsity Football (4 years)
Bar Admissions
Illinois
17. • U.S. Court of Appeals, Fourth Circuit
• U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit
• U.S. Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit
• U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit
• U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Michigan
• U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois
• Michigan Court of Claims
• U.S. Court of Federal Claims
Professional Memberships & Activities
• American Bar Association, Member
• Markey Wigmore Inns of Court, Member
• Northwestern University, NClub, Member
Related Professional Experience
• Northwestern University Law School, Introduction to Trial Advocacy,
adjunct professor
• DePaul University College of Law, Constitutional Law, adjunct professor
• Law Clerk to the Honorable Hubert L. Will, U.S. District Court for the
Northern District of Illinois
