Education

Education-sector organizations must manage law compliance in an environment more complex, intense, and variable than in bygone days. Education institutions face financial pressure, heightened regulatory burdens and government enforcement, fierce competition, increased internationalism, and fast-paced technological opportunities and risks. BMD's team of experienced attorneys draw on an accumulated wealth of experience, knowledge and relationships to provide solutions to navigate the vast complexity of the ever changing educational environment. Our clients include private and public colleges and universities as well as primary and secondary schools, including community (charter) schools.     

Educational Compliance 

As outside counsel to our education clients, BMD provides advice in all areas of education law, including the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), relations with parents and families, employment and retirement issues for school employees, electronic and virtual education, adult and vocational education, and compliance with the Ohio Sunshine Law and public meetings requirements. 

University and Post-Graduate Representation 

In representing various public and private universities, BMD is also experienced in the unique issues created by post-graduate education such as employment relations with tenured and non-tenured employees, creation and accreditation of graduation schools and programs, commercialization of university inventions through technology licensing, Title IX compliance, and the regulation and financing of student housing projects. We also advise higher education clients on creative ways to monetize assets and structure public-private deals.  

Community Schools 

BMD provides counsel regarding the Ohio Community Schools Act, sponsor-school relations, tax treatment of community schools, and negotiations with the Ohio Department of Education’s Office of School Sponsorship and private sponsors.