Thompson Coburn’s Higher Education practice features a group of skilled attorneys who dedicate all (or a majority) of their time to serving institutions of higher education. The scope of our higher education practice is broad, and includes corporate, regulatory, and litigation services, among others. These legal services are complemented and further enhanced by our significant lobbying and policy experience in the higher education space. Through our REGucation training platform, we provide a wide range of resources to support institutions in navigating complex legal challenges. We are fully and intentionally committed to serving higher education, and grateful for the opportunity to do so.
Below, we provide brief profiles for the members of our higher education practice. In each case, we highlight the team member’s primary area of practice. This said, we emphasize that many of our attorneys regularly work on matters outside of these primary designations.
JUMP TO: Practice Leadership | Regulatory Team | Transactions Team | Litigation Team
HIGHER EDUCATION PRACTICE LEADERSHIP
Aaron Lacey, Practice Co-Chair (Strategy, Policy & Regulation)
alacey@thompsoncoburn.com | 314.552.6405
Aaron has decades of experience providing strategic and regulatory counsel to institutions of higher education on a wide range of issues. He is deeply valued for his substantive experience in the federal, state, and accrediting agency laws and standards that govern postsecondary institutions, and his ability to closely work with regulators and institutions to achieve successful outcomes. Aaron holds a B.A. from Duke University and a J.D. from Vanderbilt University.
Emily Murphy, Practice Co-Chair (Mergers & Acquisitions, Corporate Counsel)
emurphy@thompsoncoburn.com | 202.585.6939
Emily is a corporate attorney who advises institutions on strategic transactions, business contracts and corporate governance, including mergers, acquisitions, divestitures and other commercial arrangements. When managing postsecondary mergers and acquisitions, she oversees all aspects of the transaction from start to finish, while coordinating specialists and other advisors along the way. Emily holds a B.A. from Emory University and a J.D. from Georgetown University.
Tres Cleveland, Practice Co-Chair (Litigation & Investigations)
tcleveland@thompsoncoburn.com | 205.769.4304
A litigator by trade, Tres has successfully represented postsecondary institutions, third-party servicers, and financial investors in dozens of reported cases in courts throughout the country. He also regularly appears before the U.S. Department of Education, regional and national accreditors, state attorneys general, and state licensure boards. Tres holds a B.B.A. from Mississippi State University and a J.D. from the University of Mississippi.
Chris Murray (Lobbying & Policy)
cmurray@thompsoncoburn.com | 202.585.6916
The Chair of Thompson Coburn’s Lobbying & Policy group, Chris has focused on education policy throughout his career, from pre-K through primary, secondary, and postsecondary, on behalf of institutions, trade associations, technology companies and investors. Drawing on his intuitive understanding of political dynamics and relationships inside the Beltway, Chris proactively spots opportunities so that his clients can work collaboratively with policymakers and stakeholders. Chris holds a B.A. from Georgetown University and a J.D. from Vanderbilt University.
HIGHER EDUCATION REGULATORY TEAM
Scott Goldschmidt (Regulation, Institutional Affairs, Nondiscrimination Law)
sgoldschmidt@thompsoncoburn.com | 202.585.6963
Prior to joining the firm, Scott served as the Deputy General Counsel for The Catholic University of America. Drawing on his experience in a general counsel’s office, Scott brings a practical, ‘in-house’ perspective to the complex legal, regulatory, and compliance issues of our clients. He has particular expertise managing matters involving federal and state nondiscrimination laws, as well as educational partnerships between institutions and service providers. In recent years, Scott also has assisted scores of institutions to respond to federal borrower defense claims. Scott holds a B.A. from The George Washington University and a J.D. from The Catholic University of America.
Katie Wendel (Regulation, Mergers & Acquisitions)
kwendel@thompsoncoburn.com | 202.585.6917
Katie handles a wide variety of regulatory and transactional work for institutions of higher education, including online education programs, and has extensive knowledge of the laws and policies affecting colleges and universities. In the transactional context, Katie routinely leads all regulatory workstreams and the production of related reports and assists institutions with a wide range of required regulatory filings. Katie holds a B.S. from the University of North Carolina, an M.S. in Higher Education Administration from Indiana University, and a J.D. from Georgetown University.
Roger Swartzwelder (Regulation, Institutional Affairs, Mergers & Acquisitions)
rswartzwelder@thompsoncoburn.com | 202.585.6918
Roger has decades of experience representing public, private non-profit, and proprietary institutions of higher education on a range of regulatory and operational ssues. He previously served nearly 14 years as general counsel and chief compliance officer for a multi-state system of colleges, and he worked at an accrediting agency for more than 13 years, eight of which were spent as the associate executive director and in-house counsel. Roger holds a B.A. from Dickinson College, and an M.B.A. and a J.D. from The George Washington University.
Jayna Marie Rust (Federal Contracts, Grants, and Loans)
jrust@thompsoncoburn.com | 202.585.6929
Jayna advises non-profit and for-profit recipients of Federal grants and loans, including institutions of higher education, on compliance with Federal financial assistance requirements. She counsels clients on navigating 2 CFR Part 200 (Uniform Guidance), negotiating subrecipient agreements, and preparing for audits, investigations, and agency reviews. Her work includes helping universities and research institutions understand agency-specific regulations, manage grant terminations, and address complex legal issues tied to Federal funding. Jayna holds a B.J. from the University of Missouri, an M.A. from Loyola Marymount University, and a J.D. from The George Washington University.
Jim Matchefts (Loan Servicing, Government Affairs)
jmatchefts@thompsoncoburn.com | 314.552.6169
Jim is an experienced higher education attorney who served as General Counsel of the Missouri Higher Education Loan Authority (MOHELA) for 15 years, and as General Counsel to the Missouri Department of Higher Education for 10 years prior to joining MOHELA. He has also held leadership roles on the boards of the Missouri Scholarship and Loan Foundation, the Missouri College and Career Attainment Network, and the Missouri Association of Student Financial Aid Personnel. His career has been dedicated to expanding college access and success for Missouri students. Jim holds a B.A. from Lawrence University, a J.D. from Washington University, and an Ed.D from Saint Louis University.
Leah Northener (Regulation, Institutional Affairs, Nondiscrimination Law)
lnorthener@thompsoncoburn.com | 817.909.2491
As a former general counsel of an educational istitution, Leah excels at navigating the complicated world of higher education law. She has worked closely with academic and administrative teams on training, policy development, student issues, and fiscal compliance, and brings particular experience in guiding institutions through compliance with federal nondiscrimination laws. She also provides support during postsecondary transactions, assisting with due diligence, agency application, and many other critical, regulatory functions. Leah holds a B.A. from Texas Christian University and a J.D. from Baylor University.
Hope Watson (Regulation, Mergers & Acquisitions)
hwatson@thompsoncoburn.com | 202.585.6980
Hope’s practice centers on regulatory matters for institutions of higher education, focusing on state, accreditor, and federal compliance standards. She also has extensive experience assisting institutions with strategic initiatives, including mergers and acquisitions, and routinely supports institutions of higher education through complex licensing processes, drafting various policies, and complying with federal financial aid program requirements. Hope holds a B.A. and a Bachelor’s in Journalism from the University of Missouri and a J.D. from Vanderbilt University.
Joyce Lee (Regulation, Mergers & Acquisitions)
jlee@thompsoncoburn.com | 202.615.0014
Joyce Lee supports institutions of higher education in a range of regulatory and compliance matters. She provides clients with research and analysis on the ever-changing regulatory framework governing institutions, and routinely assists with both the drafting of ancillary documents and submission of regulatory filings for higher education transactions. Joyce holds a B.A. from the University of California, Los Angeles and a J.D. from Georgetown University.
HIGHER EDUCATION TRANSACTIONS TEAM
Susan Fisher (Mergers & Acquisitions, Corporate Counsel)
sfisher@thompsoncoburn.com | 972.629.7126
Susan is a transactional attorney with extensive experience advising institutions and investors, including those in the higher education sector, on complex mergers, acquisitions, and strategic investments. With a background as a CPA, she brings deep financial insight to each deal, helping clients align transactions with long-term goals. Susan collaborates across legal disciplines to address regulatory, financial, and operational considerations relevant to colleges, universities, and affiliated entities. Susan holds a B.A. from Southwestern University, an M.A. in Professional Accounting from the University of Texas, Austin and a J.D. from Southern Methodist University.
Nick Engel (Mergers & Acquisitions, Tax Counsel, Federal Composite Score)
nengel@thompsoncoburn.com | 312.580.2317
Nick is a tax attorney who advises nonprofit and higher education institutions on tax structuring, compliance, and exemption matters, as well as with issues relating to the U.S. Department of Education’s composite score. Nick brings a practical and strategic approach to tax planning, including entity formation, governance, and succession planning. Nick holds a B.A. and a Bachelor’s in Journalism from the University of Missouri, and an LL.M. in Taxation and J.D. from Washington University.
Kayla Siam (Mergers & Acquisitions, Corporate Counsel)
ksiam@thompsoncoburn.com | 312.580.5089
Kayla is a corporate attorney whose practice has a strong focus on merger and acquisition transactions and corporate governance in higher education. She routinely serves as a trusted guide on complex, postsecondary transactions. Kayla also has experience preparing organizational documents and drafting and negotiating third-party agreements for nonprofit and proprietary institutions. Kayla holds a B.A. from Governors State University and an M.B.A. and J.D. from Emory University.
Sarah Larson (Mergers & Acquisitions, Non-Profit Corporate Counsel)
slarson@thompsoncoburn.com | 314.552.6576
Sarah is a corporate attorney who advises non-profit colleges and universities on mergers and acquisitions. Sarah also supports higher education institutions with corporate governance, compliance, and commercial transactions, helping them navigate evolving regulatory requirements and manage complex financial relationships. Sarah holds a B.S. from Missouri State University and a J.D. from Saint Louis University.
David J. Kaufman (Mergers & Acquisitions, Corporate Counsel, Private Equity and Securities)
djkaufman@thompsoncoburn.com | 312.580.2342
David is a corporate attorney who advises higher education institutions, investors and their affiliated entities on complex transactions, including mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures and strategic investments. With deep experience in private equity and public and private securities law, he helps universities and investors structure transactions, ventures, spin-offs, divestures and investment vehicles that align with their missions, while complying with their various regulatory obligations. David also counsels boards and management teams on governance, fiduciary duties, and compliance with SEC disclosure requirements. David holds a B.A., a Master of Public Policy, and J.D. from the University of Michigan.
Nathan Viehl (Mergers & Acquisitions, Corporate Counsel, Private Equity and Securities)
nviehl@thompsoncoburn.com | 312.580.5058
Nathan is a mergers and acquisitions attorney who advises higher education institutions and affiliated organizations on complex transactions, including acquisitions, divestitures, financings, and strategic partnerships. With experience across traditional and nontraditional deal structures, he helps universities and education-focused entities navigate capital markets, private equity, and venture-backed investments. Nathan holds a B.A. from Marquette University and a J.D. from the University of Chicago.
Steve Mitchell (Public & Commercial Finance)
smitchell@thompsoncoburn.com | 314.552.6178
Steve Mitchell focuses his practice on public and commercial finance, with deep experience advising higher education institutions. Serving as bond, borrower’s, and lender’s counsel, he helps structure and close tax-exempt and taxable financings, including revenue and leasehold revenue bonds, lines of credit and term loans, and lease-purchase transactions. His work involves customized solutions for banks and financial institutions, ensuring efficiency and compliance. Steve’s blended background in public finance, commercial lending, and nonprofit law makes him a valuable resource for colleges and universities navigating complex funding structures.
HIGHER EDUCATION LITIGATION
Brandt Hill (Litigation & Investigations)
bhill@thompsoncoburn.com | 205.769.4305
Brandt is an experienced litigator who represents colleges and universities in student and employment disputes, including breach of contract, tort claims, and discrimination cases. His appellate experience further supports institutions facing complex legal challenges in state and federal courts. Brandt advises institutions on regulatory compliance with the federal financial aid programs, accrediting body standards, and the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) and related FCC and FTC regulations. Brandt holds a B.A. from the University of California-Santa Barbara and a J.D. from Tulane University.
Lorrie Hargrove (Litigation & Investigations)
lhargrove@thompsoncoburn.com | 205.769.4310
Lorrie is a seasoned litigator who represents colleges and universities in complex litigation, including class actions, mass actions, and appellate matters. Over her 30 years of experience, Lorrie has successfully represented higher education clients in federal and state courts across the country and provides strategic counsel on litigation risk, compliance, and crisis response. Her national practice and trial experience make her a trusted advocate for institutions facing significant legal challenges. Lorrie holds a B.A. from The University of Maryland and a J.D. from the University of Virginia.
Jeff Fink (Litigation & Investigations, USED Program Reviews & Audits)
jfink@thompsoncoburn.com | 314.552.6145
Jeff advises higher education institutions in lawsuits and arbitrations brought by former students, state attorneys general, and government regulatory agencies in multiple jurisdictions. He also has successfully represented institutions challenging program review and audit outcomes in front of the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Hearings and Appeals, and defended institutions facing adverse actions by accreditors and state regulators. In recent years, Jeff has assisted scores of institutions in responding to federal borrower defense claims. Jeff holds a B.A. from University of Missouri and a J.D. from the University of Chicago.
Sonette Magnus (Litigation & Investigations, Institutional Affairs)
smagnus@thompsoncoburn.com | 314.552.6255
An experienced litigator and business advisor, Sonette counsels institutions of higher education on a range of issues, including HR and employment litigation including matters before the EEOC, state human rights agencies, and both state and federal court. Sonette holds a B.A. from the University of Toronto, St. George and a J.D. from Emory University.
Evan Moltz (Litigation & Investigations)
emoltz@thompsoncoburn.com | 205.769.4306
Evan is a litigator who represents colleges and universities in a wide range of disputes, including student and employment litigation, constitutional challenges, and complex multi-party actions. With significant courtroom experience, he has tried mass actions and high-stakes cases involving technical and regulatory issues affecting educational institutions. Evan also advises on litigation strategy, using motion practice and oral advocacy to resolve matters efficiently when trial is not the best path forward. Evan holds a B.A. and a J.D. from the University of Alabama.
Stephanie Fredman (Litigation & Investigations, Labor & Employment, Nondiscrimination Law)
sfredman@thompsoncoburn.com | 314.552.6157
With previous experience in higher education and secondary school administration and a master’s degree from the Harvard Graduate School of Education, Stephanie is keenly aware of the daily and extraordinary issues that institutions and educators are facing. She has matched this industry knowledge with deep labor and employment experience that she has used to counsel clients in nondiscrimination and human resources issues and to represent them in employment litigation. Stephanie holds a B.A. from Emory University, an M.Ed. from Harvard University, and J.D. from Washington University.
Anna Knouse (Litigation & Investigations)
aknouse@thompsoncoburn.com | 205.769.4311
Anna is a higher education attorney who supports colleges and universities in navigating complex legal and regulatory landscapes. Known for her collaborative and solutions-oriented approach, Anna works closely with institutional leaders to develop clear, actionable strategies that align with their legal obligations and educational missions. She is committed to empowering the education sector through practical, detail-focused legal counsel. Anna holds a B.S. from the University of Alabama and a J.D. from Samford University.
Christina Koehl (Litigation & Investigations, Labor & Employment, Nondiscrimination Law)
ckoehl@thompsoncoburn.com | 972.629.7171
Christina is a labor and employment attorney who advises colleges and universities on a wide range of workplace matters, including employee discipline, internal investigations, and compliance with federal and state employment laws. She represents institutions in litigation involving discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and wrongful termination, and has experience handling Title IX-related disputes, including administrative mandamus actions. Christina also helps higher education clients develop compliant HR policies and resolve employment disputes efficiently, with a focus on practical, client-centered solutions. Christina holds a B.S. from California State University, Los Angeles and a J.D. from the University of San Francisco.