- OVERVIEW
- EXPERIENCE
- INSIGHTS
- NEWS & EVENTS
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Education
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The Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law,
J.D., cum laude
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The George Washington University,
B.A., magna cum laude
Phi Beta Kappa
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Admissions
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District of Columbia
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Maryland
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US Supreme Ct
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Affiliations
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National Association of College and University Attorneys
2012-Present
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Employment
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Thompson Coburn LLP
Partner, 2023-Present
Counsel, 2020-2022
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The Catholic University of America
Office of General Counsel, 2011-2020
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Community
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City Year Washington, D.C.
Executive Board (2024-Present)
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A former deputy general counsel for a private university, Scott understands the unique challenges that our higher education clients face and how to best help them achieve their goals.
Drawing on his experience in a university general counsel's office, Scott brings a practical, ‘in-house' perspective to the complex legal, regulatory, and compliance issues of our clients. He knows that each institution has its own priorities, goals, and challenges, and that legal advice must be tailored to fit the culture and business model of the school.
Scott is well-versed in navigating all types of day-to-day and long term legal demands facing colleges and universities, but has particular experience in the areas of discrimination law, student affairs, contract drafting and review, policy development, and implementing controls to mitigate risk. He also handles a wide variety of regulatory and transactional work for institutions of higher education.
Scott has been an active member of the National Association of College and University Attorneys since 2012 and has served on a variety of association committees. While in law school, Scott was a law clerk in the Department of Education's Office of the General Counsel.
Representative Experience
Represented institutions in investigations conducted by the U.S. Department of Education regarding Title IX, ADA/Section 504 compliance, allegations of discrimination, and federal financial aid compliance.
Counseled institutions, higher education companies, and prospective institutions on federal financial aid compliance, accreditation standards, and state authorization requirements.
Led investigations of staff and faculty regarding alleged misconduct and advised on employee conduct proceedings.
Counseled institutions on compliance with federal regulations, including Title IX, ADA/Section 504, FERPA, the Clery Act.
Advised institutions with respect to mergers, sales, and acquisitions before the U.S. Department of Education, accrediting agencies, and state licensing agencies.
Drafted and revised institutional policies and faculty and student handbooks.
Designed and delivered compliance training on Title IX, ADA/Section 504, FERPA, and the Clery Act.
Assisted in the creation of institution-wide compliance programs and initiatives.
Advised institutions in audits and reviews conducted by the U.S. Department of Veteran's Affairs.
Counseled institution on summer camps risks and the creation of protection of minors policy and procedures.
Blogs
Title IX (Joe’s Version) Dropped This Morning
Borrower Defense to Repayment (BDR) Round-Up
ED's latest BDR guidance, and why institutions should always respond to claims
90/10 rule compliance strategies and considerations for proprietary institutions of higher education
ED further delays third-party servicer guidance, clarifies significant policies
FSA issues GLBA Safeguards Rule guidance
Title IX update: Important new ED guidance concerning pregnancy
TCLEs
Responding to Student Borrower Defense to Repayment (BDR) Claims: 2023 Edition
A review of ED’s new third-party servicer guidance and suggestions for public comment
ED’s New Title IX Rule: A Careful Review and Suggestions for Public Comment
ED’s Increased Scrutiny of College Contracts with Online Program Managers
Best Practices and Risk Considerations Relating to Summer Camps on Campus
The Regulatory Outlook for Higher Education
Title IX Module 6: Title IX Appeals
Title IX Module 5: Title IX Determinations
Title IX Module 4: Title IX Hearings
Title IX Module 3: Title IX Investigations & Informal Resolutions
Title IX Module 2: Formal Complaints of Title IX Sexual Harassment
Title IX Module 1: An Introduction to Managing Title IX Sexual Harassment on Campus
USED’s New Title IX Rule: A Detailed Examination
The CARES Act for Higher Education: Strategy and Implementation
Publications
Co-Author, “All Speech Considered: Expressive Activity in a Virtual World,”
NACUA Spring CLE 2021
Co-author, "Managing Camp Liability,"
NACUANOTE 2017
Presentations
"Hot Topics in FERPA,"
SUNY Online Summit, March 2023
“All Speech Considered: Expressive Activity in a Virtual World,”
NACUA Spring CLE 2021
"Policy Management: The Most Important Things You Are Not Doing,"
NACUA Annual Conference, 2018
"Hello Muddah, Hello Faddah, Hello Lawyah? Managing Camp Risks and Liability,"
NACUA Webinar, 2017