You need to find a law firm that will work for your best interests and support your needs while defending and guiding you every step of the way. How to find that type of law firm is the question, however.
Luckily, you’ll discover numerous options online, but you still need to weed out the good law firms from the not-so-good ones. This short guide will save you the time and headaches involved in researching law firms so you can obtain the legal representation you deserve.
1. K Altman Law - The Best for Education Litigation
K Altman Law is a team of education advocates who believe that everyone has a right to a quality education without undue burdens or prejudice. They strive to ensure their clients receive a best-in-class legal team that understands the education system firsthand. That’s because many of their employees have previously worked in various positions within the realm of education. With this important knowledge, they are better prepared to understand and guide their clients on their respective legal journeys.They have a solid team of highly-experienced and qualified attorneys who are passionate about education rights for everyone. The broad scope of education-related cases they help litigate shows their dedication and care for those whose education rights have been infringed upon.
They offer a variety of resources to help their clients as well as individuals who are looking for more information. Some of the resources include: an FAQ page, a podcast, newsletters, events, blogs, webinars, ebooks, and extra resources on their website.
Pros:
- Strong education advocates
- Dedicated to clients’ rights
- Operates with integrity
- Witnessed student struggles firsthand
- Seasoned litigators
- Attentive staff
Cons:
- Doesn’t provide legal services outside of the education realm
- Busy law firm
2. Ropes & Gray, LLP - Focuses on Higher Education
Ropes & Gray, LLP has positioned itself as a global leader in many concentrations, but it is particularly well-suited in the higher education niche of representation. Their team boasts more than 1,500 lawyers and practiced litigators. With a large team, they have the skill set and a strong company history of practicing law for more than 150 years.They have practice in litigation in many education-related fields, some of which include: corporate and finance, academic medicine, research, and healthcare; complex transactions; and sensitive investigations, litigation, and compliance.
Pros:
- Global presence
- Has received high recognition for their work
- Multiple lawyers from broad areas of practice
- Good focus on higher education
Cons:
- Sought after, may be extremely busy
- Large client base
3. McDermott, Will & Schulte - A Great Fit for Charitable Contributions
McDermott, Will & Schulte has a strong reputation as one of the top law firms in the country. They support clients in the U.S. and around the world in a variety of areas of law. However, they shine in the service of charitable contributions for educational institutions. With 1,750 lawyers at their firm, they are a powerhouse.The team at MWS, which focuses on charitable contributions, specializes in the areas of law involving foundation support, scholarships, gifts, pledges, grants, and fundraising and development.
Pros:
- Strong education focus
- Has a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Policy
- Recognized as a top law firm
- Multiple locations
Cons:
- Mostly positive client ratings
- Big firm
4. Paul Hastings, LLP - A Good Fit for Education Labor and Employment Law
Paul Hastings, LLP is a comprehensive law firm with a team of lawyers numbering in the hundreds. They have a vast support staff and are primed to assist their clients with a variety of legal needs, including education labor and employment law. They are well-versed in fair employment practices within the education field and understand what it takes to provide their clients with fair representation.They have a trained team of skilled investigators who work alongside their qualified attorneys and will look into concerns on their clients’ behalf until they find the answers they are looking for. They boast a positive record of achieving positive outcomes in their cases.
Pros:
- Repeated recognition as a top firm
- Experience in high profile cases
- Well staffed with over 150 attorneys
- Experienced lawyers
Cons:
- Very large firm, could be a detractor for some people
- Some negative reviews cite issues with professionalism
5. Morgan Lewis - Good for Title IX Needs
Morgan Lewis is a top-ranked law firm with many years of experience practicing law. They have a vast portfolio of legal expertise and services; however, the arena of college athletics is a particular area of expertise for them. They are well-versed in Title IX needs and variances to help serve their student-athlete clientele.Since Title IX claims are often stressful and affect students' lives, they are skilled in navigating whole client care to ensure the students receive the best service possible, so their rights can be repaired and they can continue on their educational paths as soon as possible.
Pros:
- Worldwide presence
- Highly rated law firm
- Attentive employees
- Solid focus on college athletics
Cons:
- Busy law practice
- May represent other student athletes/competition
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