Kerstein, Coren & Lichtenstein represents colleges and universities in a vast array of legal matters, including but not limited to:

• Interpretation and advice on regulatory issues
• Representation before administrative bodies
• Contract law
• Employment law
• Title IV issues
• State and federal Department of Education issues
• Financial affairs
• Confidentiality and privacy issues
• Student consumer issues
• Student bankruptcy
• Certification and accreditation issues

Educational institutions typically face a wide range of complex legal challenges.  For example, many issues affecting employers in general affect educational institutions.  Massachusetts law makes it illegal for employers to discriminate against employees based on the employee’s gender, sexual orientation, age (if the employee is over 40), race, national origin or ancestry, disability, genetic information, or membership in the armed services and/or veteran status.

At the same time, all colleges and universities which receive financial aid funding are subject to a complex regulatory scheme.  The Title IV Student Financial Assistance rules and regulations deal with both educational grants and student loans and require that colleges or universities administer these rules and regulations with the highest standard of care and provide an educational environment that is free of drugs, violence and intimidation. Title IV procedures must be coordinated with related federal, state, and local programs in a learning environment that supports student achievement and accountability.

Further, many educational institutions typically face a wide range of complex legalities relating to the design and implementation of employee benefit and compensation plans. We fully understand the federal and state laws that complicate the compliance process, and we provide services ranging from consultation on discrete compliance matters to comprehensive plan audits. We also have experience with all types of plans, and we can help your business set up pension, profit-sharing, 401(k) and 403(b) plans, medical, dental, disability and life insurance plans, and fringe benefits plans as well as dependent care plans.

The laws regarding education are fast changing and complex. Both the federal and state laws in this area contain procedural requirements that, if violated, can lead to serious consequences if not implemented correctly.