Holme Roberts & Owen LLP (HRO) represents well-known and up and coming public and private universities and numerous smaller public and private colleges. We have served as legal counsel to these institutions, and in addition, to the following types of educational or related entities:

• University affiliated foundations
   
• Contract and for-profit education providers
   
• Fraternities and sororities
   
• Affiliated academic medical centers

Our Philosophy

We make a concerted effort to know each client's unique needs and situations and to keep abreast of relevant trends affecting our educational clients. We understand the unique challenges which some smaller organizations and religious educational institutions face when they lack in-house counsel, and the hurdles large and growing private and state universities must overcome as they operate in dynamic environments and difficult times. We are particularly sensitive to clients' needs for highly responsive and cost-effective service.

Because client concerns are our top priority, each matter is the responsibility of one attorney who personally oversees staffing, budget, communication, and outcome. We invite clients to participate in decisions affecting the staffing and budget of each matter we handle. We strive to realize maximum efficiency by combining the expertise of lawyers from various offices and legal disciplines and assigning work to the individuals most qualified to do the work at the least cost. We are also committed to working effectively as a team with in-house counsel.

Representative Engagements

Our lawyers have counseled clients in a wide range of matters that arise in academic settings, including the following:

• Academic Freedom and Applicable Constitutional Issues
   
• Athletic Compliance
   
• Charitable Giving, Sophisticated Tax Issues and Complex Financing
   
• Construction Matters and Land Use
   
• Naming Rights, and Stadium Construction
   
• Contract Negotiation and Leases
   
• Discrimination and Title IX Issues
   
• Distance Learning, Study Abroad, Internships, and Joint Study Programs
   
• Environmental, and Water Use and Rights
   
• Formulation of Foundations and associated Not-for-Profit Organizations
   
• Governance and Board Issues
   
• Faculty Hiring, Promotion, Tenure, and Termination, including Grievances and Disciplinary Procedures
   
• Other Employment and Benefits Issues
   
• Intellectual Property, Technology and Media Issues
   
• Residence Hall Contracts
   
• Student Disputes and Discipline