Husch Blackwell is pleased to announce that Marisa De Feo has joined the firm as a partner in its nationally recognized Education practice. Licensed in Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New Jersey, De Feo joins from Saul Ewing and significantly enhances the firm’s presence on the East Coast.
De Feo brings a robust education-focused litigation practice, representing higher education and K-12 institutions in matters ranging from employment disputes and civil tort claims to faculty relations, board governance, First Amendment issues, and Title IX investigations. She also counsels clients on compliance, policy, and liability, including with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and similar laws.
“Marisa adds critical depth to our education team at a time when institutions are navigating economic pressures, changing demographics, and shifting federal policy,” said Sean Tassi, partner and co-leader of Husch Blackwell’s education team. “Her extensive litigation background and hands-on understanding of the pressures facing colleges and universities – particularly in governance, compliance, and civil rights—make her a key addition as we continue to support clients through these changes.”
In addition to her education work, De Feo handles complex commercial disputes and real estate claims, representing corporate clients facing claims involving breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty, and other related issues. Licensed in Delaware, her presence enhances Husch Blackwell’s ability to serve clients in one of the nation’s most active legal jurisdictions. Joining De Feo is Eleanor Riordan, a Chicago-based commercial litigation associate.
“Husch Blackwell has one of the nation’s most respected higher education practices and is deeply attuned to the challenges institutions are facing,” De Feo said. “As I continue to help clients navigate this complex landscape, I’m excited to do so with the support of a national platform and a team known for its leadership in the field.”
In May, Husch Blackwell expanded its commitment to the education sector with the launch of Husch Blackwell Consulting, a non-legal subsidiary offering strategic, financial, and operational advisory services to higher education institutions nationwide.