Aleks counsels educational institutions nationwide—from pre-K through higher education—on the full spectrum of legal issues that arise in today’s rapidly evolving educational landscape. She represents schools of all sizes across the country, including emerging schools and school networks, helping them create environments where every student can thrive. Her practice encompasses investigations, compliance, litigation, and the legal and operational issues involved in launching and expanding schools.
Clients rely on Aleks for her acumen in conducting and guiding sensitive internal and external investigations. With deep experience in responding to internal and Office of Civil Rights complaints, Aleks skillfully manages reports stemming from alleged student or employee misconduct involving criminal activity, hazing, and discrimination and harassment based on sex (Title IX, VAWA, Title VII, and EPA); race and national origin (Title VI and Title VII); disability (ADA, Section 504, and IDEA); and age (ADEA), among others. She prepares confidential, privileged reports and supports institutional decision-makers throughout the process—particularly in cases involving current and historical sexual misconduct, athletic department compliance, student death by suicide, and board-mandated reviews. Aleks is highly experienced in helping schools respond strategically to allegations of physical, sexual, emotional, and spiritual abuse, safeguarding both students and institutional reputation.
A recognized leader in compliance, Aleks regularly advises on student conduct, discipline, alcohol and other drugs, admissions, dual enrollment, the Clery Act, data privacy, artificial intelligence, and parental disputes, ensuring that schools’ actions are both effective and legally sound. She also advises clients on the formation, launch, and expansion of schools, including regulatory compliance, zoning considerations, state application processes, licensure, accreditation strategy, governance structure, student and employee policies, enrollment practices, and other startup requirements. Aleks has significant experience advising on issues involving students with disabilities, including ADA, Section 504, and IDEA compliance; accommodations and modifications; discipline and threat assessment considerations; service and support plans; accessibility; and disputes involving parents, students, and regulators. She also counsels school leaders, boards, and senior administrators on high-level policy matters affecting students with disabilities, including disability-access frameworks, inclusive program design, grievance and appeals processes, documentation standards, and institution-wide strategies for aligning student support obligations with operational realities. Aleks helps institutions interpret disability laws, implement practical accommodations, and develop proactive policies to promote accessibility while mitigating risks associated with potential harassment, discrimination, and denial-of-access claims. Aleks also advises organizations that serve or host minors—including colleges, universities, religious institutions, nonprofits, and youth-serving programs—on their heightened legal duties. She helps clients develop and implement robust policies, procedures, forms, and training to address child abuse reporting, health and safety, and risk mitigation, ensuring the protection of minors and preservation of community trust.
Aleks provides comprehensive counsel on all aspects of employment law, assisting schools with hiring, vetting, and onboarding practices; drafting and reviewing handbooks, contracts, and policies; and advising on performance management, leave, and benefits. For new and expanding schools, she helps leadership teams build compliant employment, student, and governance frameworks from the ground up so they can open and operate with confidence. She guides schools through complex workforce challenges such as harassment and discrimination claims, union relations, terminations, and reductions in force, always focused on proactive risk management and fostering a positive school culture. She also regularly advises school leaders and boards of trustees on a full spectrum of governance matters, including bylaw review, board best practices, fiduciary duties, and compliance with evolving legal standards. Aleks helps institutions strengthen governance frameworks through policy development, training, and strategic consultation on issues such as conflicts of interest, whistleblower protections, and document preservation and retention.
When disputes escalate and litigation becomes necessary, Aleks brings a proven track record of vigorously defending educational institutions in court while seeking strategic resolutions that serve clients’ best interests. She has served as first chair in federal and state jury and bench trials, as well as in federal appellate proceedings, representing schools in a wide range of disputes—including student discipline, constitutional challenges, employment, desegregation, school funding, personal injury, and board governance matters.
As education law grows increasingly complex, Aleks is known for her responsiveness, transparency, and ability to navigate high-stakes situations. Her approach is rooted in a “client plus-ing” and service-first team philosophy, recognizing that, just as every student learns differently, every client faces unique challenges. Aleks invests time on campus with clients, proactively identifying risks, building strong relationships, and designing practical, tailored solutions that foster healthy, inclusive, and safe learning environments. Whether counseling an established school through a sensitive matter or helping founders and boards move from concept to opening day, Aleks brings practical judgment, education-sector fluency, and a steady focus on student safety and institutional success.