As a partner and licensed teacher, Aleks is driven by a singular mission: making schools safer for students.
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 all across the country of all sizes, denominations, and philosophies, helping them create environments where every student can thrive. Her practice encompasses investigations, compliance, and litigation related to harassment, discrimination, campus safety, and more.
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 (OCR) complaints, Aleks skillfully manages complaints and reports stemming from alleged student or employee misconduct involving criminal activity, hazing, and discrimination 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 abuse or 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, emotional, spiritual, and sexual abuse, safeguarding both students and institutional reputation.
A recognized leader in compliance, Aleks regularly advises on student conduct, discipline, admissions, enrollment, the Clery Act, and parental disputes, ensuring that schools’ actions are both effective and legally sound. She is also adept at interpreting disability laws, implementing accommodations, and developing proactive policies to promote accessibility and mitigate risks associated with potential harassment and discrimination. 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. 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, employment, desegregation, 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.