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Claire did a phenomenal job preparing and presenting a webinar on the intersection of free speech and religious liberty to dozens of member districts across the country. Claire explained how the U.S. Constitution, state law, and federal law apply to religious accommodations for staff and students, which is a topic of critical importance for K-12 education professionals. Demonstrating her extensive knowledge on the subject, Claire presented the information in a manner that was not only engaging but also easily comprehensible.

General Counsel at K-12 Coalition of School Districts

Overview

Claire brings an observer’s keen eye and insight to solve problems for clients.

Claire focuses her practice on representing colleges, universities, and K-12 schools in high-stakes litigation and regulatory matters. She routinely handles cases involving constitutional issues—including due process, sovereign immunity, equal protection, and the First Amendment—as well as federal antidiscrimination laws such as Title IX, Title VII, Title VI, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)/Section 504, and common law claims. Claire has significant experience defending clients in federal and state courts.

She is highly skilled in key aspects of litigation, including researching and drafting dispositive motions, managing written discovery, conducting factual investigations and witness interviews, and representing clients in mediation and settlement negotiations. Claire has prepared appellate briefs for submission to the U.S. Court of Appeals, Third Circuit, and drafted an amicus brief to the U.S. Supreme Court in the landmark Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard/University of North Carolina case.

In addition to courtroom advocacy, Claire regularly represents educational institutions before administrative agencies such as the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and state human rights commissions. She also guides clients through federal and state agency investigations, including those conducted by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights and state education boards.

Claire’s practice extends beyond litigation to include advising clients on compliance, conducting internal investigations, and providing practical counsel on day-to-day legal issues. She works with a diverse range of clients and is deeply committed to helping educational organizations navigate a rapidly evolving legal landscape.

Claire did a phenomenal job preparing and presenting a webinar on the intersection of free speech and religious liberty to dozens of member districts across the country. Claire explained how the U.S. Constitution, state law, and federal law apply to religious accommodations for staff and students, which is a topic of critical importance for K-12 education professionals. Demonstrating her extensive knowledge on the subject, Claire presented the information in a manner that was not only engaging but also easily comprehensible.

General Counsel at K-12 Coalition of School Districts

Industries

Services

Recognition

  • Education Law Association, August Steinhilber Award for Best Brief Writing in the Appellate Courts, 2023

Education

  • J.D., University of Missouri School of Law
    • William M. Howard Award in Legal Writing
    • Excellence in Legal Research Award
    • Missouri Law Review, Senior Lead Articles Editor
    • Order of the Coif
  • B.A., University of Chicago
    • Smith Scholarship
    • Lawrence A. Kimpton Fellow
    • Political Science, with Honors

Admissions

  • Missouri
2025 Pro Bono Contributor
Webinar | November 8, 2023
Employee Speech and Religious Freedom
Webinar | April 5, 2023
The Tragedy of Student Deaths
Webinar | May 25, 2022
Issues in Higher Education | Search and Seizure on Campus

Issues in Higher Education Webinar Series

Outside the Office

Claire is excited to be back home with her family in Kansas City. She loves travel, biking, movies and trying new restaurants.