With a background serving as an in-house attorney at a major, public research university, Marissa assists the firm's education clients on a variety of complex legal issues.
Colleges, universities, and schools rely on Marissa for her skill in navigating investigations, compliance efforts, and litigation involving Title IX, the Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act.
Marissa draws on her experience working at various institutions as an in-house attorney, a Title IX coordinator, an ADA coordinator, a civil rights director, and a director of legal affairs to help guide institutions through the multitude of challenges with compliance and nondiscrimination efforts. She routinely assists institutions with OCR investigations and responses, as well as advising on issues related to Clery Act compliance, threat assessment teams, First Amendment issues, and policy development. Marissa also regularly advises preschools, daycares, and K-12 schools on compliance matters involving licensing, safety issues, and homeschooling.
Marissa's background gives her a unique perspective on the needs of educational clients, combining an insider's view of university processes with strategic legal insight. Recognized for her problem-solving skills and clear communication, Marissa understands not just education law, but the nuanced operational contexts of academic institutions.