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I wanted to express my appreciation to Marissa for providing such an excellent presentation. Her insights and expertise are incredibly valuable, and I appreciate the effort put forth to make the session informative and engaging.

Investigator at state university

Overview

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.​

I wanted to express my appreciation to Marissa for providing such an excellent presentation. Her insights and expertise are incredibly valuable, and I appreciate the effort put forth to make the session informative and engaging.

Investigator at state university

Industries

Services

Recognition

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

Education

  • J.D., University of Kansas School of Law
    • Kansas Journal of Law and Public Policy, Staff Articles Editor
  • B.A., Truman State University
    • magna cum laude

Admissions

  • Missouri
  • Kansas

Professional Memberships and Certifications

  • National Association of College and University Attorneys
2024 Pro Bono Achiever
Experience
  • Represented University of Kansas, Kansas University Medical Center and Kansas Athletics in a variety of legal matters including regulatory compliance, student conduct, labor and employment, faculty grievances, contract negotiations, litigation and international affairs.
  • Conducted legal research and drafted pleadings, motions and other litigation-related documents on issues including Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Rehabilitation Act.
  • Drafted affiliation, international services, settlement and information sharing agreements, plus due diligence reports and MOUs with foreign institutions for University of Kansas.
  • Led faculty and staff misconduct hearings at University of Kansas and achieved favorable outcome.
  • Served as an Interim Title IX Coordinator and Equity Director for a state institution, overseeing the institution's compliance efforts with Title IX, the ADA, the Rehabilitation Act, and Title VI.
Outside the Office

Marissa absolutely loves to travel.

Her favorite destination is Croatia, which she describes as gorgeous, although she also enjoyed Germany, Switzerland and France. Spain and Portugal are next on her list.

In her free time, Marissa also enjoys yoga, hiking and doting on her rescue cat, Tessa. 

Community Leadership
  • Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, Business for Education Committee Member
In-House Counsel Experience
  • The University of Kansas; Law Fellow, Office of the General Counsel; 2020-2022