Ryan supports colleges, universities, and education technology companies in their educational mission.
Ryan traces his interest in education law and policy to his undergraduate days, when he was extensively involved in student government. Fascinated by the details of school operations, he was motivated to pursue a legal career where he could work hand in hand with college administrators. Ryan loves supporting mission-driven clients, with educational opportunities at the center of his practice.
Ryan advises colleges, universities, and others operating in the highly-regulated education sector. He routinely advises clients on issues relating to the administration of the U.S. Department of Education’s Title IV federal student aid programs, compliance with accreditation standards, and the impact of mergers and acquisitions on the approval status of participating institutions. Clients depend on Ryan to monitor legislation and agency rulemaking efforts and to predict their impact on the complex compliance landscape in the education sector. Ryan’s experience interfacing with policymakers and industry leaders serves as a valuable asset to clients. He has represented institutions’ interest before federal and state policymakers and drafted educational materials for various government committees and oversight commissions. While Ryan’s primary focus is compliance, he also has extensive experience representing institutions in False Claims Act cases and administrative litigation, and he has led schools through the internal investigation process.
Ryan also assists clients administering the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ education benefits programs, including the G.I. Bill and Yellow Ribbon Program. Clients often seek his advice navigating the complex guidance surrounding the 85/15 Rule and various State Approving Agencies’ requirements for maintaining institutional approval for VA programs.
Ryan understands the practicalities of college administration and the importance of thorough, well-researched legal analysis on behalf of clients. He provides legal advice that ensures clients can comply with regulations while still meeting their own organizational needs and goals. Very much an extrovert, he loves nothing more than collaborating with clients’ internal teams and working together to resolve institutional challenges.