Working exclusively with higher education entities, Lisa is deeply committed to the industry. She represents a wide range of higher education institutions, including private non-profit, public, healthcare-affiliated, religious, small privately-owned institutions, and large publicly-traded school groups. With experience ranging from serving as an administrator at a small private college to her role as vice president for a large publicly-traded school system, Lisa brings a multifaceted perspective that aligns with her passion for advancing both the business and educational goals of her clients. Her practical knowledge and years of litigation experience allow her to provide strategic, tangible solutions and risk mitigation for clients.
Services / Expertise
Lisa leverages her extensive on-the-ground experience at both large and small educational institutions to provide comprehensive legal services, including strategic and comprehensive regulatory counseling on accreditation requirements, federal student financial aid (Title IV), and state regulatory compliance; representation of higher education institutions in litigation at trial and appellate levels; guidance through change of control processes, including regulatory counsel for mergers, acquisitions, and organizational restructuring; conducting internal investigations on sensitive legal, regulatory, and governance matters; and assisting institutions in preparing for accreditation visits and responding to accreditation actions, including adverse actions.
Industry Involvement
Lisa actively broadens and shares her knowledge through leadership in education-related causes, including serving on the Board of Directors for Donnelly College, NNPRFTC, Level Playing Field Scholarship Foundation, and the First Friday Club of Chicago.
Industry Focus
Higher Education, Healthcare Providers, Education Services, Healthcare M&A, Joint Ventures and Other Transactions, HR Consultation & Training
Recognition
National Black Lawyers (NBL), Top 100, 2021; Illinois Super Lawyers, Rising Star, 2009
Education
J.D., Saint Louis University School of Law, Public Law Review, Articles Editor
B.A., Lake Forest College, American Studies, Honors in American Studies, Honors on Senior Thesis
Admissions
Illinois; U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois; U.S. Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit; U.S. Court of Appeals, Federal Circuit
Professional Memberships & Certifications
Black Women Lawyers’ Association; Chicago Bar Association, Alliance for Women, Board of Directors, 2009; National Association of College and University Attorneys (NACUA)
Clerkship
The Hon. Charles A. Shaw, U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Missouri
