Given our own individual educational histories and predilections, it is no accident that our law firm has gravitated toward the representation of college and university Presidents, provosts, deans, Heads of School, and other academicians. Our law firm holds members of the academic community in the highest esteem and our executive employment attorneys derive enormous satisfaction from working with them. We have been privileged to assist gifted academic leaders confront their most significant employment challenges, and have represented college and university Presidents and senior administrators, Heads of School, professors, and other academics, both in employment contract negotiations and in the delicate management of their termination and separation proceedings and agreements.
Our attorneys also offer support, advocacy and guidance to accomplished academicians experiencing meaningful transitions in their professional lives, ranging from the negotiation of employment contracts to the crafting of retirement plans and other termination and separation agreements.
Our attorneys understand the complex impact that new academic appointments—including geographical moves and many-faceted compensation packages—can have on entire families. In addition, we know how to deal sensitively with the delicate and sometimes thorny relationships among professors, administrators, and Board members in both private and public institutions of higher learning. Our attorneys understand the key issues in today’s higher education world, including tax ramifications, such as so-called “intermediate sanctions,” the funding of scientific research, tenure and academic appointments. Above all, our law firm is sensitive to the paramount need to safeguard your professional reputation.
Recently, we have negotiated first-time and renewal employment agreements for numerous college and university Presidents throughout the United States, at schools such as Swarthmore, Mount Holyoke, Trinity College, Haverford College, Ohio University, University of Redlands (California), Occidental, Adelphi University and others. We have also been privileged to represent several Heads of School in their negotiations with institutions including Greenwich Academy, the Ethical Culture Fieldston School, The Derryfield School, The Rivers School, Middlesex School, and Phillips Exeter Academy.