Sligo Law Group Welcomes Former U.S. Department of Education Attorneys Denise Morelli and Marcus Hedrick

Sligo Law Group, PLLC is pleased to announce that two additional former U.S. Department of Education attorneys, Denise Morelli and Marcus Hedrick, have joined the firm as Of Counsel. Their addition significantly expands the firm’s depth of experience in higher education compliance and disability and civil rights law.

Denise Morelli brings more than 30 years of experience in federal education law from the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of General Counsel. Her practice focused on higher education issues, including representing the Department in federal and administrative litigation to enforce compliance with Title IV of the Higher Education Act and its implementing regulations. In this role, Ms. Morelli led and litigated hundreds of program review, audit, and enforcement actions before the Department’s Office of Hearings and Appeals and in federal court, advised on legislative and regulatory development, and helped launch the Department’s Title IV Third-Party Servicer Oversight team. Earlier in her career, she also advised on K–12 education matters, including Impact Aid and Indian education. 

Marcus Hedrick brings more than 15 years of experience advising on federal disability and civil rights law. Most recently, he served as Acting Deputy Assistant General Counsel for the Division of Educational Equity in the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of General Counsel, where he supervised attorneys advising on the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and related disability programs. Mr. Hedrick advised on both formula and discretionary grant programs under IDEA and the Rehabilitation Services Administration, handled complex fiscal accountability and administrative appeals matters, and contributed to regulatory and policy development. 

“We are thrilled to welcome two former colleagues and trusted friends to the firm,” said Jill Siegelbaum, Partner at Sligo Law Group. “Denise and Marcus bring incredible experience in postsecondary and disability rights law, which significantly strengthens our ability to serve clients facing complex federal education and grants-related challenges. Just as importantly, they share our commitment to ensuring equitable access to a high-quality education for all students.”

With these additions, Sligo Law Group continues to expand its national practice advising education agencies, institutions, and organizations on federal education law, grants management, civil rights compliance, and enforcement matters.