Practice Areas
Federal education law and grants counsel for complex legal, regulatory, and compliance matters.
Discuss Your MatterLegal expertise for high-stakes moments and day-to-day compliance.
Sligo Law Group's attorneys advised the U.S. Department of Education on federal education programs across multiple administrations before entering private practice. We bring that insider knowledge to every engagement, understanding not just what the regulations say, but how agencies apply and enforce them. We represent nonprofits, colleges and universities, school districts, and state agencies nationwide.
Litigation
We represent clients in high-stakes federal enforcement and agency action challenges, combining litigation experience and deep insider knowledge of federal laws and processes.
- Administrative Procedure Act (APA) challenges
- Federal audits, enforcement actions, and cost disallowances
- Due process hearings and state administrative proceedings
- Civil rights litigation in federal district and appellate courts
- Federal employment litigation
Federal Education Grants and Program Compliance
We advise education entities on all aspects of federal grants administration and compliance, helping clients understand their obligations, manage risk, and make informed decisions.
- Interpreting and applying EDGAR and the Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200; 34 CFR Parts 75–99)
- Managing ESEA Titles I–IV, IDEA, Perkins V, and AEFLA formula grant programs, as well as discretionary grant programs
- Advising on supplement-not-supplant, maintenance of effort, and allowable costs
- Developing compliant indirect cost and time-and-effort systems
- Reviewing and negotiating subrecipient and vendor agreements
- Supporting clients through grant closeout procedures
Civil Rights and Student Privacy
We advise educational agencies, schools, and institutions on federal nondiscrimination requirements, student privacy, and responses to agency oversight.
- Title VI and Title IX compliance, policies, and investigations
- FERPA, PPRA, student records, and parental rights requirements
- OCR complaints, compliance reviews, and corrective action
- First Amendment, religious liberty, and related constitutional issues
Special Education and Disability
We counsel state and local educational agencies and other education organizations on federal special education and disability law, compliance, and disputes.
- IDEA Parts B and C requirements, monitoring, and enforcement
- Section 504 and ADA obligations, accessibility, and accommodations
- Special education funding, program administration, and corrective action
- Administrative disputes, complaints, and training
Higher Education Law
We advise and represent colleges, universities, and postsecondary institutions on complex federal higher education compliance and enforcement matters.
- Title IV student aid compliance, including institutional and student eligibility, administrative capability, financial responsibility, cash management, and 90/10 requirements
- Program reviews, audits, and enforcement matters, including fraud allegations, adverse actions, recertification issues, and administrative appeals before ED and in federal court
- Accreditation-related compliance and risk counseling
- Third-party servicer oversight and transactional matters
- Regulatory, policy, and guidance interpretation affecting institutional operations
Federal Employment
We advise and represent current and former federal employees and affected groups in reductions in force, adverse personnel actions, and related administrative and judicial proceedings.
- Reductions in force
- Position reclassifications
- Probationary terminations
- Administrative and federal litigation
Investigations and Audits
We guide clients through complex oversight reviews with a clear, strategic approach informed by direct agency experience.
- Responding to OIG, OCR, and program audits or investigations
- Drafting and negotiating corrective action plans
- Conducting internal compliance reviews and mock audits
Training and Capacity Building
We design and deliver targeted trainings grounded in real-world federal education practice that focus on practical implementation and sustainable compliance.
- Federal grants management workshops
- Uniform Guidance and EDGAR training
- Civil rights and accessibility sessions
- Leadership retreats and compliance academies
Policy, Advocacy, and Regulatory Engagement
We advise education organizations, associations, nonprofits, and coalitions on federal rulemaking, agency guidance, regulatory developments, and policy implementation.
- Drafting and submitting public comments on proposed rules
- Advising coalitions, associations, and advocacy groups
- Monitoring regulatory and legislative developments
- Preparing policy briefs and issue summaries
Legislative and Political Strategy
We advise education-sector organizations on federal legislation, appropriations, statutory drafting, congressional oversight, and strategic policy engagement.
- Federal education legislation and appropriations analysis
- Statutory drafting, amendments, and policy proposals
- Congressional briefing and testimony preparation
- Coalition strategy and analysis of legislative developments
Co-Counsel and Law Firm Partnerships
We frequently partner with advocacy organizations and other law firms to provide specialized federal education law counsel in complex or large-scale matters.
- Partnering with general practice, litigation, and government-relations firms
- Providing expertise in federal education law and compliance