Higher Education
Trusted legal counsel for Mississippi colleges and universities
Mayo Mallette provides experienced legal guidance to public and private institutions of higher learning across Mississippi. For decades, the firm has supported in-house counsel and administrators at colleges and universities throughout the state, including regular work with institutions governed by the Board of Trustees for Mississippi’s Institutions of Higher Learning.
We understand the legal and regulatory framework that governs higher education in Mississippi, including the interplay between state law, federal law, institutional policy, and public accountability. Our attorneys serve as day-to-day advisors and as litigation counsel when disputes arise, helping institutions protect their mission, their leadership, and their long-term stability.
Counsel for Institutional Governance and Compliance
Higher education institutions operate within a detailed statutory and regulatory environment. Mayo Mallette advises administrators, boards, and in-house counsel on matters involving governance, compliance, and institutional policy.
Our goal is to help institutions make sound decisions that align with both legal requirements and institutional priorities.
Our services include:
Policy Development and Implementation
Drafting, reviewing, and updating policies in response to legislative changes, federal guidance, and evolving institutional needs.Public Records and Transparency
Advising on sophisticated public records requests and compliance with Mississippi open records laws.Title IX and Student Matters
Supporting compliance efforts, internal investigations, and resolution of complaints under federal law.Employment and Faculty Relations
Advising on hiring practices, tenure decisions, employment contracts, grievance procedures, and faculty discipline.
Litigation and Administrative Representation
When colleges and universities face legal claims, Mayo Mallette provides defense in state and federal courts as well as in administrative proceedings.
Our work includes:
Employment, Civil Rights, and Discrimination Claims
Representation in matters involving Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, the ADA, and related federal statutes.Tenure and Employment Disputes
Defense of claims involving faculty status, contract disputes, and employment-related allegations.Student Discipline and Due Process Matters
Litigation and administrative proceedings involving student dismissal, suspension, and policy enforcement.Collegiate Athletics and Institutional Controversies
Counsel in disputes related to athletic programs and other high-profile institutional matters.General Litigation
Defense against tort claims, contract disputes, and other civil actions affecting institutional operations.
We assess each matter carefully to determine the appropriate course of action, whether through negotiated resolution, motion practice, or trial.
A Deep Bench for Complex Institutions
Higher education institutions often face issues that intersect multiple areas of law. In addition to education-specific matters, Mayo Mallette brings experience in corporate law, employment law, municipal law, real estate and development, and complex civil litigation. This breadth allows the firm to provide coordinated counsel when issues span governance, property, employment, and regulatory concerns.
Based in Oxford and active throughout Mississippi, Mayo Mallette regularly serves as local counsel in federal, state, and appellate courts across North Mississippi. Administrators and in-house counsel rely on the firm for practical advice, steady litigation support, and a clear understanding of the institutional context in which colleges and universities operate.
Our Attorneys
