Practice Areas

Legal expertise for high-stakes moments and day-to-day compliance.

Sligo Law Group provides legal counsel at the intersection of federal education law, administrative law, and civil rights. We advise and represent education agencies, institutions, nonprofits, and advocacy organizations nationwide, drawing on deep federal agency experience and a practical understanding of how education programs operate in practice.

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 a wide range of 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 Equity

We counsel schools, agencies, and higher-education institutions on federal civil rights laws protecting students and employees.

  • Title IX, Title VI, Section 504, ADA Title II, and Age Discrimination Act compliance
  • First Amendment and church–state issues (religious expression, facilities, curriculum)
  • Grievance procedures, OCR investigations, and compliance reviews

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, including support for institutional operations and related governance considerations
  • Third-party servicer oversight and transactional matters, including institutional risk assessment and compliance planning
  • Regulatory, policy, and guidance interpretation affecting federal student aid programs and institutional operations

Federal Employment

We advise and represent institutions, organizations, and groups of current and former federal employees on agency-initiated employment matters.

  • Reductions in force
  • Position reclassifications
  • Probationary terminations
  • Drafting and submitting public comments on proposed rules
  • Administrative and federal litigation

Investigations and Audits

We guide clients through complex oversight reviews with a clear, strategic approach informed by direct agency experience to achieve the best possible outcomes for their organizations with confidence.

  • 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 are focused 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 help clients engage effectively with the regulatory and legislative processes that shape federal education law and policy.

  • 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

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