For many years Fletcher, Tilton & Whipple has represented educational institutions of all types in Massachusetts. A number of our attorneys serve educational institutions as trustees and board members. Our legal representation covers a variety of issues regularly facing institutions, administrators and their trustees. More specifically, the services we provide include the following:

• Tax Exempt Bond Financing
  We provide advice and counsel to institutions seeking tax exempt bond financing for significant capital projects. Our expertise in this area provides us with valuable insight into the issues which must be addressed as part of such financing.
• Contract Negotiation
  Colleges and universities regularly contract for services and materials in significant quantities. We assist our clients in the negotiation and preparation of contracts and agreements with vendors and suppliers to adequately protect the interests of the institution.
• Employment/Tenure
  We provide institutions with counsel and advice on a myriad of issues surrounding the retention, discipline and termination of faculty and staff. Our experience in such matters has given us valuable insight into these complex issues. We often draw upon our Civil Litigation Practice Group and its experience with arbitration and mediation.
• Construction
  Institutions of higher learning are often seeking to expand their physical facilities. We provide our clients with assistance and counsel on all issues relative to new construction, including local, state and federal permitting; negotiations with contractors; assistance with bidding process; contract drafting; and resolution of construction disputes.
• Compliance Issues
  The need for educational institutions to comply with a myriad of state and federal laws and regulations is daunting. We assist our clients in conducting internal audits to determine compliance with various requirements and help them develop compliance policies and procedures.
• Litigation
  With the assistance of our Civil Litigation Practice Group, we provide zealous representation of the interests of institutions engaged in litigation.
• Student's Rights
  We counsel various institutions in the preparation of student handbooks and assist them in developing an internal enforcement policy for violations. We also assist our clients in investigating complaints and charges, conducting disciplinary hearings and implementing the penalties imposed. We also represent our clients in responding to challenges brought by parties dissatisfied with the result of such proceedings.