The recent focus on for-profit educational institutions by the media, Congress, and plaintiff law firms has resulted in a growing number of student complaints.  Students commonly bring these complaints not only directly to the institution but to third parties such as:

• State and federal courts
• State licensing authorities
• Accrediting agencies
• The U.S. Department of Education Office of Civil Rights
• The media

Student complaints have left colleges and universities to settle, mediate, arbitrate or litigate student grievances on the basis of actions by faculty members, fellow students and administrative personnel.

Left unattended, small student grievances can grow into multiple-student complaints and ultimately lawsuits.  Most states have consumer fraud and deceptive/unfair trade practice laws that typically permit treble damages to prevailing plaintiffs.  Minimizing the college or university's exposure to liability arising from these complaints is a large component of Yolanda Gallegos’ practice.  Ms. Gallegos has substantial experience representing various colleges and universities dealing with student civil rights and consumer complaints. She has a proven record of assisting institutions with:

• Responding fairly to student complaints
• Complying with existing grievance procedures
• Defending student complaints brought to courts or administrative agencies
• Drafting grievance procedures that comply with state and federal law notice and procedure requirements