Aaron Lacey

Aaron Drew Lacey is a prominent legal professional specializing in higher education law. He serves as a Partner and Chair of the Higher Education Practice at Thompson Coburn LLP, a law firm.1 In this role, Lacey assists educational institutions in navigating complex legal and regulatory matters.1

Professional Expertise

Lacey's expertise extends to various aspects of higher education law:

Regulatory Compliance:: He helps institutions navigate intricate legal and regulatory challenges in the education sector.4

Mergers and Consolidations:: Lacey has been involved in discussions about mergers and consolidations in higher education. For instance, he was featured in an article discussing The College of Saint Rose's pursuit of potential mergers.3 He has also shared insights on the potential consolidation of the University of Arizona Global Campus.5

Policy and Legislation:: Lacey has written about the reauthorization of the Higher Education Act (HEA), demonstrating his knowledge of education policy.6 He has also analyzed the U.S. Department of Education's State Authorization Rule, showcasing his understanding of federal education regulations.7

Recognition and Influence

Aaron Drew Lacey's expertise in higher education law has been recognized at the national level. In 2017, he was selected by the U.S. Department of Education to serve as one of 17 negotiators tasked with reworking a complex and controversial regulation.8 This appointment underscores his standing in the field of education law.

Online Presence

Lacey maintains an active online presence to share his insights and engage with the education community:

• He uses the Twitter handle @HigherEdCounsel, where he describes himself as helping schools navigate legal and regulatory challenges.4
• His LinkedIn profile (username: aaron-drew-lacey-3353742) serves as a platform for professional networking and sharing industry-related content.12

Through his work at Thompson Coburn LLP and his various professional activities, Aaron Drew Lacey has established himself as a leading figure in higher education law, offering valuable guidance to institutions navigating the complex legal landscape of the education sector.