John Borkowski

Coming from a family of teachers, John knows that educators are dedicated to serving students and society. His lifelong passion for education underlies the insightful counsel he provides to colleges, universities and school districts.

For nearly four decades, John has defended and protected education clients so that they can advance their missions. He focuses much of his practice on higher education litigation and government investigations but has extensive experience working with K-12 schools as well. A seasoned litigator, he has tried cases in federal and state courts nationwide, argued appeals in nearly all federal judicial circuits, and defended clients before the United States Supreme Court as well.

With a lengthy career in the education law area, John has a deep grasp of the practical, legal and policy issues facing schools, colleges and other organizations in the education sector. His experience covers a wide range of civil rights and educational funding issues, including Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, the Americans with Disabilities Act, voting rights, affirmative action and diversity. He has also defended major class actions and litigated cases both in cooperation with and against the United States Department of Justice.

While John routinely defends educational institutions against lawsuits brought by former and current students and faculty, he also frequently represents schools and colleges in government agency investigations triggered by complaints to the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights. Over many years, John has built strong relationships with federal regulators and civil rights groups and is well regarded in these offices, often helping to facilitate quicker resolutions for clients.

John deeply values the opportunity to work with so many individuals who have devoted their lives to education and who care deeply about their work. He considers it a privilege to support clients who support students and society, and he loves furthering a mission in which he profoundly believes.