Sarah L. Pheasant

Associate

Overview

Sarah Pheasant advises clients on various aspects of education law and regulatory compliance, including issues pertaining to the Higher Education Act, Title IV federal student aid programs, state educational licensing laws and the accreditation of postsecondary institutions. She has helped to advise non-profit and for-profit educational institutions and private investors on complex transactions, including changes of ownership involving institutions of higher education.

Before joining the firm, Sarah handled a diverse range of litigation, from pharmaceutical product liability and white-collar criminal defense to legal malpractice and securities litigation. She has also advised on legislative and policy matters around elder care and non-profit administration.

Education Industry Transactions and Contracts

  • Represents clients in purchases and sales of institutions or their assets
  • Represents private institutional clients in conversions from proprietary to not-for-profit status

Higher Education Act and Federal Student Aid Programs

  • Counsels clients on U.S. Department of Education negotiated rulemaking processes
  • Advises clients on matters arising from institutional participation in federal student aid programs, including change of ownership processes and requirements, campus crime, safety and sexual assault regulations under the Clery Act and Title IX of the Higher Education Act

Credentials

Bar Admissions

District of Columbia

Court Admissions

U.S. Supreme Court

Education

Harvard Law School
J.D. Journal of Legislation, Women's Law Journal, Journal on Law & Public Policy

Swarthmore College
B.A. cum laude

Insights & Events

Latest
Updates March 2023

U.S. Department of Education Announces Updated Data Security Expectation for Postsecondary Institutions

6 min read  
Updates March 2023

U.S. Department of Education Announces Personal Liability Requirements for Postsecondary Institutions Participating in Title IV Programs

8 min read  
Updates March 2023

U.S. Department of Education Substantially Expands Regulatory Oversight of Service Providers and Academic Partners to Higher Education Institutions

9 min read  
Updates August 2022

U.S. Department of Education Proposes Revised Regulations on Borrower Defense and Other Student Loan Discharge Matters

12 min read  
Updates February 2022

FTC Updates to “Safeguards Rule” Has Impacts for Higher Education Institutions

8 min read  
Updates August 2021

New U.S. Department of Education Regulations on Distance Education and Other Title IV Program Matters Effective July 1, 2021

22 min read  
Updates January 2021

Over $21 Billion in Emergency Grant Aid Available to Higher Education Institutions and Students through HEERF II Funding Under the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act

9 min read  
Updates December 2020

U.S. Department of Education Extends and Clarifies COVID-Related Waivers for Accrediting Agencies

5 min read  
Publication October 2020

Reminder to Higher Education Institutions of October 30 Deadline for CARES Act HEERF Institutional Fund Reports

3 min read  
Updates August 2020

Revised Higher Education Reporting Requirements for CARES Act Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students

3 min read  
Insights
Updates March 2023

U.S. Department of Education Announces Updated Data Security Expectation for Postsecondary Institutions

6 min read  
Updates March 2023

U.S. Department of Education Announces Personal Liability Requirements for Postsecondary Institutions Participating in Title IV Programs

8 min read  
Updates March 2023

U.S. Department of Education Substantially Expands Regulatory Oversight of Service Providers and Academic Partners to Higher Education Institutions

9 min read  
Updates August 2022

U.S. Department of Education Proposes Revised Regulations on Borrower Defense and Other Student Loan Discharge Matters

12 min read  
Updates February 2022

FTC Updates to “Safeguards Rule” Has Impacts for Higher Education Institutions

8 min read  
Updates August 2021

New U.S. Department of Education Regulations on Distance Education and Other Title IV Program Matters Effective July 1, 2021

22 min read  
Updates January 2021

Over $21 Billion in Emergency Grant Aid Available to Higher Education Institutions and Students through HEERF II Funding Under the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act

9 min read  
Updates December 2020

U.S. Department of Education Extends and Clarifies COVID-Related Waivers for Accrediting Agencies

5 min read  
Publication October 2020

Reminder to Higher Education Institutions of October 30 Deadline for CARES Act HEERF Institutional Fund Reports

3 min read  
Updates August 2020

Revised Higher Education Reporting Requirements for CARES Act Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students

3 min read  
Other Perspectives

Leadership & Community

Pro Bono

  • Faegre Drinker — Pro Bono Honor Roll, 2022
  • Washington Lawyers’ Committee
  • Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law
  • Election Protection 2008, 2012, 2016, 2018
  • Erie House
  • Kids in Need of Defense

Professional Associations

  • Women’s Bar Association
  • District of Columbia Bar, Litigation Section
  • District of Columbia Bar, ADR Section

Civic Activities

  • District of Columbia Bar – Lawyer Assistance Committee
  • New York Avenue Presbyterian Church – Community Club Tutoring
  • Mount Vernon Leadership Fellows – Mentor

Firm Leadership

  • Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP  Associates Committee; Public Interest Committee; D.C. Pro Bono Committee; Women’s Committee

Honors

  • Faegre Drinker — Pro Bono Honor Roll, 2021
Awards Methodology
No aspect of these recognitions has been approved by the highest court of any state.
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