Overview
Sean Somermeyer represents employers—particularly colleges and universities—both in litigation and advising on complex issues. This includes defending clients in court, conducting internal investigations, responding to government investigations and counseling on difficult issues. Sean specializes in serving college, university and secondary education institutions and the unique needs and challenges they face.
Education Expertise
Sean advises and represents educational institutions on a wide range of matters, including:
- Faculty tenure and termination.
- Title IX actions.
- State and federal government investigations.
- Student conduct, discipline and privacy issues.
- Disability access and accommodations.
He regularly advises clients on issues relating to Title IX, the Clery Act, FERPA, VAWA, and other state and federal laws affecting higher education. Sean has represented countless institutions in responding to investigations by the U.S. Department of Education – Office for Civil Rights (OCR).
Employment Litigation
Sean has served as lead counsel defending employers before state and federal courts and administrative agencies related to:
- Claims of discrimination under Title VII, the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), whistleblower statutes and related state law.
- Wrongful termination, breach of contract, and minimum wage and overtime violations under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and state wage laws.
- Trade secrets and non-compete claims.
Employment Counseling
Sean counsels employers on non-competition agreements, employee classification and employee hiring, and discipline and discharge. He helps employers prepare employment agreements, separation agreements and general employee policies. Sean also has conducted numerous internal investigations of misconduct.
Personal Interests
Sean enjoys camping, golf, and excels at underhand sports.
Services & Industries
Credentials
Bar Admissions
Minnesota
Court Admissions
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit
U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota
Languages
Spanish
Education
University of Minnesota Law School
J.D. magna cum laude, Dean's List, Minnesota Law Review (2010)
University of Minnesota
B.A. magna cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa (2005)
Experience
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June 2019 1 min readUniversity of Minnesota Wins Complete Dismissal of Lawsuit Filed by Former AthletesNonprofit Organizations Labor and Employment Corporate Group Litigation & Dispute Resolution HR Compliance, Training and Transactions Employment Litigation
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2019 1 min readHigher Education Institutions Address Emotional Support Animal IssuesLabor and Employment HR Compliance, Training and Transactions
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2019 1 min readHigher Education Institutions Receive Advice on Complex Student Privacy IssuesLabor and Employment HR Compliance, Training and Transactions
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October 2018 1 min readHigher Education Institution Wins Complete Summary Judgment in Wrongful Termination CaseLabor and Employment Employment Litigation
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January 2017 1 min readFederal Court Rejects Expansion of Title IX in Dismissing Claims Against Private Liberal Arts CollegeLabor and Employment HR Compliance, Training and Transactions
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1 min readHigher Education Institutions Advised on Student Hazing IncidentsLabor and Employment HR Compliance, Training and Transactions
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1 min readCollege Successfully Defends Inaccessibility ClaimsLabor and Employment HR Compliance, Training and Transactions
Insights & Events
Latest
Insights
Leadership & Community
Pro Bono
- Minnesota Appellate Public Defender — Pro Bono Appeals Program
- Hennepin County Bar Association — Legal Access Point Clinic
Professional Associations
- National Association of College and University Attorneys
- Federal Bar Association
- Minnesota State Bar Association
- Hennepin County Bar Association
Honors
- Minnesota Super Lawyers — Rising Star, 2017-19
- Faegre Baker Daniels — Pro Bono Honor Roll, 2014, 2016-18