Education litigation advisor for unique matters
Matt Burris helps educational entities understand their legal obligations and address legal challenges at the local, state and federal level. He has concentrated experience advising and litigating on behalf of schools, colleges and universities on all issues affecting educational institutions in California and across the United States.
An experienced trial litigator, Matt has represented educational institutions in all areas of civil litigation, including employment discrimination, tort claims, contractual disputes and administrative complaints in state and federal courts and administrative agencies. He has successfully represented institutions in matters unique to education such as:
- Donor gift agreements
- Title IX
- First Amendment retaliation
- Degree revocations
- Denials of tenure
- Plagiarism-based student discipline
Matt’s combination of in-house and private practice experience helps him understand his client’s needs from a legal and operational standpoint. His clients appreciate that he actively listens to their concerns, works to find creative solutions to difficult situations and values their respective missions.
Experience in Action
- Litigates employment and education-specific disputes, including defending university presidents, school superintendents and other high-level officials at depositions.
- Advises clients on legal compliance issues, conducting effective investigations, considerations in employee hiring, implementing employee evaluations and other issues.
- Manages client responses to information requests from federal and state regulatory agencies such as the U.S. Department of Education Office of Civil Rights, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, California’s Civil Rights Department, the National Labor Relations Board and other regulatory agencies.
Capabilities
Professional & Civic Activities
- J. Clifford Wallace Chapter, American Inns of Court, member (2024-present)
- National Association of College and University Attorneys Committee on Legal Resources Library (2022-2023)
- National Association of College and University Attorneys, member
- Gained in-house experience in the Office of General Counsel for the University of North Texas System, the University of Mississippi and as an intern in the U.S. Department of Education
News & Insights
Education
- The University of Mississippi School of Law (J.D., magna cum laude)
- The University of Southern Mississippi (B.A., with honors)
- English
Bar Admissions
- California
- Mississippi
- Texas
Court Admissions
- U.S. District Court, All Districts of California
- U.S. District Court, All Districts of Texas
- U.S. Court of Appeals, 9th Circuit
- U.S. District Court, All Districts of Mississippi
- U.S. Court of Appeals, 5th Circuit