Rebecca Van Doren

Commercial litigation guidance for complex business disputes

Rebecca Van Doren is an experienced commercial litigator who handles most types of business disputes, as well as appeals to both state and federal court. She conducts factual investigations, works with expert witnesses, and prepares for and participates in mediation, arbitration, trial, depositions and administrative hearings. Rebecca is a skilled writer, with expertise in researching and drafting every type of legal paper from demand letters and complaints to appellate briefs. The matters she handles include:

• Higher education law, including Title IX disputes and litigation
• Constitutional claims
• Employment law, including restrictive covenants and confidentiality agreements
• Contract disputes
• Independent investigations prior to litigation

Rebecca understands that litigation is stressful and disruptive for her clients and prioritizes finding a business solution to any dispute whenever possible. She approaches every representation with the goal of clearly understanding its strengths and weaknesses, and leverages the strengths to reach the best outcome possible. Rebecca further understands the value of clear communication, with her clients, with opposing counsel and with the court.  She keeps her clients informed and involved throughout any dispute. Rebecca also carefully crafts well-researched and persuasive letters, briefs and other legal papers at every level of the litigation process.

• Provides legal counsel to public universities on issues such student and faculty conduct, faculty review processes, public records and compliance with federal law.
• Conducts independent investigations into alleged misconduct.
• Drafts appellate briefs for appeals and special actions in both state and federal court.
• Evaluates provisions in employment agreements and other contracts to advise clients on enforceability.

• Served as a Title IX hearing officer and decision maker for a public school district.
• Represented plaintiffs in a lengthy real estate dispute that resulted in a multi-million-dollar damage award.
• Resolved an intellectual property dispute brought by a student against a university.
• Secured the dismissal of claims against small business and its founders for alleged violations of overbroad and unenforceable restrictive covenants.
• Obtained the dismissal of First Amendment and discrimination claims against a public university and senior administrators brought by former employee.
• Investigated misconduct by a tenured university faculty member and prepared report that resulted in his resignation without a formal dismissal process or litigation.