Stephen Vaughan focuses his practice on higher education, employment advice and litigation, and internal investigations. He advises colleges and universities nationwide on a broad range of legal and compliance matters, including those relating to Title IX, the Clery Act, the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), student affairs, campus organizations, faculty, and employment law. Stephen has also worked with higher education associations in responding to state and federal policymaking.
He has extensive experience conducting systematic reviews and investigations, drafting policies and procedures, and advising senior leadership and internal personnel on all matters pertaining to harassment, discrimination, and the sexual misconduct process. Stephen regularly provides training, including legally mandated training, to institutions and their personnel nationwide. He also defends higher education clients in the courtroom, particularly in cases related to institutional determinations in misconduct proceedings.
Stephen also counsels clients on a wide range of employment law issues related to policies, terminations, employee claims, independent contractors, post termination covenants against competition, breach of contract, breach of fiduciary and other duties, fraud, tortious interference, and infringement. He has successfully argued motions for preliminary injunctive relief and dispositive motions in a variety of contexts, and he has served as first chair and co-chair in federal and state courts trials on behalf of his clients.
In addition, Stephen has significant investigation experience, including conducting internal investigations and defending corporations, individuals, and higher education institutions in investigations conducted by Congress, the Department of Justice, United States attorneys and attorneys general of numerous states, and other state and federal agencies.
