Jeff is a counselor and trial lawyer for colleges and universities on higher education matters, and a member of the National Association of College and University Attorneys (“NACUA”). Jeff also serves as outside general counsel for several private higher education institutions and he has experience with all of the issues facing schools including, Title IX investigations and litigation, crisis response, as well as issues involving student affairs, employment, FERPA, and the First Amendment.  Jeff has been deeply involved in advising multiple schools as they navigate the myriad issues arising from the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the federal, state and local governmental responses to it, and specifically with respect to the CARES Act.

Jeff regularly assumes lead responsibility for strategy and briefing of discovery and dispositive motions, taking and defending depositions, oral argument before trial and appellate courts, conducting trials, arbitrations, evidentiary hearings and mock jury exercises, and managing all aspects of the discovery process, including complex e-discovery projects. 

In addition to his higher education experience, Jeff has represented clients of all sizes in matters involving commercial contract disputes, corporate raiding, restrictive covenants, breaches of fiduciary duty, trade secrets, fraud, insurance recovery, and healthcare payor-provider disputes.

He has a proven ability to recruit and lead litigation teams to victory and is adept at delivering cost-effective solutions aligned with his clients’ most valued priorities. An experienced legal project manager, Jeff strives not only to secure favorable outcomes but also to provide predictable, responsive, and efficient client service.

Jeff was named a Pennsylvania Super Lawyers Rising Star in 2016 and 2017, and a Pittsburgh Business Times Fast Tracker in 2016.

Jeff also is deeply committed to pro bono work and serves as the Pro Bono Coordinator for the Reed Smith Pittsburgh Office and as a member and Chair-Elect of the Administrative Board of the Pittsburgh Pro Bono Partnership. Jeff also is a member of the advisory board of the Dollar Bank Three Rivers Arts Festival and a member of the Board of Directors of Junior Achievement of Western Pennsylvania.