Joshua W. B. Richards

Joshua W. B. Richards
Primary Office
Overview

Josh Richards focuses his practice on counseling institutions of higher education. In addition to providing day-to-day advice and counsel to schools in a wide variety of matters, Josh helps institutions involved in civil and regulatory disputes address challenges through litigation, appeals, and strategic responses to government enforcement.

In 2024, Josh became one of just five attorneys in the country included in Band 1 of Chambers USA’s nationwide ranking of “America’s Leading Lawyers in Higher Education.” In its review of Josh, Chambers notes that he “is lauded by his university and college clients as a leading higher education litigator” and “best in class for higher education litigation.” 

Josh approaches his work for education and nonprofit clients from a mission-driven perspective, providing practical advice that protects institutions from undue risk without compromising their ability to fulfill their primary purposes. 

[read-more]

Applying this mindset in both his roles as outside general counsel for smaller institutions and his more focused roles on complex matters, Josh frequently advises institutions on a variety of topics, including: 

  • Complex litigation, including class- and multi-plaintiff actions.
  • Student conduct matters.
  • Civil rights counseling, policy work, investigations, and litigation, including under Title VI, Title IX, and Section 504.
  • Diversity initiatives and compliance.
  • Employment disputes.
  • Faculty relations and tenure and promotion disputes.
  • Investigations by a variety of government agencies. 
  • Accreditation.
  • Minors on campus.
  • Clery Act compliance.
  • Combination and affiliation transactions.
Overview quote

“A fantastic attorney, (Josh is) … is knowledgeable, responsive and a good litigator” and the “pre-eminent Title IX lawyer in the country.”