Joel M. Rudnick

Principal

Joel Rudnick is a principal in the firm’s education practice and has specialized in representing public and private colleges and schools, investors, and lenders on compliance, litigation and transactional matters for 16 years.

Joel advises clients on compliance issues arising out of all aspects of the federal, state, and accrediting agency regulation of public and private postsecondary educational institutions with a primary focus on matters related to the federal student aid programs authorized by the Higher Education Act of 1965. He regularly assists clients with strategic planning and targeted advice on issues relating to institutional eligibility, the 90/10 rule, financial responsibility, changes in ownership, the incentive compensation rule, student lending rules, distance learning, return of funds, institutional changes such as new campuses and educational programs, student eligibility rules, verification, compliance audits, and the vast array of technical rules and guidance governing the disbursement of federal student financial assistance. He also speaks and writes frequently on breaking regulatory issues affecting the financial aid community, including CCA, NASFAA, and state and regional conferences and seminars.

Joel has extensive experience representing postsecondary educational institutions in proceedings before the United States Department of Education. He has initiated and litigated numerous client appeals of final audit and program review determinations and adverse actions before the Department, as well as seeking and obtaining settlements of such matters. He has also represented clients in federal court and in show cause proceedings before accrediting bodies and state licensing agencies.

Joel also counsels schools and investors on regulatory and transactional matters unique to the acquisition and capitalization of postsecondary educational institutions. He advises clients on the transactional impact of applicable federal, state, and accrediting agency rules, including structuring and regulatory approvals. He also conducts and consults on due diligence inquiries and investigations.

Joel graduated from Georgetown University Law Center in 1991. He lives in the Washington area with his wife Patty and their son and daughter.

News & Publications

• Emerging Legal Developments in Title IV Administration

Professional Activities

• NASFAA
• NACUA