Jessica Swartz is Senior Legal Counsel at the firm and has practiced law since 2003.  Her practice is focused on counseling and representing education clients in many issues, including statutory interpretation, internal investigations, and Free Speech questions.

Professional Experience
Jessica Swartz was previously the Director of Conflict Disclosure Management at Michigan State University, where she gained detailed knowledge of the workings of a research-intensive institution.  Before MSU, she served as Deputy General Counsel at Western Michigan University where she advised university clients on a large range of issues arising in the higher education context.  These included developing and implementing a policy review and approval system, being the main point of contact on campus for Free Speech questions, Title IX regulatory review, and responses to government inquiries and investigations.

Prior to MSU, she worked for the Department of Veterans Affairs in Washington, D.C., as an appellate attorney and a Designated Ethics Official, and in private practice representing health care clients.

Professional Affiliations and Activities
Jessica is a member of the State Bar of Michigan and former active member of NACUA.

In her spare time, she volunteers for Voters Not Politicians in Kalamazoo; and co-leads a Girl Scout troop.  She enjoys running, tennis, and anything MSU.

Education, Bar and Court Admissions
Jessica received her law degree, from American University Washington College of Law. She received her undergraduate degree from the Michigan State University, where she graduated with honors from James Madison College. Jessica is admitted to practice in all Michigan state and appellate courts, the Sixth Circuit and federal courts in Michigan, and the U.S. Supreme Court.