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Jollee Patterson
Partner at Miller Nash Graham & Dunn LLP
Professional Background
Jollee Patterson is a distinguished legal professional with over 25 years of extensive experience in the realms of education and public law. As a partner at Miller Nash Graham & Dunn LLP, she plays a pivotal role on the education and public entities teams, where she collaborates with a myriad of public and private institutions. Her portfolio includes serving various educational entities such as public and private universities, community colleges, school districts, and non-profit organizations.
Patterson's robust practice encompasses a wide range of legal disciplines tailored to the unique needs of educational institutions. She diligently supports her clients in key areas including employment law, Title IX compliance, governance, constitutional issues, public meetings, and record-keeping regulations. Her expertise extends to conducting compliance audits and developing effective policies and procedures to ensure that educational entities navigate the complexities of the law efficiently.
A significant portion of Jollee's career was dedicated to her role as the General Counsel for a major urban school district. During this time, she was not only a member of the superintendent’s executive cabinet but also served as the Secretary to the Board of Education for an impressive 13 years. In this capacity, she honed her skills in resolving complex and highly sensitive issues that arise within the intricate landscape of public education, particularly in politically charged environments.
In addition to her counseling work, Jollee is deeply committed to education and advocacy, often serving as a trainer, investigator, and mediator. Her multifaceted experience positions her as a leading authority in matters concerning education law, public governance, and administrative policies.
Education and Achievements
Jollee Patterson's educational background laid a solid foundation for her successful legal career. She earned her Juris Doctor (JD) degree from the prestigious University of California, Los Angeles - School of Law, where she developed a thorough understanding of legal principles that govern our society. Prior to her law degree, Jollee completed her Bachelor’s Degree at the highly respected University of California, Berkeley. This educational trajectory provided her with critical skills in analytical thinking, effective communication, and a deep-seated understanding of societal issues, all of which are essential in her current role.
Notable Positions and Roles
Throughout her professional journey, Jollee has held significant positions that spotlight her commitment to education law and public service. Before rising to the role of partner at Miller Nash Graham & Dunn, she served as Senior Counsel at the same firm, affording her a profound understanding of the complexities faced by educational institutions. Additionally, she has contributed to the academic field as an adjunct instructor in the Department of Graduate Education at Portland State University, further showcasing her passion for fostering educational growth among future leaders in the field.
Jollee's experience as General Counsel and Board Secretary for Portland Public Schools is particularly noteworthy. Here, she navigated critical legal challenges impacting one of the largest school districts in the region. Her foresight in legal matters and her strategic approach to governance provided invaluable guidance to the district’s leadership.
Moreover, her prior experience as an attorney at varied reputable law firms such as Markowitz Herbold PC, Goldstein, Borgen, Dardarian & Ho, and Arnold & Porter Kaye Scholer LLP enriched her extensive legal knowledge across multiple domains, reinforcing her capabilities in tackling intricate legal issues with adeptness.
Achievements
Jollee Patterson's seasoned career is characterized by a commitment to enabling education entities to operate confidently within legal frameworks while effectively supporting diverse student populations and their communities. Her ability to mediate and conduct thorough investigations has not only been instrumental in resolving disputes but also in fostering environments of inclusivity and compliance in various educational settings.
As a leading legal expert, Jollee's contributions to the field of education law are invaluable. She continues to advocate for the rights of students and institutions alike, embodying a dedication to legal excellence that influences educational practices positively. Her extensive knowledge in Title IX and civil rights underscores her commitment to creating equitable educational opportunities for all.
As an active member of her community, Jollee leverages her profound understanding of legal and administrative issues to advocate for policies that benefit students and education systems. She remains a sought-after speaker and trainer, often engaging with peers and stakeholders on best practices in governance, compliance, and education law.
In summary, Jollee Patterson is a remarkable figure in the field of education law, integrating over two decades of legal expertise with an unwavering commitment to fostering an equitable and compliant educational landscape. Through her strategic legal advocacy and passion for education, she has made profound contributions to public entities and educational institutions, ensuring they can thrive in today’s complex legal environment.
