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Jollee Faber Patterson

Partner
Portland
503.205.2390
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I am deeply committed to helping clients efficiently resolve legal challenges in a practical manner that reflects their values and mission. Through firsthand experience, I bring an understanding of the complex issues faced by education and other public entities, and the highly visible environment in which they operate. I passionately support each client and remain driven by a long-standing commitment to using the law to accelerate equity. Quotation mark
Jollee Faber Patterson
Jollee Faber Patterson
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About Jollee

Jollee Patterson is a partner in the firm’s education and public entities teams. With more than 25 years of legal experience, she works with a wide range of education and public institutions, including public and private universities, community colleges, school districts, private schools, special districts, and other public entities. She advises clients in a wide variety of areas including employment, Title IX and other civil rights, constitutional issues, governance, public meetings and records, compliance audits, and policies and procedures. Jollee also serves as an investigator, trainer, and mediator.

Prior to joining Miller Nash, Jollee spent 16 years as the general counsel for a major urban school district, during which time she also served on the superintendent’s executive cabinet and was the secretary to the board of education for 13 years.

With her unique background, Jollee has a deep understanding of the complex issues facing education institutions and other public entities. Jollee provides stellar customer service, as she is aware of the need to solve problems as promptly and efficiently as possible so that clients can return to their core work. Jollee has significant experience resolving complex and highly sensitive issues within a political and public environment and strives to find solutions that allow clients to preserve relationships and minimize distraction.

Jollee has been an equity leader throughout her career and works closely with clients to advance equity goals. Additionally, Jollee is the chair of Miller Nash’s pro bono committee.

Representative Experience

  • Resolution of Highly Sensitive Issues Plus
    • Assisted numerous clients in negotiating separation arrangements and agreements with high-level administrators and executives, and supporting successful executive transitions.

    • Assisted client with the resolution of a highly sensitive legacy abuse claim.

    • Regularly advise clients on a wide variety of employment matters, including discrimination and harassment complaints, ADA and other accommodations, Equal Pay Act compliance, and wage-and-hour matters.

    • Advise K-12 and higher education clients on a broad range of student issues including bullying and harassment, student discipline, requests for accommodations, complaint resolution, FERPA and other privacy matters, child abuse prevention, and a wide range of equity issues.

    • Provided training and analysis for numerous education clients regarding the 2020 Title IX regulations and Oregon laws regarding sexual harassment and assault.

    • Advised higher education and K-12 clients on revisions of policies, procedures, and guidance regarding the 2020 Title IX regulations.

    • Routinely provide guidance for education clients on policies and procedures regarding equity for underserved and underrepresented populations, including students of color, immigrant students, and LGBTQ+ students.

    • Provide training for boards and administrators on effective equity leadership.

    • Conducted numerous complex investigations of sex and race discrimination claims in highly sensitive situations involving high-level administrators and executives.

    • Counseled numerous clients on complex First Amendment issues, including the intersection of freedom of speech with harassment and discrimination claims.

    • Assisted client with wholesale revision of freedom of expression policies and procedures in complex educational environment.

    • Routinely represent clients in OCR complaints, including sex and race discrimination claims and website accessibility.

    • Successfully negotiated dismissal of several OCR complaints at the pre-investigation stage.

    • Successfully represent clients in responding to and resolving BOLI complaints.

Client Collaborations

Services

Education

  • J.D., University of California, Los Angeles School of Law, 1992
    • UCLA Women’s Law Journal, a Founding Editor (1990-1991) and Co-Editor-in-Chief (1991-1992)
  • B.A., University of California, Berkeley, 1987
    • Phi Beta Kappa

Bar Admissions

  • Oregon, 1997
         
COVID-19 Resource Center Contributor

Activities

Professional Plus
  • Multnomah Bar Association
    • Bar Fellows Task Force, Founding Member and Chair, 2015-present
    • Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee, Member, 2016-2018
  • Council of School Attorneys, Oregon Chair, 2012-2020
  • Oregon School Boards Association Legal Assistance Trust, Board Member, 2012-2020
  • Owen M. Panner American Inn of Court, Member
  • Oregon State Bar
    • Advisory Committee on Diversity and Inclusion, Member, 2016-1018
    • Access to Justice Sub-Committee, Cochair, 2018
  • Oregon Women Lawyers, Member
  • Portland State University, Department of Graduate Education, Adjunct Instructor, 2006-2019
  • Miller Nash Pro Bono Committee, Cochair
Civic Plus
  • Coos Bay Oregon Law Center/Central Oregon Legal Aid Services of Oregon, Expungement Clinic Pro Bono Attorney, 2022-present
  • Classroom Law Project, Board Member, 2014-present
    • Reach and Inclusion Committee, Chair
    • Mock Trial and We the People, Competition Judge
  • Portland State University Explore the Law, Mentor

Recognition

  • Recipient of the Multnomah Bar Association’s Award of Merit, 2023
  • Selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® (Portland, OR)
    • Administrative/Regulatory Law, 2024-present
  • Selected for inclusion as an Oregon Super Lawyer, 2024-present

Insights from Jollee

  • “Navigating Workplace Investigations: Best Practices for K-12 School Districts,” Miller Nash, K-12 Webinar (Sept. 2024)
  • “Title IX: Hot Topics and Staying out of Hot Water,” Oregon School Boards Association, PACE Day 2024 (Apr. 2024)
  • “A Day in the Life: Legal Opportunities, Challenges, and Unknowns for Supporting Gender Diverse Students,” Coalition of Oregon School Administrators, Equity Summit (Sept. 2023)
  • “Best Practices to Prevent and Be Prepared for Employment-Related Claims in Higher Education,” Collective Liability Insurance Cooperative, copresenter (Mar. 2023)
  • “Hot Legal Topics,” Confederation of Oregon School Administrators, 42nd Annual Oregon School Law Conference, panelist (Dec. 2022)
  • “Beyond the Gender Binary: Legal Implications and Practical Guidance for Navigating Student Gender-Identity Issues,” Confederation of Oregon School Administrators, 42nd Annual Oregon School Law Conference, copresenter (Dec. 2022)
  • “Parental Rights - Basics and Beyond!” Confederation of Oregon School Administrators, 42nd Annual Oregon School Law Conference, copresenter (Dec. 2022)
  • “Free Expression: Key Policy & Legal Issues for College Leaders,” Oregon Community College Association, Annual Conference, copresenter (Nov. 2022)
  • “The Board’s Role in Addressing 2022’s Emerging Legal Issues,” Oregon Community College Association, Annual Conference (Nov. 2022)
  • “Full Steam Ahead: Keeping the Track Clear in Today’s Divided Workplace,” Miller Nash, Employment Law Seminar (Oct. 2022)
  • “Best Practices and Legal Considerations for Supporting LGBTQ+ Students,” Coalition of Oregon School Administrators, 2022 Oregon Educator Equity Summit, copresenter (Sept. 2022)
  • “Legal Topics #trending in Independent Schools,” Northwest Association of Independent Schools, Business Officers Conference, copresenter (Apr. 2022)
  • “The Risks Hybrid Models Pose for Employers,” Miller Nash, Employment Law Seminar (Dec. 2021)
  • “Who’s the Boss? The Intersection of Parental Rights and School Authority,” Confederation of Oregon School Administrators, 41th Annual Oregon School Law Conference (Dec. 2021)
  • “Critical Race Theory—How to Stay Steady in the Storm,” Confederation of Oregon School Administrators, 41th Annual Oregon School Law Conference (Dec. 2021)
  • “Hot Topics for School Administrators” Confederation of Oregon School Administrators, 41th Annual Oregon School Law Conference, panelist (Dec. 2021)
  • “Advancing Equity in our “Post-Pandemic” Schools,” Oregon School Boards Association, PACE Day 2021 (Apr. 2021)
  • “Recognizing Design Possibilities and Challenges: Equity Issues in the Remote Environment,” Miller Nash Graham & Dunn, Employment Law Seminar (Dec. 2020)
  • “Student Mental Health Issues During COVID-19,” Confederation of Oregon School Administrators, 40th Annual Oregon School Law Conference (Dec. 2020)
  • “FERPA, Data Privacy, and Remote Learning: Considerations in a Global Pandemic,” Confederation of Oregon School Administrators, 40th Annual Oregon School Law Conference (Dec. 2020)
  • “School Law Hot Topics,” Confederation of Oregon School Administrators, 40th Annual Oregon School Law Conference (Dec. 2020)
  • “Nuts and Bolts,” Oregon Community College Association, 2020 Annual Conference (Nov. 2020)
  • “Equity Leadership–Leveraging the Board’s Governance Role to Advance Equity Efforts,” Oregon Community College Association, Annual Community College Board Retreat, training (July 2020)
  • “How You Can Help ‘for the public good’: Pro Bono Opportunities in the Time of COVID-19 and Justice Reform,” Multnomah Bar Association, CLE seminar, panelist (June 2020)
  • “Title IX and HB 3415: What Community Colleges Need to Do Now,” PACE, webinar, panelist (June 2020)
  • “Title IX Regulations, Meet Oregon Law: Challenges for Oregon School Districts,” Miller Nash Graham & Dunn, webinar (May 2020)
  • “Title IX Regulations, Meet Oregon Law: Challenges for Oregon's Colleges & Universities,” Miller Nash Graham & Dunn, webinar (May 2020) 
  • “Coronavirus Webinar: Key Evolving Issues and Best Practices for School Districts,” Miller Nash Graham & Dunn, webinar (Mar. 2020)
  • “Coronavirus Webinar: Key Evolving Issues and Best Practices for Colleges and Universities,” Miller Nash Graham & Dunn, webinar (Mar. 2020)
  • “The Path to Diversity and Inclusion: Recognizing and Responding to Implicit Bias in Employment,” Confederation of Oregon School Administrators, Oregon School Law Conference (Dec. 2019)
  • “Legal Issues Panel,” Confederation of Oregon School Administrators, Oregon School Law Conference, panelist (Dec. 2019)
  • “Navigating the Intersection of Free Speech and Anti-Harassment: Supporting a Healthy School Climate in Tumultuous Times,” Confederation of Oregon School Administrators, Oregon School Law Conference (Dec. 2019)
  • “Using Effective Board Governance to Accelerate Equity,” Oregon Community College Association, 2019 Annual Conference (Nov. 2019)
  • “A Port in the Storm: Dealing With Mental Health and Substance Abuse Issues,” Miller Nash Graham & Dunn, Employment Law Seminar (Oct. 2019)
  • “Immigration Issues: Legal Considerations and Best Practices,” Confederation of Oregon School Administrators (COSA), Statewide Educator Equity Summit II (Sept. 2019)
  • “Title IX: Managing Significant Risk While Preparing for An Uncertain Future,” AON, Conference for Higher Education (June 2019)
  • “Keep Yourself Out of Trouble While Supporting Student Success: Best Practices for the Legal and Equitable Administration of Student Discipline,” Confederation of Oregon School Administrators (COSA), 45th Annual Seaside Conference (June 2019)
  • “Whistleblower and Anti-Retaliation Laws,” International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), Safety on Set event (Apr. 2019)
  • “K-12 Student Discipline,” Property and Casualty Coverage for Education, PACE Day 2019 (Apr. 2019)
  • “Student Discipline: Key strategies for upholding conduct policies while avoiding legal pitfalls,” 2018 Oregon School Law Conference (Dec. 2018)
  • “There’s always something new: 2018 legal updates you need to know to stay out of trouble!” 2018 Oregon School Law Conference (Dec. 2018)
  • “Public Meetings, Ethics Law, and Too Many Federal Requirements—Oh My! Tips and Tools for Keeping You and Your Institution Out of the News,” Oregon Community College Association, annual conference (Nov. 2018)
  • “The Case of the Missing Employee: Solving Protected Leave Challenges,” Miller Nash Graham & Dunn, Employment Law Seminar (Oct. and Nov. 2018)
  • “Serious About Rooting Out Discrimination? Companies Should Address Implicit Bias and Understand the Legal Risks if They Don’t Act,” Northwest Human Resource Management Association, annual conference (Sept. 2018)
  • “The Legally Savvy School Leader,” Confederation of Oregon School Administrators (COSA), Assistant Principal Academy (Aug. 2018)
  • “Employment Law Update (and a Few Best Practice Tips),” Oregon Community College Business Officers Conference (Aug. 2018)
  • “Free Speech, Hate Speech, Disruptive Behavior, and Multiple Resolutions Pathways,” Oregon Chapter of the Association for Student Conduct Administration (ASCA) (July 2018)
  • “Immigration Enforcement and Undocumented Students: Policy Issues for School Leaders,” Coalition of Oregon School Administrators (COSA), Seaside Conference (June 2018)
  • “Transgender Students and Athletics,” Property and Casualty for School Districts (PACE), PACE Conference (Apr. 2018)
  • “Immigration Enforcement and Undocumented Students—Policy and Practical Issues for Schools,” Confederation of Oregon School Administrators, 2018 State English Learners Alliance Conference (Mar. 2018)
  • “Immigration Enforcement and Undocumented Students: Key Legal and Policy Issues for School Administrators,” Conference of School Administrators, Oregon School Law Conference (Dec. 2017)
  • “Top Ten Legal Issues,” Conference of School Administrators, Oregon School Law Conference (Dec. 2017)
  • “Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming Students: Legal and Policy Issues for School Districts,” COSA, Oregon School Law Conference (Dec. 2017)
  • “Immigration Enforcement & Undocumented Students—Legal Issues for School Districts,” Oregon School Boards Association, 71st Annual Convention (Nov. 2017)
  • “Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming Students: Legal and Policy Issues for School Districts,” Oregon School Boards Association, 71st Annual Convention (Nov. 2017)
  • “Muslim Students and Staff: Legal Requirements Regarding Accommodations, Religious Freedom, and Nondiscrimination,” Oregon School Boards Association, 71st Annual Convention—Council of School Attorneys Workshop (Nov. 2017)
  • “Legal Issues Regarding Immigration Enforcement and Undocumented Students,” Oregon School Boards Association, 71st Annual Convention—Council of School Attorneys Workshop (Nov. 2017)
  • “Leveraging Effective School Board Governance to Accelerate Education Equity,” Oregon Chalkboard Project (Oct. 2017)
  • “Now You See It, Now You Don’t: Recognizing and Responding to Implicit Bias,” Miller Nash Graham & Dunn, Employment Law Seminar (Oct. and Nov. 2017)
  • “Addressing Immigration Issues,” Oregon School Personnel Association, Advanced HR Retreat (July 2017)
  • “Brown v. Board of Education 63rd Anniversary Forum: National, State and Local Perspectives on Civil Rights,” Education Northwest (May 2017)
  • “What’s a School to Do? Undocumented Students, Sanctuary Districts, and ICE Activities,” National School Boards Association—Council of School Attorneys, webinar (Apr. 2017)
  • “Professionalism Panel: Practicing Diversity,” Multnomah Bar Association and Oregon Women Lawyers, moderator (Apr. 2017)
  • “Education Conflict Resolution: Establishing Ombuds Programs in K-12 Schools,” American Bar Association, 19th Annual Spring Conference (Apr. 2017)
  • “Effectively Using the Law to Accelerate Equity, Inclusion, and Safety for All Students,” Oregon Leadership Network, 2017 Spring Leadership Institute (Apr. 2017)
  • “The Educational Ombudsman: A Valuable Tool for Early Dispute Resolution,” National School Boards Association (Mar. 2017)
  • “From Eid al-Fitr to Hijabs: Applying Religious Freedom, Nondiscrimination, and Accommodation Standards for Muslim Students and Staff,” National School Boards Association, School Law Practice Seminar (Oct. 2016)
  • “Closing the Achievement Gap in a Race-Neutral Legal Framework,” National School Boards Association—Council of School Attorneys (Apr. 2012)
Collaborations
  Edit Jollee Faber Patterson