Higher Education
Executive Contracts & Employment Issues
Whether negotiating a first contract or navigating an investigation, the assistance of an experienced higher education attorney can make all the difference. Contact Ms. Adams' team for a consultation.
Coaches' Contracts
With over ten years' experience as an in-house counsel at an NCAA Division I university, Ms. Adams can help negotiate a coaching contract. Contact Ms. Adams' team for a consultation.
Higher Ed Investigations
An experienced investigator who has presented on higher ed investigations at NACUA, Ms. Adams and her team can assist with or conduct investigations. Areas of focus include alleged research misconduct, academic integrity matters, and harassment.
Contact Ms. Adams' team for a consultation.
Higher Ed Board Training
An experienced trainer who has presented on higher education leadership matters for almost twenty years, Ms. Adams can train boards on procedure, governance, strategic planning, and problem-solving.
Stephanie Cole Adams’ experience in higher ed includes over ten years as Niagara University General Counsel. Seen here is Niagara University President, Father James Maher, C.M., presenting Cole's ten-year service award.
Stephanie “Cole” Adams
has successfully guided top academic administrators though sensitive investigations, presidential search processes, and contract negotiations.
It all started when...
I worked for Sub-Board I, Inc., through the offices of Bloom, Cole & Shonn, LLP. At Sub-Board, I helped to staff the Group Legal Services clinic, offering legal advice to SUNY Buffalo students on a weekly basis.
In 2006, I left my partnership to serve for over ten years as general counsel for Niagara University, where I worked on legal issues ranging from large-scale real property, design/build, higher education regulatory compliance, not-for-profit operations, student matters, employments issues, emergency response, grants, and contracts. I worked with a fantastic array of committed professionals and inspiring academics.
Although my work is now centered in Buffalo, Niagara's mission of academic excellence and the Vincentian commitment to leadership through service will always be with me.
—Cole