Mike Grassi
Portland, Maine*
Thoughtful, diligent, and persistent, Mike is always intent on producing the highest quality work product for his clients. As an investigator, he has experience with a variety of complex misconduct cases, including Title VI, Title VII, and Title IX investigations, as well as investigations involving historical abuse at K-12 institutions. Mike’s experience with a broad range of investigations, along with specialized training and unwavering determination, allows him to successfully navigate the most challenging and intricate cases.
Drawn to Title IX through a love of sports and competitive spirit, Mike spent many years working in athletics compliance for a Boston-based law firm, where he honed his research and writing skills while developing a passion for addressing all types of discrimination and equity issues in higher education and beyond. Throughout his career, he has worked with some of the biggest and most successful collegiate athletics departments in the country, helping them adhere to federal gender-equity laws and regulations. Mike’s dedication to the fields of education law and civil rights has guided his professional journey as an auditor and investigator.
Mike demonstrates the utmost care for his clients, operating at all times with compassion and integrity. He is driven and focused, relentlessly pursuing outcomes that are fair, thorough, and just. The consummate professional, Mike helps educational institutions and organizations navigate sensitive issues of compliance, discrimination, and misconduct. Through an exceptional ability to convey advanced legal concepts in an understandable manner, he is known for providing forward-thinking strategies and problem-solving insights. Mike displays an intellectual rigor and commitment to development and growth that is apparent in all of his professional endeavors.
Additional Experience
NCAA athletics compliance
Collegiate athletics litigation issues
The law of higher education
Notes Editor for the Chapman Law Review
Teaching Assistant for not one but two courses in law school
Volunteer Track & Field coach at Deering High School in Portland, Maine
Publications
“What Do the New Wage and Hour Regulations Mean for Athletic Departments?” Legal Issues in Collegiate Athletics, Volume 17, Issue 8, June 2016
Certifications
NACUA Conducting Effective Internal Investigations
AWI Workplace Investigations Basics
ATIXA Title IX Compliance & Athletics Certification
Rationale Writing Workshop for Decision-Makers and Investigators
Education
JD, Chapman University Fowler School of Law
BS, University of Southern Maine, summa cum laude
Admitted to Practice
State of California
*Not yet admitted to practice in Maine