Jackson Lewis P.C., one of the country’s leading workplace law firms, has announced the addition of Principal Josh Whitlock and Of Counsel Sarah Ford Neorr, both formerly of Parker Poe.
“Josh and Sarah will significantly enhance the depth and breadth of our Higher Education Group,” said Firm Chair Kevin G. Lauri. “Both have invaluable experience with Title IX compliance, litigation, investigations, and training, which is critical as we continue to expand our capabilities for our higher education clients. Josh is considered as one of the top national thought leaders in this space, and his knowledge will be an asset for higher education institutions all over the country. Additionally, Sarah is a highly respected attorney with experience assisting colleges and universities with the complexities of handling sexual misconduct incidents. I am excited both have decided to join the firm.”
Whitlock represents numerous colleges and universities and has extensive experience defending clients in a broad range of litigation and investigations, as well as counseling them on campus sexual misconduct, disability accommodation, faculty tenure, and student discipline, safety, and privacy. He frequently interacts with the U.S. Department of Education, having successfully represented schools in dozens of federal investigations and participated in multiple, invitation-only small group sessions with Education Department leadership on topics such as Title IX regulatory reform and the rights of transgender students. He is a national thought leader on Title IX- and disability-related claims and compliance, frequently speaks and publishes on those matters, and has conducted Title IX- and disability-related trainings for hundreds of institutions.
Whitlock was the Leader of Parker Poe’s Education Industry Team, is the former chair of the North Carolina Bar Association Education Law Section and is an active member of the National Association of College and University Attorneys. Additionally, he was part of a team of attorneys that taught the Higher Education Practicum at the Washington and Lee University School of Law. Whitlock earned his J.D. from William & Mary and his B.A. from Brigham Young University.
Neorr also focuses her practice on higher education and provides Title IX training and other legal services to colleges and universities. As an employment lawyer, Neorr has experience handling sensitive issues such as claims of sexual harassment, racial bias, and disability discrimination. She brings this background to her work as a Title IX attorney, helping clients navigate the legal, practical, and ethical complexities of addressing sexual misconduct on campus. Neorr also defends educational institutions in lawsuits brought by students or employees and in inquiries conducted by state and federal agencies. Neorr earned her J.D. from New York University and her B.A. from Miami University.
