Profile

As an education law attorney, Kim represents universities, colleges, school districts, charter schools, and other providers of educational services. She regularly provides counsel on matters involving student and faculty rights and compliance with federal and state laws. Kim assists educational institutions with policy development and contract review. She provides training on liability risk avoidance and legal compliance topics. Kim is experienced with advising clients on Title IX, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), the Campus Security Act, the Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

Kim’s litigation practice focuses on litigation of claims against educational institutions, as well as business disputes and estate and fiduciary matters. She represents education clients in due process hearings, governmental investigations, and state and federal courts, including defense of Title IX claims and civil rights claims. Kim represents institutions and businesses in disputes involving contracts, warranties, real estate, and statutory obligations. She also represents estate executors, trustees, and other fiduciaries in matters involving duties to beneficiaries of estates and trusts. Kim advocates for clients in the trial and appellate state and federal courts, in arbitrations, and before administrative agencies.

What does Kim do for Clients?
Kim work closely with clients to meet their goals in a timely and efficient way. She provides training programs to help clients manage legal compliance and reduce liability risks. Kim understands not only her clients business, but the broader economic and other factors that impact their operations. She works as a part of the client’s team to identify practical solutions to challenges and opportunities for success. Kim has over 20 years experience in education and litigation.

What do Clients have to say about Kim and the McNees Education Law Group?
“The knowledge that Kim Colonna brings to the conversation immediately puts me at ease and allows me then to make the appropriate decisions for our school district. She is always accessible.  If she cannot answer my messages right away, she calls me back within that same day and is always accessible to help me brainstorm and problem solve any issues that I have brought to her.” Theresa Kreider, former Director of Student Support Services (Retired), Penn Manor School District

How does Kim spend her free time?
Kim enjoys training for half-marathons, hiking, and traveling.

EXPERIENCE/REPRESENTATIVE CASES

Drafting policies and student handbook provisions for higher education institutions relating to student discipline, student rights, student organizations, political activity, harassment, and facilities use;

Assisting clients with addressing impacts of COVID-19 pandemic and management of related liability risks;

Investigating and advising matters involving student misconduct and academic misconduct;

Training faculty and administrators on liability risk avoidance;

Counseling on implementation of Amended Child Protective Services Law, School Code Provisions, and IDEA;

Assessing and addressing campus security threats;

Litigation:

Obtained judgment in excess of $1 million in partnership dispute;

Prevailed in defense of numerous special education due process hearings and appeals;

Defended estate executor against claims asserted in multi-million estate litigation;

Achieved injunctive relief for violations of Right-to-Know Law;

Obtained compensatory and punitive damages in business dispute involving unfair trade practices;

Successfully defended corporate trustee in claim seeking to invade the principal of a disabled minor’s trusts; Litigated enforcement of noncompetition and nonsolicitation agreements.

EDUCATION

Saint Vincent College, B.A., 1994

Dickinson School of Law, J.D., 1997

HONORS/AWARDS

Harrisburg Magazine Local Legal Leaders, 2015

Pennsylvania Super Lawyers®, 2013, 2014

Select Lawyers, 2014-present

St. Vincent College Alumni of Distinction Award

Lawyer on the Fast Track, 2012

Central Penn Business Journal, Forty Under 40, 2011

YWCA Tribute to Women of Excellence Award, 2008

MEMBERSHIPS

National Association of College and University Attorneys, 2000-present; Committee on Legal Resources, Vice-Chair, 2020-21

Pennsylvania Bar Association, 1999-present

Dauphin County Bar Association, 1999- present

Lawyers Advisory Committee to the United States District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania

Saint Vincent College, Board of Directors, 2018-present; Fred Rogers Committee, Chair, 2020-present

COURT ADMISSIONS

U.S. District Court – Eastern District of Pennsylvania

U.S. District Court – Middle District of Pennsylvania

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit

Bar Admissions

Pennsylvania