Biography
Kalynn Walls’ practice is centered by her drive and client-focused method. She has a business concentrated practice that includes higher education law and transactional work. Kalynn counsels institutions of higher education on federal and state law and regulatory compliance issues, particularly in the areas of financial aid and sexual misconduct/harassment. Kalynn regularly assists clients during external and internal audits and investigations, whether it be a program review by the United States Department of Education Office of Federal Student Aid, or a proactive audit to review and ensure Title IX and Title IV compliance. She also assists clients with accreditation matters, contract disputes, policy drafting, and post-incident investigations and responses. Kalynn’s transactional work includes corporate mergers and acquisitions, as well as real estate transactions.
As a first-generation college and law school graduate, she strives to help not only her clients, but her community. Through her years of volunteer work and community outreach, Kalynn values building relationships and advocacy, while appreciating the perspectives represented on all sides of a case, negotiation, or conflict.
Representative Experience
- Represented Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs) during U.S. Department of Education Office of Federal Student Aid program reviews
- Conducted internal investigations of on-campus incidents and institutional responses
- Evaluated multi-state regulatory compliance obligations associated with distance learning initiatives
- Represented IHEs before U.S. Department of Education in connection with alleged Title IV program review deficiencies including findings concerning Pell Grant Programs, NSLDS, Federal Work Study, Experimental Sites Initiatives, Return to Title IV (R2T4), and Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
- Facilitated mock-program reviews of IHEs and advised IHEs through corrective actions
- Represented multiple IHEs in drafting Title IX sexual misconduct/harassment policies and investigating Title IX complaints
- Advised multiple IHEs in connection with student immigration compliance issues associated with the Student and Exchange Visitor Program
- Addressed both programmatic and regional accreditation issues for IHEs
- Negotiate licensing and audit agreements on behalf of client in the international pharmaceutical industry
- Represented an investment company in the acquisition of a steel manufacturing company’s assets for approximately $7.6 million, the related real property for approximately $1.35 million, and all financing related thereto
- Represented grocery startup in $40 million Series A financing
- Regularly serve as outside general counsel for startups in the life sciences and tech industries, including, corporate formation and governance, IP related matters and commercial transactions
- Draft and revise NDAs for startups
- Represented lender in hypothecated loan transaction in excess of $9 million
- Represented lender in $15 million transaction concerning marina development
- Represented lender in $11.2 million commercial multi-family development transaction
Education
- J.D. University of Louisville Louis D. Brandeis School of Law
- B.A. University of Louisville
Memberships
- President, Louisville Forum
- Member, Louisville Bar Association
- Member, Young Professional Association of Louisville Member, Kentucky Bar Association
- Member, Partners in Prevention
- Mentor, University of Louisville Louis D. Brandeis School of Law 1L Mentor Program
Achievements
- CALI “Book” Award: Professional Responsibility, Negotiations, Mediations, Family Law
- Distinguished First-Generation Student, Brandeis School of Law Recipient
- Leon Seidman Memorial Award Recipient
Speaking Engagements
- Finally, a (Loper-Bright) Light at the End of the Tunnel?What the End of Chevron Could Mean for Your Institution of Higher Education” Association of Independent Colleges & Universities of Ohio, Compliance Day Presentation, 2024
- Panelist, “Meet the First-Generation Lawyers” University of Louisville Louis D. Brandeis School of Law, 2024
Legal Insight
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