Marissa has more than three decades of diverse legal experience in all phases of litigation, negotiations, and alternative dispute resolution. She focuses her practice in labor and employment law, Title IX investigations and compliance, and civil rights litigation. Marissa has served as lead counsel in federal litigation involving civil rights and employment claims arising under Title IX, Title VII, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Since 2008, Marissa has been retained as a consultant to schools and universities on Title IX compliance, athletic compliance reviews, sexual assault and abuse investigations, and gender equity training and education. As Chair in Title IX Investigations, compliance, and litigation, Marissa provides strategic advice and counsel, audits, policy drafting and reviews, investigations, and investigation training for firm clients. She has also served as outside general counsel to manufacturers, suppliers, and contractors in connection with:
- Commercial litigation
- Contract review and administration
- Employment matters
- Risk management
- General corporate law
Since 2004, Marissa has continuously served on the faculty at the University of Michigan, where she teaches graduate and undergraduate courses in sports law, race and gender discrimination in sport, and sport and public policy. As a student-athlete at Michigan, Marissa was a four-year letter winner in tennis and two-time varsity team captain. She was inducted in the Michigan Women's Academic/Athletic Hall of Honor and, in 1999, was the first female elected president of the "M" Club, a national organization for graduate letter winners. In 2002, Marissa was the first female athlete inducted in the State of Michigan Jewish Sports Hall of Fame.
Education
J.D., University of Michigan Law School, 1981
B.A., with high distinction, History, University of Michigan, 1978
Professional Associations
- State Bar of Michigan Labor and Employment Section
- Women Lawyers Association of Michigan
- Washtenaw County Bar Association
- Principal, Title IX Solutions, Ann Arbor, MI
- Past-President/Executive Board of Directors: University of Michigan Letterwinners "M" Club
- Past-President/Executive Board of Directors: Michigan Women's Athletic Association
- Past Member, University of Michigan Athletic Director Search Advisory Committee
- Past Member, University of Michigan Associate Athletic Director/SWA Search Advisory Committee
- Past Member, University of Michigan Varsity Tennis Center Leadership Gift Committee
- Member, University of Michigan Alumni Association
- Graduate, Leadership Ann Arbor