Strategic Decision Making: Alliances, Consolidation, and Closures in Higher Education

Laura Giles

Laura C. Giles is a business attorney based in Phoenix who focuses her practice on mergers and acquisitions. She works with private and public companies in industries such as waste services, retail, business services, technology, fashion and media, among others.

She has closed numerous stock acquisitions and divestitures, asset purchases and sales, mergers and private equity and venture capital investments. She also assists businesses with joint ventures, reorganizations, branding and other general corporate matters, as well as with developing and implementing national business development strategies.

In the sports and entertainment world, Laura represents celebrities, influencers, professional athletes and their businesses in strategic and commercial transactions. In this role, she negotiates significant social media and influencer agreements, sponsorship and endorsement deals, and appearance and other services agreements. Laura co-leads the firm's Sports and Entertainment Initiative.

Laura earned her J.D from the University of San Diego School of Law, and her B.A. from Arizona State University.

Elizabeth (Lizzy) Wingfield

Elizabeth (Lizzy) Wingfield practices complex commercial litigation with a focus on representing educational institutions, both in litigation and by conducting internal investigations. Lizzy has represented private and public institutions in both the K-12 and higher education levels. Lizzy also advises on compliance with anti-discrimination and privacy laws, including the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), Title VI, Title IX, and the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act.

Lizzy maintains an active federal antitrust litigation practice and is a member of Ballard Spahr’s Antitrust and Competition Group. She has represented companies in antitrust litigation and advised them on compliance with antitrust laws.

Lizzy has experience developing and analyzing case strategy, researching and drafting pleadings and motions, preparing for and taking depositions, coordinating and overseeing discovery, preparing for hearings and trials, and examining witnesses.

Lizzy is a member of Ballard Spahr’s Hiring Committee.

Lizzy earned her J.D. from Temple University Beasley School of Law and her B.A. from Haverford College.