“The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.” ― Ralph Waldo Emerson

Lauren Starnes (she/her) is passionate about solving problems and supporting clients. Her experience with Title IX and civil rights investigations and compliance is wide-ranging for both K-12 school districts and higher education institutions. Lauren also has experience navigating the compliance and risk management complexities associated with dual enrollment programs, nursing and allied health programs, and pregnancy and parenting. In addition, Lauren has experience with Section 504/ADA and Clery Act compliance.

Lauren enjoys creating and presenting custom trainings on Title IX compliance, mandatory reporting, and Section 504/ADA compliance to employees at all levels.

Prior to joining TNG, Lauren served as the Director of Institutional Equity at South Texas College, as well as the college’s Title IX Coordinator and Section 504/ADA Coordinator. During her tenure at South Texas College, Lauren served on the college’s Clery Committee, participated in Behavioral Intervention Team meetings as the Title IX and 504/ADA Coordinator, and served as a member of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board’s Negotiated Rulemaking Committee.

Before dedicating herself to Title IX compliance, Lauren practiced law as a commercial litigation associate at Husch Blackwell, LLP. At Husch Blackwell, Lauren litigated various cases ranging from breach of contract, trade secret disputes, and class action defense. Lauren also had a significant pro bono practice, representing clients in adoptions, post-conviction relief, and victims of human trafficking. Before pursuing a legal career, Lauren taught middle school English and coached swimming and cross-country at a private K-12 school.

Lauren holds a B.A. in English from Washington and Lee University. At W&L, Lauren was also a college athlete all four years of her undergrad, competing as a member of the women’s swim team. Lauren has a J.D. from Tulane University Law School, where she was an associate justice on the school’s moot court board, competed and coached several moot court teams, and served as a student-attorney for the domestic violence clinic.

Lauren lives in Kansas City, KS, with her husband, daughter, and Cavalier King Charles.