News

Kegler Brown’s Global Education practice group has expanded with the addition of attorneys Lesley Melega and Bill Nicholson.

With more than a decade of experience focused on international education, Lesley brings a wealth of knowledge in helping colleges and universities navigate the complex legal and cultural challenges of operating abroad. Her background includes launching and managing international educational programs across multiple countries and serving as Deputy General Counsel at a leading cross-border educational non-profit, where she led initiatives in data privacy, foreign entity formation, litigation, and crisis management and negotiated complex contracts across the organization.

Lesley’s experience also includes advising on a wide range of international data privacy regulations, including the GDPR, China’s PIPL, and Australia’s ESOS Act, as well as supporting institutions in developing student waivers and data privacy notice and consent forms for study abroad programs. Her cross-border expertise extends to labor and employment matters and Title IX investigations. 

Bill brings over 25 years of experience as in-house counsel at Duke University and the University of Washington, where he advised on international research, education, and experiential programs across more than 20 countries. His cross-border experience includes leading the legal development of a university in China and a business school in Kazakhstan, as well as supporting activities in regions throughout Africa, Southeast Asia, and Europe. 

Bill has served as a trusted advisor for institutions navigating the legal complexities of global operations including issues related to entity formation, employment and tax compliance, data privacy, real estate, and cross-border contracting. His background also includes antitrust and consumer protection enforcement with the U.S. Department of Justice and the Washington Attorney General’s Office. 

“Lesley and Bill joining the Kegler Brown team adds their deep experience in global education and international operations and broadens our capabilities, both of which will directly benefit our clients,” said Vinita Mehra, director and leader of the firm’s Global Business and Education practices. “Their practical, solutions-oriented guidance will be instrumental in helping our clients succeed in the increasingly complex global education landscape.”

Lesley earned her B.S. in Business and Marketing from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, and her J.D. from DePaul University College of Law in Chicago. 

Bill holds a bachelor’s degree in Economics from Syracuse University and earned his J.D. from Gonzaga University School of Law.