Ariel Warner

Ariel Warner is a powerhouse advocate for educational institutions and businesses, guiding them through high-stakes investigations and regulatory challenges. As a Partner in the firm’s Education and Investigations & White Collar Defense, and Litigation practice groups, she helps clients navigate complex internal and government investigations while providing forward-thinking compliance strategies.

With deep expertise in handling sensitive matters, Ariel has led internal investigations into allegations of sexual misconduct, harassment, and discrimination. She also defends clients facing government scrutiny, including representing them in investigations led by the Department of Justice, the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights, and state Attorneys General. Beyond crisis management, Ariel helps organizations strengthen their compliance frameworks—conducting reviews, developing policies, and implementing best practices to mitigate risk. Ariel has also represented major corporations and universities at every stage of litigation, from discovery to trial.

Prior to joining PLG, Ariel served as Senior Counsel in the Department of Education’s Office of General Counsel, where she advised top agency officials on critical civil rights and data privacy laws, including Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and the Federal Educational Rights and Privacy Act.

Representative Experience

• Conduct internal investigations on behalf of educational institutions and companies, including related to employee misconduct, sexual misconduct, harassment, discrimination, admissions, athletics, and financial mismanagement;
• Represent clients in government investigations and advocate for clients before law enforcement and regulatory agencies;
• Advise educational institutions regarding federal regulations, including obligations under Title IX and development of sexual misconduct and anti-discrimination policies and procedures;
• Conduct compliance reviews and audits;
• Defend companies and universities in all stages of litigation;
• Represent universities, technology companies, defense contractors, and healthcare companies in investigations and litigation under the False Claims Act.

Matters:

• Represented colleges and universities in investigations by the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights;
• Managed independent investigation into sexual misconduct allegations against university physician and produced public report;
• Represented university in investigations and litigation arising from the 2019 college admissions scheme;
• Conducted internal investigation into financial mismanagement issues on behalf of major research university;
• Advised educational institutions regarding obligations under Title IX and development of sexual misconduct and anti-discrimination policies and procedures;
• Conducted sensitive internal investigations regarding allegations of employee misconduct;
• Successfully litigated two-year consumer protection suit on behalf of large telecommunications company from inception through trial.