S. Collins Saint

S. Collins Saint


Brooks, Pierce, McLendon, Humphrey & Leonard LLP

Recognized since 2021

Greensboro, North Carolina

Practice Areas

Education Law

Labor and Employment Law - Management

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As a former educator and mental health practitioner, Collins Saint (he/him) helps schools, nonprofits, and individuals navigate complex legal challenges with clarity, strategy, and practicality. Known for his work in education law, civil rights, and identity justice, Collins combines his deep legal knowledge with a trauma-informed, equity-centered approach to every matter he handles. His clients trust him not only for his sharp legal thinking, but also for his calm presence and commitment to building relationships that last. Whether he’s advising an entity on navigating disability protections, representing a school system in a civil rights dispute, or supporting a client through a legal name change, Collins shows up ready to solve problems and move people forward. Collins never gave up his love of teaching, and as a result, he has become a frequent national speaker on education law, mental health and wellbeing, and LGBTQ+ rights, as well as a consistent contributor to professional development programs for organizations of all sizes.

Collins represents public and private schools, colleges, universities, and early childhood providers in a wide range of matters—from special education eligibility disputes to high-stakes constitutional litigation. He regularly advises clients on compliance with IDEA, Section 504, Title IX, FERPA, and other federal and stNot every legal issue needs to be a battle, and litigation is not always the right tool to rebuild trust, safety, and relationships. Collins helps schools, nonprofits, and individuals resolve disputes through thoughtful, collaborative processes—whether that’s facilitating an IEP meeting, advising on internal grievance procedures, or supporting restorative conversations. His background in counseling and trauma-informed practices makes him especially skilled at helping people feel heard while moving toward resolution. Collins approaches every conflict with curiosity, care, and the belief that even hard conversations can lead to stronger relationships and healthier systems.ate education laws. With a background in school counseling, Collins brings both legal insight and practical, people-centered judgment to his work. Clients rely on him not just to resolve conflict, but to build systems and solutions that strengthen relationships with students, families, and staff.

Unlike most civil rights attorneys, Collins advocates not only for individuals but also for institutions in civil rights matters involving identity, access, and dignity. He litigates cases involving discrimination, free speech, due process, and equal protection, frequently at the intersection of LGBTQ+ and disability rights. He also supports trans and nonbinary clients through the process of legal name changes and gender marker corrections, ensuring clarity and care every step of the way. In court and in community, Collins brings a steady, informed, and affirming presence to legal matters that deeply impact people’s lives.

Collins helps institutions create policies and systems that are not only legally compliant, but meaningfully inclusive. He advises on everything from Title VII, Title IX and ADA compliance to civil rights investigations, staff training, and organizational audits—always with an eye toward long-term trust and sustainability. With experience leading DEI strategy at the state and national level, he understands how to align culture, compliance, and values. Clients turn to Collins when they need guidance that’s tactical, trauma-informed, and grounded in both law and the humanity of those impacted.

Contact & Links
Location
  • 230 North Elm Street
    P.O. Box 26000
    Greensboro, NC 27420
Education
  • Wake Forest University, J.D., graduated 2017
  • The University of Alabama, M.A., graduated 2013
  • The University of Alabama, B.S., graduated 2011
Bar Admissions
  • North Carolina, North Carolina
Affiliations
  • American Bar Association - Young Lawyers Division - Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for Personnel and Policy
  • Rose Council, Wake Forest Law School - Member
  • North Carolina Bar Association - Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Committee - Chair
  • North Carolina Bar Association - Young Lawyers Division - Administrative Division Director
  • North Carolina Council of School Attorneys Executive Committee - Region V Representative
  • North Carolina Bar Association Task Force on Integration, Equity, and Equal Justice - Member
  • American Bar Association - Young Lawyers Division - Member, Chair, Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Committee
  • American Bar Association - Young Lawyers Division - Credentials Board
  • American Bar Association - Young Lawyers Division - Leadership Academy Task Force
  • American Bar Association - Young Lawyers Division - National Conferences Team
  • North Carolina Bar Association - Education Law Section Council - Member and Young Lawyers Division Liaison, Chair of CLE Subcommittee
  • American Bar Association's Young Lawyers Division Assembly - North Carolina Delegate
  • Triad Stage - Co-Chair, Board of Trustees, Chair of Organization Health and Culture Committee
  • North Carolina Bar Association - Member, Pro Bono Committee, Chair of Diversity and Inclusion Subcommittee
Court Admissions
  • U.S. Court of Appeals - 4th Circuit
  • U.S. District Court - Western District of North Carolina
  • U.S. District Court - Middle District of North Carolina
  • U.S. District Court - Eastern District of North Carolina

Recognized in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America 2026 for work in:
  • Education Law
  • Labor and Employment Law - Management
Awards:
  • Recognized as one of the American Bar Association’s On the Rise – Top 40 Young Lawyers (2022)

  • Recognized as one of the Triad Business Journal's Leaders in Diversity (2022)

  • Selected by their peers for inclusion in Business North Carolina's "Legal Elite" in the Young Guns category (2022-2025)
  • Recognized by North Carolina Super Lawyers as a "Rising Star" in Schools & Education (2024)

  • Recognized by The University of Alabama College of Education for their work in the education field (2021)
  • Selected by his peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© "Ones to Watch" for Labor and Employment Law – Management (2021-2025), Education Law (2023-2025)

  • Member, North Carolina Pro Bono Honor Society (2020-2022)
  • Recognized as "Young Lawyer of the Quarter" (April-June 2020) by the Young Lawyers Division of the North Carolina Bar Association
  • American Bar Association and Bloomberg BNA Award for Excellence in the Study of Labor and Employment Law (2017)

  • North Carolina State Bar Student Pro Bono Service Award (2017)

  • Recognized in National Jurist as a “Law Student of the Year” (2016)

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North Carolina Municipalities Pass Anti-Discrimination Ordinances


North Carolina Municipalities Pass Anti-Discrimination Ordinances

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S. Collins

Saint

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