Why It Matters

Cooley LLP has terminated its lobbying representation of Strategic Education Inc., effective September 21, with the termination filing signed September 22. The final quarter's disclosed amount was $50,000.

Broader Context

Vince Sampson, a Special Counsel with prior government experience, is listed as a lobbyist on the Cooley LLP engagement. Sampson served as Counsel to the House Natural Resources Committee during the 108th and 109th Congresses, a roughly four-year stint spanning 2003 to 2007.

In the earliest filings, from 2018, Sampson lobbied on reauthorization of the Higher Education Act, direct assessment programs, and competency-based education (CBE). Starting in second quarter 2021, the disclosed issues expanded to higher education and workforce-related matters. Artificial intelligence appeared alongside Higher Education Act legislation and workforce issues in Strategic Education Inc.'s third and fourth quarter 2025 lobbying disclosures.

The Bottom Line

With the termination now on the books, Cooley LLP's run as Strategic Education Inc.'s outside lobbyist — spanning 5 filings and $250,000 in total disclosed compensation — is over. The Duberstein Group, fielding lobbyists including Dave Schiappa, Kate Keating, Ben Howard, and Elizabeth Kelley, remains on retainer for the for-profit education company. Duberstein's work for Strategic Education has covered federal financial aid, veterans education benefits, Higher Education Act reauthorization, credit for prior learning, and artificial intelligence in education.

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