Cotton Law provides legal services through attorneys and legal consultants. We draw on a wide array of lawyers and consultants from across the Higher Education industry. Each attorney brings their unique expertise and dedication to delivering exceptional legal services to our clients.

Gregory Powell, Esq. (Practice Areas: Presidential Transitions, Contract Negotiations, Separation Agreements)

Gregory Powell, Esq., Senior Negotiating Attorney, brings unique depth to Higher Education executive representation through his distinctive combination of trustee governance experience and academic leadership. As former Board Trustee at William Seymour School of Divinity (2016-2018), where he also served as Professor of Ethics, Gregory offers clients invaluable insight into both the boardroom and classroom perspectives of academic leadership transitions.

With over 30 years of negotiation experience, Gregory has developed particular expertise in presidential transitions, executive contract negotiations, and leadership separations within Higher Education. His practice focuses on representing presidents, provosts, and chancellors during critical career transitions, drawing on his deep understanding of institutional governance, board dynamics, and academic culture. Gregory’s background as both trustee and professor enables him to navigate the complex intersection of institutional politics, academic values, and executive interests with unique effectiveness.

Beyond his core practice, Greg is an accomplished public speaker, playwright, and international educator who has facilitated seminars for theology students in Ghana, Liberia, and South Africa. His credentials include certification in Alternative Dispute Resolution from the Wisconsin Bar Association, certification in Arbitration from the U.S. Air Force Judge Advocate General Corps School, and Life Coach and Trainer certifications from Regent University. He is also an ordained minister through Tabernacle Baptist Church, bringing additional perspective to faith-based institutional leadership.

Gregory combines his governance experience, academic background, and legal expertise to provide comprehensive counsel during institutional transitions. His work encompasses contract negotiation strategy, compensation structure, separation terms, and governance matters, with particular attention to maintaining institutional stability and reputation throughout leadership changes. His unique combination of board service, classroom experience, and legal acumen makes him especially effective in representing academic leaders during their most significant career transitions.

Michael R. Salinas, Esq. (Practice Areas: Employment Law, Trusts and Estate Law, Litigation)

Michael R. Salinas, Esq., Senior Partner, brings a wealth of experience and expertise in Employment Law, Trusts and Estate Law, and Litigation. He is dedicated to providing exceptional legal counsel across these practice areas, with particular focus on serving presidents, provosts, chancellors, and boards of trustees, as well as K-12 school boards, heads of school, principals, and superintendents.

With 20 years of experience in practice, Michael has successfully advised and represented clients in employment disputes, estate planning matters, and complex litigation. His practice in Employment Law encompasses workplace policies, discrimination claims, and contract negotiations. In Estate Law, he guides high-level executives and educational leaders through sophisticated trust formation, comprehensive estate planning, living wills, and probate matters, with particular attention to the unique needs and circumstances of institutional leaders who often move across the country to take a new position. His Litigation practice protects clients’ interests across these specialties.

Michael’s deep knowledge of governance issues, institutional policies, and regulatory compliance ensures that our clients receive tailored and comprehensive legal support. He has particular expertise in the education sector, where he applies his diverse legal background to address the unique challenges faced by Higher Education institutions. He remains committed to staying current with the latest legal developments across all his practice areas, ensuring that his clients receive the most relevant and effective guidance.

Brandon J. M. Cotton (Practice Area: Presidential Compensation)

Trained by his father, Raymond D. Cotton – an icon of Higher Education for decades, Brandon Cotton offers legal consulting and compensation study services to organizational leaders as well as the Boards Higher Education and Financial Institutions. Mr. Cotton is a Higher Education presidential contract and compensation expert. Mr. Cotton specializes in complex negotiations and business strategy, and has helped dozens of colleges and universities navigate the challenges of correctly compensating presidents, provosts, and chancellors.

With over 30 years of success in Information Technology, Finance, Law Enforcement, and Legal Services, Mr. Cotton comes from a professional consulting background in the Washington, D.C. area.

The Cotton Law Team

In addition to our Partners, we have a deep bench of talented attorneys When you choose Cotton Law Legal Services Firm, you can rest assured that you will be represented by highly capable attorneys and benefit from the expertise of legal consultants who will work tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome for your matter.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and meet our expert attorneys and legal consultants. We look forward to providing you with top-notch legal representation tailored to your specific needs.