S. Collins Saint
- Greensboro
- t: 336.271.3197
- f: 336.232.9197
- ssaint@brookspierce.com
Overview
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.
My Practices
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 state 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.
Not 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.
Experience
Education Litigation and Counsel
- Obtaining summary judgment in favor of a board of education for a Title VII claim brought by a school administrator.
- Obtaining trial court dismissal of constitutional claims brought by a student’s parent against a board of education and persuading the Fourth Circuit to dismiss an attempted appeal from the trial court’s judgment.
- Obtaining numerous trial court dismissals and favorable settlements on behalf of boards of education in special education disputes.
- Obtaining trial court dismissal of wage and hour and COBRA compliance claims brought by former teacher against a board of education.
- Obtaining trial court dismissal of numerous employment law claims brought by former employee against a supervisor.
- Training and consultation regarding special education and disability law compliance, among other hot topics in education.
Employment Litigation and Counsel
- Advising various employers in drafting employee handbooks and employee contracts.
- Defending technology company in breach of contract action involving former executive.
- Obtaining summary judgment in favor of a board of education for a Title VII claim brought by a school administrator.
- Obtaining trial court dismissal of numerous employment law claims brought by former employee against a supervisor.
- Advising employers on navigating workplace climate when employees "come out" as transgender or gay.
- Responding to EEOC charges filed by employees and former employees.
General Commercial Litigation
- Defending health care provider in litigation alleging violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and the Affordable Care Act.
- Obtaining trial court judgment in favor of manufacturer in breach of contract action.
- Defending technology company in breach of contract action involving former executive.
- Defending an apartment complex in litigation involving third party criminal acts.
Diversity/Civil Rights Litigation and Counsel
- Representing minors and adults in obtaining legal name and gender marker changes.
- Representing amici curiae in disputing constitutionality of domestic violence protection law before the North Carolina Court of Appeals and North Carolina Supreme Court.
- Resolving disputes between parents and boards of education regarding claims of violations of federal civil rights, special education, and disability laws as well as common law tort claims.
- Representing trans* persons in various discrimination disputes.
- Training and consultation regarding sexual harassment and LGBTQ+ issues.
Credentials
Honors & Recognitions
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 his 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 his 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)
Education
Wake Forest University School of Law, J.D., 2017, with highest honors; Order of the Coif; Fletcher Scholar; Symposium Editor (2016-17), Staff Member (2015-16), Wake Forest University Law Review
University of Alabama, M.A., 2013, summa cum laude
Admissions
North Carolina
U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit
U.S. District Court for the Western, Middle, and Eastern Districts of North Carolina
Newsroom
News
Speaking Engagements
Publications
Professional & Civic
Professional & Civic Activities
Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for Personnel and Policy, American Bar Association's Young Lawyers Division (2022-present)
Member, Rose Council, Wake Forest Law School (2022-present)
Chair, Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Committee, North Carolina Bar Association (2021-present)
Administrative Division Director, Young Lawyers Division, North Carolina Bar Association (2021-present)
Region V Representative, North Carolina Council of School Attorneys Executive Committee (2021-present)
Member, North Carolina Bar Association Task Force on Integration, Equity, and Equal Justice (2021-present)
Member (2020-present), Chair (2021-present), Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Committee, American Bar Association's Young Lawyers Division
Credentials Board, Young Lawyers Division, American Bar Association (2021-present)
Leadership Academy Task Force, Young Lawyers Division, American Bar Association (2021-present)
National Conferences Team, Young Lawyers Division, American Bar Association (2021-present)
Member and Young Lawyers Division Liaison (2020-present), Chair of CLE Subcommittee (2021-present), Education Law Section Council, North Carolina Bar Association
North Carolina Delegate, American Bar Association's Young Lawyers Division Assembly (2020-present)
Co-Chair (2022-present), Board of Trustees (2018-present), Chair of Organization Health and Culture Committee (2021-present), Triad Stage
Member, Pro Bono Committee (2017-present), Chair of Diversity and Inclusion Subcommittee (2021-present), North Carolina Bar Association
Member, Diversity and Inclusion Committee, American Bar Association's Young Lawyers Division (2020-2021)
Scholar, Young Lawyers Division, American Bar Association (2020-2021)
Bar Outreach Division Director, Young Lawyers Division, North Carolina Bar Association (2020-2021)
North Carolina Young Lawyer Delegate, American Bar Association House of Delegates (2020-2021)
Co-Chair, Diversity and Inclusion Committee, Young Lawyers Division, North Carolina Bar Association (2018-2020)
Member (2018), Vice Chair (2019), Chairperson (2020), Board of Directors, North Star LGBTQ Community Center
Parliamentarian, Blount Advisory Fellows, University of Alabama Blount Scholars Program (2017-2019)
About Me
As a recreational kayaker, I always look downstream, “reading the river,” to choose the most efficient combination of strokes and strength for a successful trip. I approach our clients’ needs the same way: I study the horizon to find the most efficient and effective route to meet their goals. Whether pre-emptively addressing a problem down the river, or paddling out of a problem that has just come to light, I use hard work and a wide range of legal tools to find a successful outcome.
When I am not practicing law, you can find me exploring North Carolina’s waterways, hiking with my dog, or trying out new recipes with my weekend farmer’s market finds.