S. Amy Spencer

S. Amy Spencer is a seasoned attorney focusing on government investigations, white collar criminal defense, and higher education legal issues. She represents individuals and institutions in federal, state, and administrative investigations and litigation, often involving securities fraud, financial crimes, civil rights, and education compliance. Known for her strategic advocacy and detail-oriented investigations, Amy frequently secures favorable outcomes, including non-prosecution agreements and settlements that avoid public litigation.

Amy earned her B.A. from Columbia College of Columbia University and her J.D., summa cum laude, from Loyola Law School, Los Angeles. While in law school, she was Chief Symposium Editor of the Loyola of Los Angeles Law Review, was inducted into the Order of the Coif, and received the William T. Aggeler Award for outstanding academic achievement.

Amy has deep experience navigating high-stakes government enforcement and compliance matters, including those involving the False Claims Act, the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), HIPAA, the Stark Law, and the Anti-Kickback Statute. She regularly leads internal investigations and defends companies and individuals in criminal, regulatory, and civil proceedings in key industries such as healthcare, education, and financial services. Amy is also an accomplished appellate advocate, having argued and won cases in federal courts, including securing the reversal of a federal conviction in the First Circuit.

Amy is a trusted advisor to educational institutions on compliance with Title IX, academic misconduct, and student-athlete issues related to NCAA rules and Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) regulations. She regularly counsels faculty, staff, and students on a wide array of education law topics, disciplinary procedures, and civil rights claims.

S. Amy Spencer has been appointed pro bono counsel by the U.S. District Court and actively represents clients in civil rights and habeas matters. Amy is admitted to practice in multiple states and federal courts and serves on several legal boards and committees, including the New Hampshire Federal Practice Section and the Federal Court Advisory Committee.

Recognized for her work, Amy has received awards such as the Granite State Advocate Award and the Defenders of Democracy Award. Her commitment to justice, both in high-stakes litigation and public service, defines her legal practice.

Law Office Affiliations

• Attorney, Nixon Peabody LLP
• Member, New Hampshire Bar Association
• Board member, The Forward Foundation
• Member, New Hampshire Women’s Bar Association
• Member, New Hampshire Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
• Member, Federal Court Advisory Committee for the United States District Court for the District of New Hampshire

Licensed State

• New Hampshire
• Massachusetts
• New York
• California

Education

• Loyola Law School, Los Angeles
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Columbia College of Columbia University
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges