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    • Title IX For Students.

    We protect your rights in Title IX and Code of Conduct disciplinary cases and through litigation.

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    Title IX and Code of Conduct Disciplinary Cases

    If you are facing an accusation of a Title IX violation, sexual misconduct, or other student conduct matter, you are likely (and rightly) worried about your future. You need clear guidance on how best to meet the challenges of a possible code of conduct violation and to have an advocate by your side every step of the way. Our client-first approach is backed by years of experience at universities around the country. We guide you through the immediate legal issues of your code of conduct matter with deep expertise and compassion, working closely with you to analyze the university’s processes, seek procedural safeguards, and fully prepare for the challenges of a campus case. We take a holistic approach, tailoring our strategy to your specific situation and keeping in mind the impact of any possible finding on your student record, your plans for graduate or professional school, or your prospective employment.

    Facing a Disciplinary Hearing? Contact Us Now

    We work closely with students to analyze the university’s processes, seek procedural safeguards, and fully prepare for the challenges of a campus case.

    Vindicating Rights Through Litigation

    If you need your rights vindicated through litigation, you want an experienced team of lawyers. At Clark Hill, we tackle Title IX and related litigation with the uniquely agile, collaborative approach that is a hallmark of our approach to all litigation at the firm. Our nationwide litigation practice focuses on advocating for students who have suffered from a lack of fairness during a campus disciplinary proceeding arising from Title IX or code of conduct violations. We are tenacious litigators with a strong record of achieving favorable results in high-stakes lawsuits against colleges and universities, litigating cases based on lack of due process, Title IX or other civil rights violations, breach of contract, and tort liability. While litigation may be the only avenue to vindicate your rights, there are times where pre-litigation efforts can achieve the same result. We have helped clients avoid litigation by successfully negotiating with university counsel to resolve cases pre-suit, including having student disciplinary findings and sanctions vacated or modified.

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    How Can We Help? Watch Our Overview Video

    Title IX and other conduct code violation allegations can result in disrupted education and compromised future prospects for students — and they need experienced attorneys in their corner. Learn how we can help.

    Read our FAQs
    Conrad O'Brien Top 10 Tips if you have been accused of a Title IX violation

    Top Ten Tips If You Have Been Accused of a Title IX Violation – For Students and Their Parents

    If you have been accused of a Title IX violation, you may learn quickly that your procedural, constitutional, and evidentiary rights are abridged or nonexistent. With your future on the line, you may face significant challenges unless you develop a thoughtful course of action early on. 

    View Top Ten Tips

    I had a positive and impactful experience with Lorie Dakessian and Clark Hill when she represented my son in a Title IX case. Lorie's professionalism and effectiveness in handling complex situations were instrumental in navigating the challenging nuances of this case. Her dedication to my son's fair treatment and expertise in the law as well as university procedures played a crucial role in achieving a favorable outcome. It was evident to us that her support, guidance, and calming influence during emotionally charged moments made a significant difference in the trajectory of my son's college and career aspirations. I wholeheartedly recommend her and attribute her with saving my son's future.

    Parent of a Campus Discipline Client

    My family engaged the firm (led by Patricia Hamill) at the worst time in our lives. Patricia, and colleague Jonathan Cohen, were calm, strategic, fully committed … [with] total integrity. Great team. Patricia … led with every molecule in her most impressive brain and in her deep soul. She truly cared and she personally embraced us… She saved our precious family and refused to let lies prevail.

    Parent of a Campus Discipline Client

    Lorie Dakessian and Lindsay McDonald are knowledgeable, honest, understanding, and very responsive attorneys. They kept us informed during every step of our son's Title IX case and set our expectations and ultimate goal in our son's defense. We are so thankful to have found them and grateful for their assistance during this very difficult and unfair process. Words cannot express how thankful we are to Lorie and Lindsay for helping our son.

    Parent of a Campus Discipline Client

    Patricia Hamill is an incredibly gifted lawyer who not only knows the detailed nuances of Title IX law and the university processes but also has the street smarts and toughness that only come from years of experience. Her calm, confident, and strategically aggressive style successfully guided our family through a difficult time.

    Parent of a Campus Discipline Client

    [Lorie Dakessian and team] were just incredible. It's hard to know how to get across the depth of our gratitude. Their approach to strategy and their meticulous preparation . . . made it clear that they had tremendous experience and skill. Their kindness, patient guidance, and clear communication was equally impressive and welcome during a consummately painful and frustrating ordeal.

    Parent of a Campus Discipline Client

    Patricia Hamill and team are very professional and communicated extremely well. We felt our [child] was in good hands with the team at Conrad O'Brien.

    Parent of a Campus Discipline Client

    Lorie Dakessian and team provided my [child] and me outstanding expertise, direct and frequent communication, a calm stepped approach, empathy, clarity of focus… [She] successfully navigated my child through a challenging terrain that no child should have to endure.

    Parent of a Title IX Client

    Patricia Hamill and [the attorneys] were a competent team and gave us clear communications throughout this process. They also partnered with our criminal attorney which reduced our anxiety and time spent on this traumatic series of events.

    Parent of a Campus Discipline Client

    Lindsay McDonald and Lorie Dakessian were the consummate professionals. They were compassionate, knowledgeable, and always accessible.

    Parent of a Title IX Client

    FAQs

    What sets Clark Hill apart?

    We are nationally recognized and have represented students in colleges and universities throughout the United States in disciplinary matters, in litigation, and in providing strategic advice in allegations of Title IX violations. Our lawyers recognize that disciplinary matters have wide-ranging consequences and considerations and we therefore take a holistic approach to each matter. Our team is highly accessible and works closely with students to evaluate their options when they are subject to the upheaval of interim measures that limit their access to campus, suspend their role on sports teams, curtail their ability to participate in university activities, or compel their removal from their residence halls. The stress of these proceedings can significantly impact mental health, and our clients appreciate our sensitivity and individualized attention to their needs. Students with ROTC, merit, or athletic scholarships at risk or whose graduate school aspirations are threatened by their disciplinary situation value our strategic advice and guidance.


    Does every disciplinary or Title IX case result in an investigation and a hearing?

    No. We have successfully worked with numerous students to develop and implement informal or alternative resolutions, a practical way for parties to achieve an outcome that meets their goals and needs outside of the taxing and uncertain formal investigation and hearing process.


    Why should you hire a Title IX attorney?

    There are many benefits to engaging an attorney-advisor, especially early in the process: The attorney-advisor can provide objective guidance as to strategy; help prepare for interviews or hearings; ensure that the college follows its own policies and procedures; and provide legal support and negotiate with the college’s general counsel if needed. For every meeting you have with the university, your attorney will also be present by phone, by video conference, or in-person.

    Your conversations and written correspondence with your attorney will be privileged and confidential.


    Will anything reflecting my Title IX case appear on my student transcript?

    This can vary by school or state law. Even if this matter is not on your transcript, it may be in your education record and need to be disclosed in connection with transfer or graduate school applications or background checks. We will work with you to determine what disclosures may need to be made given your unique circumstances. Our lawyers have represented many clients who have transferred, gone on to graduate or professional school, or been hired at their desired jobs.


    Do I need a criminal defense attorney?

    It depends. It is important to talk to an attorney to decide whether your specific case requires a criminal defense attorney. You can schedule a call with one of our attorneys and we will do an initial consultation, without cost, to discuss your situation in order to better understand your unique situation and discuss your potential next steps.


    I am a student athlete, is there anything specific I should know as an athlete facing a disciplinary charge?

    Yes, there may be. We routinely help student athletes at all stages of the disciplinary process navigate the additional challenges they may face regarding scholarships, eligibility, transfers, NCAA disclosure obligations and/or SafeSport disclosures or investigations.

    Visit the NCAA/SafeSport and Campus Discipline FAQ Page


    Can you help me if I have been found responsible for a disciplinary violation and can appeal?

    Yes. We routinely help students at this stage of a disciplinary process by working together with you to understand the investigative and hearing record and determine viable grounds for an appeal.


    Can you help me if I have already been suspended or expelled?

    Depending on your goals, we can help you evaluate the next steps. For instance, our attorneys can analyze your college’s actions in the disciplinary process that led to your suspension or expulsion to determine if you have viable legal claims for a potential lawsuit.

    Our team also can provide guidance on the scope and content of your disclosure statement in any applications to prospective transfer schools about your disciplinary proceeding at your prior school and its final decision or sanction. In addition, if you have been suspended but given the opportunity to reapply for readmission or reinstatement, you may be required to demonstrate compliance with conditions of separation imposed as part of your suspension, such as counseling or education sessions, substance abuse evaluation or treatment, or other similar conditions. Our team will work with you to identify and eliminate unnecessary barriers to readmission so that your transition back to school can proceed as smoothly and successfully as possible.


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