Title IX Legal Representation
Title IX is a federal law that prohibits discrimination based on sex in any educational setting that benefits from federal funds. It is widely known as the law that ensures that female collegiate athletic programs receive the same funding as male athletic programs. However, Title IX also imposes stringent requirements in cases of sexual harassment, sexual assault, and rape. Whether you are the victim of sexual assault or are facing allegations, Hoffer Trial Lawyers, LLC can help you protect your rights and successfully navigate the unique Title IX investigation and hearing processes.
Title IX Has Broad Reach
Contrary to popular belief, Title IX applies to more than just NCAA athletic programs—it applies to all public and private elementary and secondary schools, school districts, colleges, and universities that receive any federal funding; so in other words, almost all educational institutions. Title IX can apply to allegations of sexual misconduct involving various individuals at an institution, including:
- Student and student
- Coach and student-athlete
- Athlete and athlete
- Teacher and student
- An employee of the school and a student
- An employee and another employee of the school
In short, Title IX will apply to almost any allegation of school-related sexual misconduct. If you have questions about whether Title IX applies to your case, HLT can provide the answers you need.
Sexual Misconduct Includes More Than Criminal Allegations
It is essential to understand that while they can, Title IX cases do not necessarily involve allegations of criminal conduct or guarantee that a report will result in criminal charges. Sexual misconduct can include a broad spectrum of actions, including:
- Sexual harassment (both quid-pro-quo harassment as well as hostile work environment)
- Gender or sex-based discrimination
- Non-consensual sexual contact
- Inappropriate touching
- Inappropriate jokes, comments, or gestures
- Intimate partner or domestic violence
- Stalking
- Sexual Exploitation
Even if the behavior does not rise to the level of criminal charges, a Title IX case should be taken very seriously. For the victim, they deserve to be heard and be treated with dignity and respect. The outcome of their case may be empowering for them and others who find themselves in the same position. For those accused of misconduct under Title IX, the outcome of your case could have very serious consequences for your personal, professional, and academic life. Whichever side of the complaint you are on, HTL can provide you with invaluable legal counsel.
Why Hire Hoffer Trial Lawyers for Title IX Representation
Title IX regulations allow complainants and respondents to have an advisor accompanying and assisting them throughout the Title IX process, at minimum to conduct cross-examination during a hearing. Complainants and Respondents can choose an advisor or, in certain instances, the institution will appoint one of the school’s choosing. Advisors can, but do not have to be, licensed attorneys.
Advisors appointed by schools are usually non-attorney employees of the institution or someone the school contracts to advise a participant. Most often, the appointed advisor is drawn from the ranks of the institution, e.g., faculty, staff, administrators, or graduate students, and their knowledge of and experience with Title IX varies from institution to institution. While schools usually provide some sort of training to advisors, it is not federally regulated, and, unfortunately, individuals are sometimes left being advised by someone with little Title IX experience or knowledge.
Title IX cases involve quasi-judicial proceedings that are difficult to navigate. Because this is a niche area of law, individuals often hire criminal lawyers or lawyers with little Title IX experience to help them navigate Title IX proceedings. However, Title IX proceedings are vastly different from criminal court proceedings, and they should not be treated the same way. These proceedings must be handled with specialized care and strategy, as they are not subject to the same rules of evidence as other court proceedings and are not adjudicated by legal professionals.
While Title IX is not a criminal process, it can have criminal implications or other severe consequences, which is why it is so important for individuals involved in Title IX proceedings to hire an experienced Title IX lawyer to offer guidance. HTL has established a distinguished reputation in the Title IX sector, representing students, athletes, teachers, and other staff throughout the state of Georgia in various contexts. This experience, which is unique to our firm, allows us to hit the ground running on any Title IX case coming in our door. Simply put, we are one of the very few firms in the country with extensive experience in navigating Title IX proceedings.
Call or email HTL today to schedule a Title IX consultation and take control of your educational future.