Expert Title IX Defense Attorneys
Protecting your rights and future with strategic legal defense in campus investigations, hearings, and appeals.
Why Choose Shewmaker & Lewis?
At Shewmaker & Lewis, we understand the high stakes involved in Title IX cases. Our seasoned attorneys bring years of experience in defending clients against complex disciplinary allegations. We specialize in navigating the intricacies of Title IX law, ensuring that your rights are protected throughout the entire process. Our mission is to provide aggressive, tailored defense strategies that safeguard your academic and professional future.
Our Title IX Defense Services
Comprehensive Title IX Defense
A Title IX accusation can be life-changing, affecting your education, career, and reputation. Unfortunately, campus investigations are often rushed, biased, or lacking in due process. At Shewmaker & Lewis, we ensure that your rights are protected from the moment you are notified of an allegation.
Our approach to Title IX defense includes:
- Early intervention: The sooner we get involved, the better we can shape the narrative and ensure procedural fairness.
- Thorough case analysis: We gather evidence, witness statements, and digital records to build a strong defense.
- Challenging flawed investigations: Schools often fail to follow their own procedures—we expose these errors and fight for fair treatment.
- Hearings: If the case proceeds to a hearing, we ensure that witnesses and evidence are properly scrutinized.
If you are a student facing expulsion, we bring the legal expertise necessary to defend your future.
Disciplinary Hearing Representation
Title IX hearings are not criminal trials, but they can feel just as serious when your education, scholarship, or career is at stake. Unfortunately, many schools have inconsistent policies that often favor the accuser, placing the burden of proof unfairly on the accused.
At Shewmaker & Lewis, we ensure that you receive:
- A full and fair hearing – We challenge biased proceedings and ensure you have equal rights in presenting your defense.
- Proper representation – Universities may not allow attorneys to speak in hearings, but we work strategically as advisors to guide your responses and cross-examinations.
- Protection from unfair questioning and bias – We identify and challenge prejudicial treatment by school administrators or hearing panels.
- A strong appeal if necessary – If the outcome is unjust, we utilize the school’s appeal process and other available internal mechanisms to overturn or reduce penalties.
Many students and faculty members go into Title IX hearings unprepared, assuming the school will be neutral. That is a critical mistake. With Shewmaker & Lewis by your side, you’ll have experienced legal professionals ensuring that your side of the story is fully heard.
Defense Against Suspensions & Expulsions
A Title IX finding can lead to severe penalties—some of which can permanently derail your education and career. Schools can impose:
🚩 Temporary or permanent suspension
🚩 Expulsion from your academic institution
🚩 Loss of scholarships, housing, or leadership positions
🚩 Notations on your academic record that can impact future education and employment opportunities
We take an aggressive approach to defending against these penalties by:
- Negotiating lesser sanctions – If full exoneration isn’t possible, we work to secure alternatives to suspension or expulsion.
- Challenging procedural violations – If your rights were violated during the investigation, we use that as grounds to contest unfair penalties.
- Filing appeals and external legal actions – If the school refuses to grant a fair ruling, we explore legal remedies beyond campus policies.
Your education and future career are too important to leave to chance. We fight relentlessly to keep you in school and protect your future opportunities.
Legal Assistance for Sexual Assault & Harassment
Title IX cases involving sexual assault or harassment allegations can be particularly difficult because:
🔹 Schools may immediately assume guilt, even before an investigation.
🔹 The burden of proof in campus hearings is much lower than in a court of law.
🔹 There may be parallel criminal investigations, creating additional legal risks.
At Shewmaker & Lewis, we understand how to navigate these high-stakes cases, ensuring that you receive a fair and thorough defense by:
- Scrutinizing evidence: We investigate inconsistencies in witness testimony, text messages, social media posts, and physical evidence.
- Protecting your legal rights: If law enforcement is involved, we coordinate your Title IX defense with your criminal defense strategy.
- Exposing flaws in your case: We expose inaccuracies, inconsistencies, and potential motivations for false or exaggerated claims.
- Presenting expert testimony when needed: In some cases, forensic or psychological experts can provide critical insight that challenges the allegations against you.
We recognize that these cases can have lasting reputational consequences. Our firm provides discreet, strategic, and aggressive representation to protect your rights, future, and reputation.
How it Works
STEP 1 >>>
When a Title IX complaint is filed, the process begins with a thorough investigation. This involves gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and reviewing relevant documents to assess the validity of the claims.
STEP 2 >>>
Following the investigation, a hearing is conducted where both parties can present their case. This is a crucial stage where evidence is evaluated, and a decision is made regarding responsibility and any necessary sanctions.
STEP 3 >>>
If the outcome of the hearing is unfavorable, an appeal can be filed. This step allows for a review of the decision based on procedural errors, new evidence, or other substantial reasons, ensuring a fair and just process.
Common Questions About Title IX
Understanding your rights and the process during a Title IX case is essential. Here, we address some of the most frequently asked questions to help you navigate this challenging time.
What are my rights during a Title IX investigation?
You are entitled to legal representation, the opportunity to present evidence, and the right to question witnesses. Our team ensures these rights are protected throughout the process.
What penalties could I face in a Title IX case?
Penalties can vary significantly, ranging from warnings to more severe consequences like suspension or expulsion, impacting both academic and professional futures.
Can I appeal a Title IX decision?
Yes, most institutions allow appeals. Grounds for appeal typically include procedural errors, the emergence of new evidence, or other significant factors that could affect the outcome.
Do you handle cases involving both criminal and Title IX charges?
Absolutely, we specialize in managing cases that require a coordinated defense strategy across both school disciplinary and criminal proceedings.
How long does the Title IX process take?
The duration can vary depending on the complexity of the case and the institution’s procedures, but we strive to expedite the process while ensuring thorough representation.
What should I do if I receive a Title IX complaint?
Contact us immediately for a consultation. Early intervention is crucial in building a strong defense and protecting your rights from the outset.
Can I have an advisor during the Title IX process?
Yes, you are allowed to have an advisor, such as an attorney, present during meetings and hearings to guide you through the process.
What is the role of an advisor in a Title IX case?
An advisor provides support, helps interpret the proceedings, and ensures that your rights are upheld throughout the investigation and hearing.
How can Shewmaker & Lewis help in a Title IX case?
We offer expert legal representation, ensuring a robust defense strategy tailored to your specific situation, safeguarding your academic and professional future.