Shaw & Murphy, PLLC | Attorneys-At-Law
Shaw & Murphy, PLLC | Attorneys-At-Law

College Discipline/Student Misconduct & Title IX Defense Matters

Representing Accused Students: We have decades of experience defending and advising students accused of Title IX and other student code of conduct violations at Cornell University, Ithaca College, Binghamton University, SUNY Oswego, SUNY Geneseo, and other universities in upstate New York. Our experience includes defending students accused of Title IX violations (rape, sexual assault, sexual misconduct, sexual harassment, sexual exploitation, stalking, and violation of no-contact orders), drug possession and alcohol offenses, hazing, assault, fake ID possession, criminal mischief and trespassing, theft, Academic Integrity violations, and other misconduct. We successfully obtained findings of “not responsible” both after hearings and complaints being dismissed after investigation. We have also achieved favorable outcomes by resolving cases through the university’s alternate or informal resolution processes and negotiating with the university’s student conduct office. We have experience with complaints with the U.S. Department of Education Office of Civil Rights against universities for adverse decisions. We are knowledgeable and up to date about the latest changes to federal Title IX regulations, state law, and university policies, as well as recent litigation.

Representing Complainants: We have experience advising student complainants and witnesses in a variety of campus matters, from minor offenses to Title IX.

Representing Student Organizations: We also have experience in defending and advising student groups accused of student conduct or Title IX violations. Often these issues are handled under different standards than individual cases. It can be difficult for students who are just starting as members of an organization to understand how to articulate and represent the organization as a whole apart from themselves. We can help craft appropriate ways to represent the organization and its perspective and help student members learn from the experience while preserving the organization.

Why Get A Lawyer? Finding yourself, your son or daughter, or your organization accused of violating a college’s Code of Conduct or Title IX policy can be a stressful time. You might be wondering, do I need a lawyer? Lawyers can be essential in a student misconduct proceeding. We help protect your rights, help you organize and present your side of the story, conduct cross-examination at hearings, where permitted, and take the steps needed to preserve your argument if further challenges or litigation are pursued. We guide you through every step of the process. The consequences of a Title IX or Student Conduct violation can be very serious and can impact your graduation and future education opportunities. If you or your son or daughter is accused of a campus offense, please give us a call today and we would be happy to talk you through how we can help.