Title IX Defense Attorney in Louisiana
Defending Students and Faculty Across Louisiana in Title IX Investigations
If you have been accused of a Title IX violation, your academic future and professional future are both at risk. Whether you are a student facing potential expulsion or a faculty member seeking to protect your career and reputation, Stephens Law, PLC has the experience and dedication to protect your rights on campus in Louisiana.
Serving all of Louisiana including:
New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Shreveport, Lake Charles, Natchitoches, Ruston, and beyond.
Who We Represent
Students
Facing a Title IX investigation as a student can feel overwhelming, with your reputation, career and entire future on the line. Universities move quickly in these cases, and without the right guidance and representation, you may not fully understand your rights or the procedures being used against you. Having an experienced Title IX attorney on your side ensures that you are treated fairly, your voice is heard, and your rights are protected throughout the process.
Faculty
Just like students, faculty members can find themselves the target of a Title IX Investigation; however, faculty members do have the same rights. For example, the informal resolution process is not available when a student accuses a faculty member of sexual harassment. While faculty members are familiar with university policies and interacting with university administrators, there are countless ways in which a professor can unintentionally sabotage his or her own defense in a Title IX case. Speaking with an experienced Title IX attorney as soon as possible is imperative.
Student Athletes
Stephens Law is located in the heart of the South Eastern Conference – one of the most prestigious conferences for student athletes in the country. The consequences of being found responsible for a Title IX violation are often even more significant for student athletes. Expulsion and loss of a scholarship only scratch the surface in terms of potential consequences. Name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals along with future prospects as a student athlete are also in jeopardy, not to mention the potential damage to a future career as a professional athlete. As if this is not enough to overwhelm just about anyone, the student athlete must also be cognizant of the likelihood that he or she will be subjected to a higher level of scrutiny simply for being a successful athlete.
Louisiana Colleges & Universities
Louisiana State University (LSU)
Baton Rouge
Tulane
University
New Orleans
University of Louisiana Lafayette
Monroe
Southern
University
Baton Rouge
Loyola
University
New Orleans
Louisiana Tech University
Ruston
University of New Orleans
New Orleans
Nicholls State
University
Thibodaux
McNeese State University
Lake Charles
Grambling
State University
Grambling
Northwestern State University
Natchitoches
Southeastern Louisiana University
Hammond
University of
Louisiana
Monroe
Centenary College of Louisiana
Shreveport
Dillard
University
New Orleans
Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University
Baton Rouge
Louisiana Christian University
Pineville
University of
Holy Cross
New Orleans
Xavier University
of Louisiana
New Orleans
Paul M. Hebert
Law Center
Baton Rouge
Why Choose Stephens Law, PLC?
While every case is different and outcomes can never be guaranteed, if you hire Stephens Law, PLC, you will have an attorney with the following:
- Years of experience with Title IX and sexual misconduct investigations and hearings
- Record of helping accused students and faculty members achieve positive outcomes
- History of advancing successful defenses against false allegations
- Title IX attorney who is licensed in Louisiana
- Lawyer who understands the time-sensitive nature of a Title IX case
- Former prosecutor and experienced criminal defense lawyer who understands the risks associated with a parallel criminal investigation
Common Title IX Allegations
Sexual Harassment • Sexual Assault • Stalking • Dating Violence • Domestic Violence • Gender Discrimination • Sexual Misconduct • Retaliation
Overview of the Title IX Process
- Complaint
- Notice of Allegations
- Investigation / Collection of Evidence
- Hearing
- Decision
- Right to Appeal
Consequences of Title IX Violations
Title IX violations are serious and can significantly change the course of your life and career. Along with Title IX allegations, comes the possibility of suspension or expulsion from school, loss of athletic or academic scholarships, academic record notations, job loss, reputational damage and even criminal prosecution and jail time. Criminal prosecution is rare in these cases, but it is absolutely imperative that you have an advisor capable of evaluating the possibility of a criminal investigation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Title IX in simple terms is a federal civil rights law that prohibits sex-based discrimination in any education program or activity that receives federal funding. This includes protections against sexual harassment, retaliation for engaging in protected activity, and discrimination in schools and universities. Title IX applies to students, faculty, and staff at colleges and universities across the United States.
You are not required to have a lawyer during a Title IX investigation or hearing, but not having a well-versed advisor on your side can be the difference between a finding of responsibility and a successful defense. Regardless of how innocent you know yourself to be, the potential risks of proceeding without a lawyer are significant. Title IX procedures can be complex, and schools often have their own investigators, administrators, and attorneys involved. A lawyer can help you understand your rights, prepare your case, avoid common pitfalls, and help you to effectively advocate for yourself at every stage of the process. Your advisor will cross examine the complainant at the hearing as you will not be allowed to do so yourself. Having a lawyer as your advisor ensures that you have someone asking questions on your behalf who is trained and experienced with questioning witnesses in a formal hearing environment. Your attorney will also assist you with preparing for any investigative interviews and evaluating the evidence in your case.
Yes. The consequences of a finding of responsibility in a Title IX matter can be very serious. Students may face suspension or expulsion, while faculty or staff, could face termination. Even if the outcome does not involve dismissal, a Title IX case can affect your reputation, career, and educational opportunities.
If your case proceeds to a hearing, both sides will have the opportunity to present evidence and ask questions through an advisor who is often an attorney. A panel or decision-maker will evaluate the evidence and make a determination about responsibility and possible sanctions. The process is formal and can feel intimidating, which is why preparation is crucial.
Yes, but the grounds for appeal are generally limited and can be confusing. An attorney can help determine whether you have valid grounds and guide you through the appeal process. It should also be noted that failure to retain counsel prior to the appeal phase puts you and your attorney at an extreme disadvantage. To get the most benefit from your legal counsel, you should hire a Title IX defense attorney as soon as you become aware of sexual misconduct allegations.
As soon as you receive a Notice of Allegations letter, you should be in contact with an experienced Title IX attorney. You have a right to have your advisor present for any meetings with the university which includes any informational meetings prior to the beginning of a formal investigation. Any indication that a formal investigation may be on the horizon is sufficient reason to schedule a consultation with a Louisiana Title IX attorney.
