Title IX Lawyer – College Disciplinary Defense Advisor

Why Title IX and Campus Discipline Cases Demand Experienced Legal Counsel

Unlike criminal court, college and university disciplinary proceedings often operate under opaque rules, limited due process, and high-stakes outcomes. Making matters worse, those in charge or are your investigators, “judge” and “jury”, are often ill-trained and sometimes agenda driven. A single accusation, even one that would never get off the ground in a real court of law, can lead to suspension, expulsion, and permanent marks on a student’s academic and professional record.

At Saland Law, we bridge the gap between criminal law and campus discipline. We represent:

• Respondents (Accused Students or School Employees): Those facing accusations under Title IX or university policies.
  
• Complainants (Alleged Victims): Students seeking safety, remedies, or institutional accountability.

We handle every stage of the process, from informal complaints and internal investigations to live disciplinary hearings, appeals, and litigation when necessary.

College Arrests: Criminal Charges on Campus

When law enforcement becomes involved, campus problems escalate quickly. Students can face arrest and criminal charges stemming from:

• Sexual assault and misconduct
  
• Physical altercations
  
• Harassment or stalking
  
• Hazing and fraternity-related offenses
  
• Drug and alcohol violations
  
• Theft or vandalism

In many cases, these arrests occur in tandem with, or lead to, Title IX or student conduct investigations.

Attorney Jeremy Saland, a former Manhattan prosecutor and criminal lawyer in New York, has over two and a half decades of experience navigating both sides of the courtroom. He understands the intersection of criminal defense and university discipline, helping students manage parallel proceedings and avoid missteps that could damage their record and future.

Whether you’re a college student arrested on campus who now finds yourself subject to Title IX or a parent trying to safeguard your child’s future, Saland Law offers responsive, strategic defense to protect against criminal liability and academic consequences.

University Title IX Investigations: Sexual Misconduct and Gender-Based Complaints

Title IX is a federal civil rights law that requires colleges and universities receiving federal funds to prevent and address sex-based discrimination, including sexual harassment and violence. In recent years, it has become the foundation for how colleges and universities investigate and adjudicate claims of:

• Sexual assault or rape
• Sexual harassment
• Dating or domestic violence
• Stalking
• Retaliation

When a Title IX complaint is filed, schools must take “prompt and equitable” action — often launching investigations within days. Unfortunately, sometimes the response is neither prompt nor equitable, further demanding the advocacy of a Title IX advisor.

Understanding the Title IX Process

The process typically involves the following steps:

1. Formal Complaint Filed: Generally, either a student or the Title IX Coordinator initiates a complaint.
   
2. Notice to Parties: Both parties receive written notice of the allegations.
   
3. Investigation Phase: Investigators gather statements, documents, witness interviews, and other evidence.
   
4. Review of Evidence: Parties access evidence, can comment on their and other party’s statements, and can edit their own reports before a decision is reached on whether the case will proceed to a hearing.
   
5. Live Hearing (if applicable): A decision-maker, whether an individual or a panel composed of faculty, students, outside agencies, or a combination of these people,conducts a hearing, with some degree of cross-examination.
   
6. Written Determination: The school issues a decision and rationale.
   
7. Right to Appeal: Either party may appeal based on procedural error, bias, new evidence, or, when there is a penalty, the punishment or sanction was disproportionately severe or too light. 

Depending on the school’s policies, investigations may last several weeks or months. During that time, the respondent may be subject to interim measures like removal from housing, inability to be on campus or being involved in extracurricular activities, or suspension from classes. Complainants may seek protective accommodations for safety or academic stability, and no-contact orders or directives will be implemented for both parties

Representation for the Accused

If you’ve been named in a Title IX complaint, you must act quickly. Many students mistakenly believe they can explain things informally or wait to see what happens. Unfortunately, not only can your delay compromise your case, but the words you use and statements you make may very well be the proverbial nail in your coffin. 

We help accused students by:

• Drafting and reviewing written responses
• Identifying and interviewing favorable witnesses
• Securing evidence wherever it may reside
• Preparing for school interviews and hearings
• Advising on social media, digital evidence, and statements
• Challenging investigative bias or procedural failures
• Preparing for live cross-examinations when applicable
• Appealing adverse findings

Remember: University officials are not your allies. They may use anything you say to support a finding of responsibility. Having an advisor who is also a lawyer familiar with Title IX policies and applicable federal law is not just helpful; it can be essential to protecting your future. In fact, there is no better advocate than Jeremy Saland, an advisor who has worn a “hat” as a prosecutor building cases and a defense attorney tearing those same cases down.

Saland Law works quickly to protect whatever your limited due process rights may be. We assist with gathering exculpatory evidence, preparing for interviews, challenging procedural irregularities, and developing a strong defense tailored to the facts and policy at issue.

Representation for Complainants

As a complainant (the reporting party), you have the right to safety, justice, and a thorough, unbiased investigation. Unfortunately, many students are retraumatized by poorly handled investigations, unsupportive administration, or disbelief by those tasked with protecting them.

Saland Law advocates for your rights throughout the process. We help you:

• Understand your rights under Title IX
  
• Advising whether to file a formal or informal complaint
• Identifying and collecting evidence and speaking with witnesses
  
• Drafting your statement and preparing for interviews
  
• Coordinating with campus safety and law enforcement
  
• Advocating for interim accommodations or academic support
  
• Monitoring the university’s compliance with its legal duties
  
• Pursuing appeals or filing federal complaints if needed

You deserve safety, accountability, and dignity. Our firm fights to make sure your complaint is taken seriously and handled lawfully.

Code of Conduct Violations and Disciplinary Hearings

Most universities have a student code of conduct that governs a wide range of behavior, from academic dishonesty to off-campus conduct. Violations can result in warnings, probation, suspension, or expulsion, and are often handled solely internally, without the legal protections of a courtroom or even allowing an advisor to be present during a hearing or to cross-examine accusers.

Common allegations include:

• Plagiarism or cheating
  
• Drug and alcohol offenses
  
• Hazing or bullying
  
• Sexual misconduct outside of Title IX
  
• Disorderly conduct
  
• Property damage

At Saland Law, we approach disciplinary hearings with the seriousness they deserve. Whether your school uses a panel, a single investigator, or an administrative law judge, we ensure you are fully prepared.

Our services include:

• Identifying, securing, and reviewing evidence
  
• Preparing for testimony and coaching demeanor
  
• Attending interviews and hearings
  
• Filing appeals and grievances
  
• Advising on collateral consequences, such as transcript notations or financial aid loss

Even minor conduct violations can have long-term consequences for graduate school, professional licensing, and future employment. Don’t risk navigating this process alone.

Parents: What You Need to Know

We understand that for many parents, receiving that late-night phone call from a distraught child can be terrifying. Unfortunately, colleges often discourage parental involvement — even when the stakes are enormous.

At Saland Law, our Title IX Lawyer encourages collaborative, confidential communication with parents to ensure students receive the guidance, support, and legal protection they need. We help parents understand:

• What their child is facing
  
• How the process will unfold
  
• What they can do to support their child
  
• Whether the school is following proper procedures
  
• How criminal, academic, and financial risks intersect
  

With your child’s consent, we make sure you’re informed, involved, and empowered to make sound decisions during this difficult time.

A Nationwide Practice Built on Reputation, Skill, and Results

While Saland Law is based in New York City, Title IX advisors needn’t be lawyers admitted to practice in the particular state where the school is located. Because advisors are not acting as lawyers, the skill and experience is what is paramount wherever the alleged infraction or violation occurred. Similarly, because it is an advisor, who often is a lawyer but need not be,  we assist students, parents, and attorneys throughout the country at:

• Ivy League universities
  
• Large public colleges
  
• Small liberal arts institutions
  
• Religious universities
  
• Military academies
  
• Graduate and professional schools

Though disciplinary systems are fairly standard and Title IX is regulated in large part by the federal government and not the particular school, subject to some nuances, we stay current on evolving federal guidelines, university policies, and recent legal rulings. Whether your case involves a small college in the Midwest or a major university on the West Coast, we provide the same strategic, client-centered representation as we do in New York and well beyond.

We also collaborate with local counsel when appropriate, ensuring seamless representation regardless of jurisdiction.

Saland Law’s Approach: Strategic, Client-Focused Advocacy

We believe there is no substitute for preparation, thoroughness, responsiveness, and tenacity. Every case, whether you’re accused or reporting harm, demands personalized attention, careful review, and an understanding of both the facts, the corroboration of those facts, or lack thereof, and institutional landscape.

Here’s what sets Saland Law apart:

1. Proven Experience

Attorney Jeremy Saland is a former Manhattan prosecutor who has handled high-profile and complicated investigations, sex crime cases, and complex disciplinary matters. His success securing “not responsible” decisions and reducing sanctions on appeal is a testament to his work ethic and experience. He brings this deep legal knowledge to each campus case.

2. Thorough, Hands-On Representation

We work directly with you to understand and share in your goals, prepare for every interaction, identify and lock down the evidence, and address both the legal and emotional challenges of campus proceedings as we fight to clear your name and protect you both now and in the future.

3. Balanced Representation for Both Sides

Because we represent both complainants and respondents, we understand the tactics, expectations, and vulnerabilities from all angles — and we use this insight to your advantage.

4. Nationwide Reach

Whether your case is in New York, California, Texas, Florida, or anywhere in between, we have the tools, technology, and experience to help as your Title IX advisor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact Saland Law Today

Your education. Your reputation. Your future. These are too important to leave to chance.

Whether you’re a college student under investigation, a complainant seeking justice, or a parent trying to protect your child’s future, Saland Law is here to help. From our New York City office, we serve students and families across the United States with strategic, empathetic legal counsel and aggressive advocacy.

Call us now or fill out our confidential contact form to schedule a consultation with our Title IX Lawyer.

About Saland Law

Founded by former Manhattan prosecutor Jeremy Saland, Saland Law is a boutique law firm dedicated to Title IX representation and criminal defense. With a proven record in both the courtroom and campus proceedings, we provide elite, confidential advocacy to students, professionals, and families when their future is on the line.