Title IX Advisors play a critical role when students face allegations of sexual misconduct, harassment, or other serious campus violations. At Ratliff Jackson LLP, we serve as trusted Title IX advisors for students and families nationwide—providing legal guidance, protecting rights, and helping prepare for investigations, hearings, and appeals.
At Ratliff Jackson LLP, we serve as Title IX advisors for students nationwide—providing strategic legal guidance, protecting procedural rights, and preparing strong defenses in campus sexual misconduct and disciplinary cases. If you or your child has been accused of a Title IX violation, you have the right to choose a Title IX Advisor to guide you through the school’s investigation and hearing process. These are high-stakes matters with long-term consequences, and early legal representation can make the difference between lasting damage and a protected future.
When a student is accused of sexual misconduct or other Title IX violations, schools are required to allow the student to choose an advisor to assist during the investigation and hearing process. That advisor can be anyone, including an attorney. At Ratliff Jackson LLP, our attorneys serve as Title IX advisors nationwide, helping students and families navigate one of the most serious and high-risk disciplinary proceedings in education law.
A Title IX advisor helps prepare the student for interviews, reviews the school’s policies and procedures, ensures due process is followed, and provides support during formal hearings. In many cases, the advisor is the only person allowed to conduct cross-examination on behalf of the accused student. The stakes are high. The advisor must not only understand school procedures, but also constitutional protections, evidentiary rules, and defense strategy.
Title IX hearings are not criminal trials, but they carry life-altering consequences. Students found responsible may face suspension, expulsion, permanent disciplinary records, or denial of degrees. Title IX findings can affect graduate school admissions, future employment, and even immigration status.
Most schools do not require advisors to be lawyers. But having an attorney as your Title IX advisor means you have someone on your side who knows how to challenge biased investigations, object to procedural violations, and cross-examine witnesses effectively. Parents often come to us after a student has already faced a flawed process without legal help. Early legal involvement makes a difference.
Many of these cases involve conflicting accounts, insufficient evidence, or a rush to judgment. Students are often unaware of their rights or how to respond to an investigation. Our team provides clarity and a strategic plan from the outset.
If your case involves school allegations beyond Title IX—such as disciplinary consequences for drug or alcohol violations, threats, or non-sexual misconduct—see our guidance on Code of Conduct Violations.
Our role as your Title IX advisor goes beyond basic support—we provide legally grounded, strategic representation throughout every stage of the campus misconduct process. From the moment a student receives notice of an investigation, we help clarify what to expect, what rights apply, and how to prepare an effective defense.
We assist with reviewing allegations, crafting written responses, advising during interviews, and ensuring that schools follow their policies and federal Title IX obligations. During live hearings, our advisors conduct cross-examination where permitted, and we challenge procedural flaws that may violate due process. If the case results in an adverse outcome, we help prepare internal appeals or escalate to external legal remedies when justified.
Every school’s Title IX process is different, but the need for clear, informed legal guidance remains constant. As experienced Title IX advisors, we protect students’ rights and work with families to reduce the academic, personal, and reputational harm these cases can cause.
For cases involving cheating, plagiarism, or collaborative work violations handled alongside Title IX investigations, visit our Academic Dishonesty / Plagiarism page.
Yes. While colleges often communicate only with the student, we work with both students and parents to make sure the family is informed and legally protected. We help parents understand the risks, timelines, and available legal strategies. Our firm ensures compliance with FERPA, and we coordinate carefully to maintain confidentiality and effective representation.
If the institution is conducting a behavioral risk or threat evaluation alongside the Title IX process, learn how we assist families on our Student Threat Assessments page.
Clear answers to common questions about the role, rights, and importance of Title IX advisors in disciplinary proceedings.
No, a Title IX advisor cannot speak on your behalf throughout the entire investigation. However, in live hearings, the advisor is typically the only person permitted to conduct cross-examination.
Refusing to participate does not make the case disappear. In most situations, the school will continue its investigation.
Yes. Title IX can apply to conduct that occurs off campus if it affects someone in the school’s educational program.
Generally, no. Most schools are bound by FERPA and cannot disclose disciplinary matters to parents without consent.
Bias can appear in subtle ways: unequal treatment of parties, leading questions, ignoring key evidence.
Yes. You are entitled to choose and change your advisor at any time during the Title IX process.
In many cases, yes. If your Title IX case involves conduct that also triggered a criminal investigation.
Yes, in some cases. Title IX findings may appear on disciplinary records or academic transcripts.
Continued contact after a Title IX complaint may violate no-contact directives or be considered retaliation.
It can. International students facing disciplinary sanctions, suspension, or expulsion may jeopardize their visa eligibility.
