Established Advocate for Students in Title IX & Disciplinary Proceedings

Ratliff & Jackson LLP has built a reputation as an established advocate for students navigating the complex and often intimidating arena of Title IX and campus disciplinary proceedings. With offices primarily in Philadelphia and New Jersey, their Title IX Advisor & Student Defense practice is built around protecting student rights, preserving futures, and ensuring fairness at every stage.

🎯 Why Students Need a Seasoned Advisor

Title IX matters—covering allegations of sexual misconduct and other sex-based discrimination—can profoundly affect a student’s academic and personal life. When students are thrust into these proceedings, institutions often favor complainants, and respondents who go it alone may find themselves at a serious disadvantage

That’s where Ratliff & Jackson steps in. Their advisors guide students through the entire process—analysis of initial allegations, navigating investigations, preparing written responses, and representing at live hearings. Critically, under federal regulations, only advisors may conduct cross‑examination during hearings—students themselves may not . Having a skilled advisor is not optional—it’s essential.

🛠️ What Ratliff & Jackson Offers

1. Due Process & Fair Treatment
   They make sure institutions follow their own policies and federal regulations, and intervene when due process is violated or when institutions rush to judgment

2. Holistic Preparation
   Advisors dissect evidence, build timelines, identify witnesses, and help craft compelling written and oral statements. Their support extends through investigative interviews, preparatory drafting, hearings, and appeal procedures.

3. Cross‑Examination Expertise
   With the 2020 Title IX rules requiring live hearings and advisor-led cross-examination, Ratliff & Jackson ensures students have confident advocates—not stand-ins—guiding the crucial questioning

4. Scope from K‑12 to College
   Their practice spans K‑12 disciplinary issues to college misconduct allegations, including academic integrity cases and Title IX. Special considerations are made for high-stakes contexts—scholarship loss, visa status for international students, and athlete eligibility

5. Support Through Appeals
   If a decision is rendered, Ratliff & Jackson supports filing appeals based on procedural errors, new evidence, or disproportionate sanctions

📚 The Advisor’s Role: Not a Lawyer, But More Than Just a Friend

Per federal rules, any student can choose their advisor—friend, parent, or attorney But crucially, it's the advisor—not the student—who is empowered to perform cross-examination during live hearings

Ratliff & Jackson’s advisors are trauma-informed, culturally competent, and dedicated to creating a supportive, collaborative relationship. They don’t overshadow the student—they amplify their voice, ensuring students are prepared, informed, and protected at each step .

🕊️ Empowering Students Through Advocacy

Facing a Title IX charge or campus disciplinary proceeding can feel overwhelming and isolating. Yet having a committed advocate can transform the experience:

• Mitigating Bias: Many institutions operate under presumption of guilt—an advisor helps ensure*** fairness and rigor in the evidence-gathering process

• Maximizing Rights: Advisors secure students’ fundamental rights—from notice of allegations and evidence review to presenting witnesses and appeals Reducing Consequences: Proactive preparation often results in reduced sanctions—or even complete exoneration—thus preserving academic standing, scholarships, athletic eligibility, and mental well-being

✅ Conclusion

Ratliff & Jackson LLP stands out not just for legal acumen, but for compassionate, student-centered advocacy. They understand the tie between a student’s future and the outcome of a Title IX or disciplinary proceeding. Whether the threat is suspension, expulsion, damaged reputation, or loss of opportunities—having a trusted Title IX advisor can shape a student’s path forward.

By combining thorough preparation, assertive defense, and empathetic support, Ratliff & Jackson doesn’t just defend—they empower students to face challenges with confidence, clarity, and a fighting chance at fairness.