If your child or a loved one is involved in a Title IX investigation, it is expected to feel overwhelmed and uncertain during that time. No wonder the Title IX case can make you emotionally drained and stressed.
Therefore, hiring the most experienced and trained attorney for the Title IX case becomes the most crucial decision. By selecting the right attorney for the case, you can expect favorable outcomes and protect your child’s rights.
If you are wondering what factors to look for in a Title IX attorney, don’t worry anymore. This guide is going to shed light on seven crucial factors to assess the attorney for the job! Keep reading for more details:
▪ Experience Matters
Experience is everything when it comes to choosing an attorney for the case. The Title IX case can’t be simple to handle and can bring numerous complications. Therefore, the first thing you need to ensure in an attorney is extensive experience in handling Title IX cases.
Title IX cases can be complex and unique, especially when educational institutes are involved in them. That’s why it’s essential to select someone familiar with intricacies. Therefore, only experienced attorneys will understand the processes and the types of investigations that are typically conducted by the schools.
So, ask a prospective attorney about their experience in the field and similar cases to yours. Assess the outcome of their case to ensure you hire a skilled attorney to handle the case.
▪ Local Expertise
Moving forward to assessing the experience of the attorney, the next right thing you need to evaluate is their familiarity with the local landscape. Title IX cases often involve specific educational institutions with different procedures and policies.
It can be challenging for you to understand every aspect of the case so that you can make an informed decision. Therefore, it is crucial for you to consider hiring an attorney who understands the local rules and culture of the school or university.
For example, if you reside in the US, it will be a wise decision to look for nationwide Title IX Defense Attorneys experienced in handling local institutions. This way, dealing with this matter becomes smoother for you.
Moreover, with local expertise, the attorney will be more likely to establish relationships with local administrators and be familiar with the school’s investigation protocols. The regional expertise will also help streamline communication to avoid overlooking any aspect of the case.
▪ Personal Connection and Communication
Assessing the professional qualifications and experience is crucial for choosing the right attorney. However, you shouldn’t underestimate the value of a strong personal connection between you, your child, and the attorney.
No lie, but the process of Title IX investigation can be extremely stressful and emotionally draining. Therefore, it is important for you to find an attorney who isn’t only skilled but also empathetic about your case.
That’s why it is important for you to pay attention to how the attorney listens to your concerns during the initial consultation. If the attorney gives proper attention to the nuances of your child’s situation, this will help you share all the concerns comfortably.
Moreover, you need to evaluate their communication skills to ensure they keep you in the loop and guide you comprehensively. If the attorney keeps using industry jargon and complicated legal terms for the case, it can be challenging for you to understand your situation and make an informed decision.
▪ Understanding the Players
The Title IX cases expect more from the attorney than experience and knowledge. The attorney must know the law and understand the entire landscape involved, such as the key players in the process.
This will involve not only the university system and procedures but also the people behind the scenes who are engaged in impacting the outcome of the case. For example, investigators, administrators, and decision-makers.
Some universities often have their own policies and protocols for handling Title IX complaints. No wonder each institute operates somewhat differently around the state. Therefore, hiring a well-prepared attorney will be beneficial for you in handling the case by keeping all the aspects in mind.
The attorney will better understand the school’s specific processes for investigating complaints and potential biases or tendencies that exist in the institution. With this understanding, the attorney will be able to predict possible challenges and prepare your child’s defense accordingly.
▪ Availability and Accessibility
Another essential pointer that you must look for in an attorney is availability. It’s challenging to find an attorney who is accessible and frequently checking in with the clients. However, some can be harder to reach out to or show little to no availability when you need them.
Therefore, you need to ensure that you’re choosing an attorney who is willing to maintain open lines of communication. Moreover, you will expect the attorney to meet with you regularly and respond to your emails.
This way, you will stay more informed at every stage of the process. So, discuss the availability upfront to ensure they can dedicate the necessary time to the child’s case.
▪ Specialized Knowledge of Student Rights
When dealing with Title IX cases, the right attorney should have a deep understanding of student rights and how these rights interact with federal laws and school policies. Title IX is designed to protect students from any discrimination.
However, the interpretation of these rules can vary from institute to institute. Therefore, having a skilled attorney by your side will help you know how to safeguard your child’s rights.
If your child is facing potential disciplinary action, ensure that the attorney has experience with Title IX to advocate for your child effectively in the case.
▪ Responsiveness and Dedication
Selecting the right attorney for the Title IX case is a daunting process. However, choosing the right and skilled attorney can make a huge difference in the outcome of the case. Therefore, consider choosing a professional attorney who is responsive and has a strong dedication to solving your case.
As your child’s future is at stake, a right attorney will utilize all expertise to ensure your child’s future and rights are protected.
Therefore, create a detailed assessment plan for the attorney to ensure you invest your time, effort, and money in the right professional. This way, you will have trust in the professional and can expect the best outcome from them.
