CIXE INVESTIGATIONS

What an advisor actually does

An advisor helps you understand your resolution options — informal or formal — and walks you through your institution's policies and procedures from day one. Before and after every interview, you'll have support preparing and processing what comes next. When it's time for a report review, a pre-hearing conference, or the hearing itself, your advisor is there — including conducting cross-examination on your behalf during the hearing. If it comes to an appeal, you'll understand that process too.

When to bring in an advisor

Most Respondents hire an advisor right away. Most Complainants wait until a hearing is actually scheduled. Jeff recommends both hire an advisor from the very beginning — the earlier you have someone who understands the process, the fewer surprises there are later.

Do you actually need an attorney?

Only if there are pending criminal charges running alongside the Title IX case — and even then, the right move is an attorney for the criminal matter and a Title IX Advisor for the Title IX process specifically. Plenty of attorneys will say they know Title IX. Few actually do, and it shows in interviews and hearings when it counts. A trusted friend or family member isn't a substitute either — they can sit with you, but they can't guide you through policy and procedure the way someone trained in this specific process can.

FAQ

Q: Should I hire an attorney instead of an advisor?

A: Only if you're facing pending criminal charges alongside the Title IX case — and even then, you'd want both: an attorney for the criminal matter, and a Title IX Advisor for the Title IX process itself.

Q: When should I hire an advisor?

A: As early as possible — ideally at the very start of the complaint process, not once a hearing is already scheduled.

Q: Do you work with the institution or with me?

A: Directly with you. Your advisor communicates with the institution only when it's needed on your behalf.