Casework
Independent Title IX investigations
An external investigator for Title IX matters that are too close to home, too large for current capacity, or too consequential to leave any question about neutrality.
How the investigation runs
- 01Conflicts and scopeWe screen the practitioner and the firm against the institution, the parties, known witnesses, and counsel, and decline where a conflict disqualifies us.
- 02Evidence and interviewsTrauma-informed interviewing that still tests the account, with a record of what was asked and answered.
- 03Findings and handoverA written determination a reviewer can trace without us in the room, and the complete file delivered in a usable format.
When to call
When an outside investigator is the right call
- 01A conflict of interest
- 02Capacity has run out
- 03A matter is already in progress
- 04Privilege matters
What you receive
What you receive
Comprehensive investigation report
Allegations, the standard applied, notice and process, the evidence relied on, the analysis, and findings with the reasoning behind each.
Executive summary
The conclusion and its basis for leadership or a decision maker, ordinarily produced alongside the full report.
Oral report
Findings delivered verbally, where counsel is directing the engagement or an assessment is needed before deciding how to proceed.
Worth knowing
Pricing and independence
Investigations are priced on the work they take, usually under a fee cap or a fixed fee agreed after scoping. There is no contingency and no fee that varies with the finding. Published hourly ranges for PK-12, higher education, and workplaces are on the investigations page, which also covers Title VI, Title VII, and ADA and Section 504 matters.
See the investigations page and published ratesCan an outside firm conduct a Title IX investigation?
Yes. Institutions routinely engage external investigators. The investigator must be free of conflicts and bias and trained on the grievance procedures the institution uses.
Do you also serve as decision maker?
We can serve as investigator or as decision maker on a matter, never both, because the separation between the two roles is part of what makes the outcome defensible.
Can you take over an investigation already underway?
Yes. We review the file, preserve what exists, and carry the matter through to a defensible report.
Scoping
Start with a scoping call.
We look at what you have, tell you plainly whether we fit, and put the terms in writing before anything begins.