Experienced investigators when you need an objective perspective.
Bernstein Shur has a team of dedicated independent-investigators and hearing officers and one of the largest Title IX investigation practices in the country.
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As seasoned labor & employment and education attorneys, we have years of experience conducting investigations for a broad range of clients, including public and private academic institutions, K-12 and independent schools, major corporations, non-profit organizations and state and local governmental entities.
Click here to download a digital list of our services and team members.
We conduct outside, neutral investigations and hearings for public and private colleges, universities, and K-12 schools. Our skill and training allow us to conduct equitable and reliable investigations when individuals or institutions are accused of misconduct. We regularly investigate complaints involving Title IX sexual harassment as well as other harassment, discrimination, sexual abuse, sexual misconduct, bullying, dating violence, failure to accommodate, stalking, boundary violations, and retaliation. We deliver clear reports with factual findings that enable organizations to make sound, supported, and accurate decisions. And, if litigation should arise, we will testify at trial and defend our investigative findings in court.
With a deep understanding of the unique challenges and sensitivities that arise, we are skilled at conducting trauma-informed interviews, respecting individuals’ privacy rights, and ensuring an equitable process for both parties. Throughout the investigative and hearing process, we draw on our education law backgrounds and extensive knowledge of the current laws and guidance around sexual misconduct, including state child protection and mandatory reporting laws, Title IX, Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), and the Clery Act.
We consult and offer customized trainings to institutions, including in the area of sexual misconduct prevention and response. We review institutional policies and processes to provide specific and comprehensive recommendations to encourage reporting and improve response. We draft policies, procedures, and protocols to enhance safety and reduce risk in the area of sexual misconduct. Our team also assists institutions in creating their workplace code of conduct and student code of conduct handbooks. If you are interested in learning more about our trainings, click here to read more about our available training modules.
We investigate complaints involving:
- Title IX complaints and sexual misconduct
- Discrimination
- Harassment and bullying
- Failure to accommodate
- Retaliation/whistleblower
- Employee or institutional misconduct
- Violence
- Crisis Response
- Embezzlement/Fraud