Defense for Students Accused of Misconduct on College and University Campuses

At Leonard Trial Lawyers, we represent students in higher education who have been accused of varying types of misconduct. We understand the potentially life-altering impact that disciplinary actions from colleges and universities can have on the lives of the accused students. Our team is committed to handling your case with the utmost care and protecting your most valuable assets – your personal integrity and your future. Moreover, in circumstances where the alleged misconduct could also be charged as a crime, we can help you navigate both matters with defenses that are consistent.

Whether you are facing allegations of academic misconduct, sexual misconduct, or any other form of student disciplinary action, securing Leonard Trial Lawyers’ experience will level the playing field. You should not navigate the complexities of the law, or a school’s disciplinary procedures or “honor code” alone.

The types of student misconduct that may result in school-led proceedings or litigation include but are not limited to:

• Academic Misconduct
  • Plagiarism
  • Cheating
  • Fabrication/Falsification
  • Complicity
• Sexual Misconduct
  • Federal civil rights law Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (“Title IX”), 20 U.S.C. §1681prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in education programs and activities and includes:
    • Sexual Harassment
    • Sexual Violence
    • Sexual Coercion
  • Other Misconduct
    • Assault
    • Burglary
    • Trespassing
    • Using drugs or alcohol on campus
    • Criminal mischief
    • Threats

Some Examples Of Our Experience And Success

Recently, we represented and prevailed on behalf of a student at a Big 10 University who was falsely accused of sexual misconduct, and who faced the possibility of expulsion and the loss of externships and career opportunities.

In another case which was highly publicized in the local Chicago press, we represented a former student and current academic professional whose originality of her doctorate dissertation was attacked. That matter was litigated in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois (Chicago). Ultimately, the University defendant agreed to pay our client a substantial six-figure settlement.