Boston, MA criminal defense attorney Nat Carney talks about why it’s important to have a lawyer for a campus discipline hearing. He shares that their firm primarily handles Title IX defenses, involving a case of sexual misconduct between college students. Title IX proceedings can be highly complex, even for experienced attorneys, and each institution has its own procedures for adjudicating such cases. While there are similarities across schools, each develops its own methodology, making knowledgeable legal guidance essential.

Given the potentially severe consequences—ranging from expulsion to negative academic records—he emphasizes the importance of having an attorney guide clients through every step of the process. Many cases also carry a potential criminal component, and he works to prevent matters from escalating into criminal charges whenever possible. If a case does proceed to the criminal system, he ensures continuity of representation, leveraging his familiarity with the facts, allegations, witnesses, and evidence to provide effective and informed advocacy for his clients.