Van Dermyden Maddux Law Corporation

Investigative Law Firm in Sacramento, California

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Title IX Investigations Services

 

Safe campuses: Students deserve it. Parents demand it. Institutions want it. Title IX requires it. We conduct prompt, thorough and impartial investigations that meet Title IX requirements. We can help.

Of course, educational institutions want to meet those demands. It’s the right thing to do. And, students who feel safe are better learners. So, if a student feels unsafe due to harassment, discrimination or sexual violence, the school must respond in a prompt and equitable way to resolve the problem.

Title IX investigations provide educational administrators with an effective tool to make informed decisions about student complaints. Effective and equitable investigations also provide students with a safe forum to report sensitive issues. And a solid investigation will lead to an effective resolution so everyone can get back to focusing on education.

Many years of wrestling with resolving sexual assault complaints have led most commentators to believe that the investigative model is the most effective and appropriate tool to best resolve Title IX matters.

 

How can we help?

Van Dermyden Maddux Law Corporation specializes in prompt, thorough and impartial investigations. In the Title IX environment, we bring that and more.

We can help investigate matters involving:

  • Discrimination
  • Harassment
  • Retaliation
  • Sexual Misconduct
  • Sexual Violence, Including Assault
  • Stalking
  • Domestic or dating violence
  • Violations of Confidentiality

We are keenly aware of the challenges facing educational institutions today. In response to extensive media coverage and legislative attention, Title IX policies and procedures are being challenged… and questioned… and revised.

We are your resource to handle these matters — all while following current laws and guidelines from Title IX,  the Office for Civil Rights, VAWA, SaVE and the White House Task Force to Protect Students from Sexual Assault.

We operate with the following principles:

  • Conducting a prompt, thorough and effective investigation
  • Implementing a “single investigator model” on campus
  • Applying a “preponderance of the evidence” standard when evaluating evidence
  • Being equitable and sensitive to the parties’ experiences
  • Acting with dignity and respect for all

We work with the Title IX coordinator to communicate what to expect during an investigation, and we keep the parties apprised of the status of the investigation. We follow campus policies and procedures, and best practices locally and nationally. We respect victim protections, respondents’ rights and student conduct codes. We navigate the difficult balance of the possible traumatic experience of the complainant, as well as the reality of being accused. We also have experience with investigations that lead to misconduct proceedings. If a complaint involves criminal allegations, we have experience working concurrently with law enforcement.

We collaborate with and have access to experts in the areas of forensic psychology to advise on special issues related to rape, trauma and sexual assault. We understand how to preserve and use forensic evidence as appropriate.

Learn more about Title IX Training for Employees Responsible for Compliance and Investigation.

We collaborate with and have access to experts in the areas of forensic psychology to advise on special issues related to rape, trauma, and sexual assault. We understand how to preserve and use forensic evidence as appropriate.

 

How do we get it right?

Experience.

The VM team of attorney investigators have conducted thousands of investigations for public and private employers, as well as in schools, colleges and universities. The majority of those investigations involve discrimination, harassment, retaliation, misconduct or other civil rights allegations. Our attorneys also have extensive experience conducting Title IX investigations.

A Stellar Team.

This women-owned firm is the only California law firm to establish a team of experienced attorneys, paralegals and legal assistants who focus on neutral work and workplace investigations.

Hard work.

The Firm’s success is built on hard work. Continuing to educate and be educated, the attorneys are up-to-date on all relevant cases and law that affect their investigative work.

Investigative Training.

Our attorneys have received extensive training in how to conduct equitable investigations and effective witness interviews. We have received training in cultural awareness, issues facing the LGBTQ community, and the elimination of bias. We treat all investigation participants with dignity and respect.

Involvement.

Deborah Maddux formerly served as Campus Counsel to the University of California, Davis. She has extensive experience and familiarity with laws and policies that apply in the educational setting. She has broad experience handling Title IX investigations.

Our Firm is well-poised to help you navigate the difficult world of Title IX complaints. We use proven investigative techniques to gather detailed facts, analyze relevant data, and provide sound, reasoned conclusions. The Firm’s investigative reports are comprehensive and complete the good faith investigative process. We will inform you whether or not the conduct occurred so the institution can determine what actions to take to end the misconduct and prevent its recurrence. In the end, we provide the decision-maker with a tool to make the hard decisions.

So, whether you have a straightforward sexual harassment claim, or a complex, highly publicized sexual assault matter, we can help. Throughout California, we want to help you address complaints, solve problems and promote a sense of safety on your campuses so your students can learn.

Let us help

Van Dermyden Maddux Law is an investigations law firm, dedicated to conducting workplace and Title IX campus investigations in California and Nevada.

VM Law is a Certified Small Business and Women-Owned business in California.

 

Sacramento Office
2520 Venture Oaks Way, Suite 450
Sacramento, CA 95833
P: (916) 779-2402
Contact us

 

San Rafael Office
899 Northgate Drive, Suite 210
San Rafael, CA 94903
P: (415) 755-4850
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