NATIONAL TITLE IX & CONDUCT CODE ATTORNEYS
WE FIGHT FOR YOUR RIGHTS
If you’re involved in a Title IX action at your school, whether as a respondent or a complainant, or if you’ve been accused of a serious conduct code violation, you need a highly-experienced attorney on your side to immediately begin protecting your rights.
Our lawyers zealously use every resource and explore every option to secure your rights, protect your safety, and defend your reputation. We fight with tenacity, commitment, creativity and a deep understanding of Title IX law and the university disciplinary process on behalf of every single one of our clients.
From pre-charge investigations on campus to appeals of unfair findings, our attorneys are fully comfortable navigating the fast-changing and extremely complex dynamics of higher education and guiding each client according to their specific circumstances.
Title IX sexual misconduct, assault, or harassment – We guard the rights of students and employees at educational institutions who have suffered as a result of the unlawful actions of others and/or improper institutional procedures.
College conduct code violations defense – We defend college students accused of violating their school’s various conduct codes by carefully analyzing each charge, finding exculpatory evidence or mitigating circumstances, and making sure the school’s disciplinary proceedings are fair and legal.
Title IX gender equity – We aggressively support individual students, faculty, staff, coaches, and athletic teams who have suffered illegal gender bias and discrimination whether on the job or on the field.
MEET OUR ATTORNEYS
Felice Duffy
Felice Duffy served as an Assistant United States Attorney for ten years after beginning her legal career at two prestigious firms (one in CT and one in NY) and then clerking for two federal judges. As an undergraduate, she brought a legal action under the then-new Title IX statute against UCONN to compel the creation of its women’s varsity soccer program. She went on to become a first-team Division I All-American, was selected to be on the first U.S. National Women’s Team, and spent 10 years as Head Coach of the Yale women’s soccer team (while at the same time earning her Ph.D. in Education/Sports Psychology).
Christine Brown
Christine Brown has a comprehensive understanding of Title IX and how it impacts students, faculty, and staff on college campuses. Before joining Duffy in January of 2020, Christine held the dual roles of Director of Legal Services and Title IX Coordinator at Fairfield University, where she was responsible for developing the school’s Title IX policies and due process procedures. She presided over hundreds of university matters including dozens of Title IX cases (spanning investigations, hearings, and appeals) as well as dozens of conduct code violation claims ranging from sexual assault to hazing to racial bias.
Paul Thomas
Paul Thomas served for 18 years as an Assistant Federal Defender representing individuals charged with serious crimes throughout Connecticut. Prior to his appointment to the Federal Defender’s Office, he spent two years clerking for a federal judge and 14 years as an associate and then partner in a top Connecticut firm. He is a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers and a recipient of the Champion of Liberty Award from the Connecticut Criminal Defense Lawyers Association. Since 1996, Attorney Thomas has served on the Faculty of the Yale School of Medicine where he lectures on the topic of Law and Psychiatry.
