KATIE CLIFFORD

Conduct fact-finding investigations into allegations of sexual misconduct, sexual assault, harassment, discrimination, bullying, workplace misconduct, student code violations, and/or retaliation by students/faculty. Investigations include development of an investigative plan, identify and interview witnesses, gather and secure relevant information and data, and produce a well-written, comprehensive investigation report. Engage in informal resolution practices to address complaints and allegations when appropriate.

• Provide public and private educational institutions legal consultation on state and federal regulations and statutes relating to discrimination, harassment, retaliation, sexual misconduct, sexual violence, workplace misconduct. bullying, student code of conduct violations, FERPA, and organizational governance. Services include, but are not limited to, policy development, implementation, and compliance audit; policy training of staff, students, and boards; thorough investigation services including development of investigation plan, conducting interviews, gathering and securing information, and writing investigation report; general advice and consulting on organization of policy, processes, investigations strategies, and hearing processes.

• Served as affiliate consultant for TNG, formally The NCHERM Group, which is a law and consulting practice that seeks to enhance holistic safety and well-being of individuals, schools, and organizations by empowering system-level solutions to reduce risk of violence, discrimination, and harm. As affiliate consultant, training was provided to colleges/universities and K-12 school districts throughout country on general Title IX compliance, investigations, policy development and implementation, and roles of coordinators, investigators, and decision-makers. Services were provided as an independent investigator for student and employee complaints.

• Provide legal advice to over 60 Ohio Public Colleges and Universities including, but not limited to, issues regarding employment and labor, institutional policy development and implementation, contract review and negotiation, intellectual property, trademark and copyright, public records, FERPA, ethics and settlement procedures. Develop and present legal seminars to college/university and Ohio Department of Education attorneys on wide array of education issues, guidance on employee training, and development and revision of employee handbooks. Direct and manage section's legal and non-legal personnel and administrative activities. Oversee and manage special counsel litigation for Ohio's public colleges and universities,State Department of Education, and Ohio Board of Regents. Serve as Ohio Attorney General Office's Grievance Hearing Officer.

• Provided legal advice to school district boards of education, superintendents, administrators, and treasurers regarding school district policies, contracts, student discipline, special education, school finance, staff evaluations and renewal procedures, tax exemption and abatement, conflicts of interests, and employment and labor matters. Negotiated collective bargaining agreements for certified and classified staff. Conducted investigations and submitted client position statements for Ohio Civil Rights Commission and Equal Employee Opportunity Complaints. Represented Boards of Education and administrators in wide array of state and federal litigation involving civil rights, student conduct, and employment matters.