Representing Students in Higher Education Title IX and Campus Misconduct Matters 2026

As Co-Chair of the Title IX and Campus Discipline practice at Clark Hill, PLC, Lorie represents college students and faculty members nationwide who are under investigation or who have been disciplined by their colleges or universities for alleged violations of sexual harassment and misconduct policies following campus disciplinary proceedings. She brings litigation against colleges and universities on behalf of college students and faculty members when resolution cannot be reached at the disciplinary level. Lorie also has represented complainants who raise and pursue assault or harassment claims within universities. Lorie works closely with her clients to ensure that they understand the university’s process, seek procedural safeguards, and are afforded a fair hearing. She helps students and their families understand and fully prepare for investigations and hearings and, where appropriate, helps clients who are seeking informal resolutions with the school while navigating the complicated issues accompanying mediation. Lorie also is experienced with situations that may be complicated by mental health concerns or the need for disability accommodations. Given her experience, Lorie has published articles and has been sought out to present nationally on Title IX representation and litigation, including its intersection with criminal law. In addition to her representation of college students, Lorie represents clients in white-collar criminal matters, internal investigations, and professional malpractice litigation. Before entering private practice, Lorie served as a prosecutor in the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office.

Patricia Hamill is the Co-Chair of Clark Hill’s Title IX and Campus Discipline practice with a nationwide practice representing college students, faculty members, and administrators in campus disciplinary proceedings and in litigation following flawed disciplinary processes. She is a skillful negotiator who works to resolve matters without the need for litigation. When that is not possible, Patricia has been successful in bringing lawsuits around the nation for violations of Title IX (or other civil rights statutes), breach of contract and tort liability on the basis that colleges’ disciplinary processes failed to ensure fundamental due process rights, discriminated on the basis of sex and breached contractual obligations. With decades of experience in complex litigation matters, Patricia brings a strategic approach to each matter. Her deep legal expertise is matched by her tenacity to push for best outcomes for her clients, and she never forgets that her clients need not only legal expertise but also empathy and support. Patricia’s approach is captured perfectly by a client’s description of her as “an incredibly gifted lawyer who not only knows the detailed nuances of Title IX law and the university processes but also has the street smarts and toughness that only come from years of experience. Her calm, confident, and strategically aggressive style successfully guided our family through a difficult time.” Nationally ranked in the Chambers & Partners inaugural Higher Education practice area, Patricia was noted by clients as “highly regarded for her plaintiff-side Title IX expertise” whose biggest strength is “her great judgment and her human touch when dealing with complicated situations.” Patricia is a frequent speaker on the ever-changing legal landscape involving Title IX case law and regulations. Given her expertise, she has testified numerous times before the Department of Education and was invited to testify on due process issues before the United States Senate’s hearing on “Reauthorizing HEA: Addressing Campus Sexual Assault and Ensuring Student Safety and Rights” in Washington DC (April 2019).