Laredo, Smith & Kane Attorney Jessica Conklin Serves as Faculty for MCLE Program, Emerging Issues in Title IX Compliance, Investigations & Litigation

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Laredo, Smith & Kane Attorney Jessica Conklin served as a faculty member on Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education’s (MCLE) March 11 webcast, “Emerging Issues in Title IX Compliance, Investigations & Litigation,” which covered legal changes and best practices related to Title IX hearings and litigation.

Conklin and fellow panelists shared insights on the many facets of sexual misconduct cases on campus—including assisting colleges and universities in developing and executing campus policies and processes, gathering evidence and preparing for an investigator interview, investigating claims of sexual misconduct in a fair and impartial manner, navigating the “live hearing” and other technical requirements of the regulations, and responding to charges filed with the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR). The panel also addressed the latest court opinions addressing legal challenges to student disciplinary proceedings. The recorded webcast is available for purchase here.

Conklin concentrates her practice in white collar criminal defense, government investigations, and school disciplinary hearings. Jessica works with students and their families who attend several local secondary schools, colleges and universities in connection with disciplinary proceedings and title IX investigations. Her experience includes working with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, The Office of the Inspector General, the Attorney General’s office and the U.S. Securities Exchange Commission (SEC). A part of the firm’s litigation team, Conklin counsels clients on a variety of matters ranging from healthcare compliance and audits to government investigations.

As a legal professional in the evolving field of Title IX compliance and dispute resolution, Conklin has certifications in Title IX Decision Making for Higher Education (2024 Regulations), Investigation Report Writing (2023), and Title IX Hearing Advisor (2022) through the Association of Title IX Administrators (ATIXA).

About Laredo, Smith & Kane, LLP

For nearly 30 years, Laredo, Smith & Kane has helped clients grow their businesses and resolve legal matters–offering clients big-firm expertise with the client-centered strategy that only a small firm can provide.  The firm’s attorneys successfully combine a strategic approach to running a business with thoughtful, thorough, and protective legal representation. The firm represents clients in matters related to business law and litigation, white collar criminal defense, government investigations, employment law, and school disciplinary and Title IX matters.

Laredo, Smith & Kane Attorney Jessica Conklin Completes Title IX Certification from ATIXA

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Laredo, Smith & Kane attorney Jessica Conklin earned a new certification in Title IX Decision Making for Higher Education (2024 Regulations) through the Association of Title IX Administrators (ATIXA). Conklin has previously completed her certifications in Investigation Report Writing (2023) and Title IX Hearing Advisor (2022). By earning these certifications, Conklin is able to expand her professional skill set as a knowledgeable, credible professional in the evolving field of Title IX compliance and dispute resolution.

Conklin concentrates her practice in white collar criminal defense, government investigations, and school disciplinary hearings. With over a decade of experience, she counsels clients on litigation matters ranging from healthcare compliance and audits to government investigations. She also serves as an advisor for students and their families who attend several local secondary schools, colleges and universities in connection with disciplinary proceedings and Title IX investigations.

ATIXA is the nation’s leading membership organization for Title IX professionals. ATIXA offers in-person, virtual, and eTraining options by top practitioners and regularly updates all courses, workshops, and seminars to reflect evolving regulatory guidance and case law.

About Laredo, Smith & Kane, LLP

For nearly 30 years, Laredo, Smith & Kane has helped clients grow their businesses and resolve legal matters–offering clients big-firm expertise with the client-centered strategy that only a small firm can provide.  The firm’s attorneys successfully combine a strategic approach to running a business with thoughtful, thorough, and protective legal representation. The firm represents clients in matters related to business law and litigation, white collar criminal defense, government investigations, employment law, and school disciplinary and Title IX matters.

Six Laredo, Smith & Kane Attorneys Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® 2025

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Boston law firm Laredo, Smith & Kane announces that six of its attorneys were selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2025 edition. Published by Woodward/White, Inc. since 1982, Best Lawyers is considered by many to be the oldest and most respected peer-reviewed publication in the legal profession.

The six Laredo, Smith & Kane attorneys listed in Best Lawyers are:

●      Marc C. Laredo: Commercial Litigation; Employment Law, Management

●      Mark D. Smith: Closely Held Companies and Family; Business Law; Commercial Litigation; Criminal Defense, White-CollarLared

●      Matthew A. Kane: Litigation, Labor & Employment

●      Payal Salsburg: Commercial Litigation; Criminal Defense, White-Collar

●      William G. Cosmas, Jr.: Commercial Litigation

●      Jessica L. Conklin: Criminal Defense, White-Collar

Inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America is based on an extensive peer-review process designed to capture the consensus opinion of leading lawyers about the professional abilities of their colleagues within the same geographical and legal practice area. Best Lawyers highlights the top 5% of practicing attorneys in each practice area. Its 2025 selections are featured in the 31st edition of The Best Lawyers in America.

About Laredo, Smith & Kane, LLP
For nearly 30 years, Laredo, Smith & Kane has helped clients grow their businesses and resolve legal matters–offering clients big-firm expertise with the client-centered strategy that only a small firm can provide.  The firm’s attorneys successfully combine a strategic approach to running a business with thoughtful, thorough, and protective legal representation. The firm represents clients in matters related to business law and litigation, white collar criminal defense, government investigations, employment law, and school disciplinary and Title IX matters.

Jessica Conklin Presents Title IX Program

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Jessica Conklin presents as a panelist for a March MCLE New England program entitled “Emerging Issues in Title IX Compliance, Investigations and Litigation.”  Jessica and her fellow presenters share insights on the many facets of sexual misconduct cases on campus. The program will cover assisting colleges and universities in developing and executing campus policies and processes, gathering evidence and preparing for an investigator interview, investigating claims of sexual misconduct in a fair and impartial manner, navigating the “live hearing” and other technical requirements of the regulations, and responding to charges filed with the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR). The panel also addresses the latest court opinions addressing legal challenges to student disciplinary proceedings. If your practice involves any Title IX issue or question, this is one seminar you should not miss.

 

Laredo & Smith Attorneys Named to 2023 Super Lawyers List

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Laredo & Smith is pleased to announce that many of the firm’s attorneys are named to Super Lawyers for 2023, including:

  • Marc Laredo is recognized in the areas of Business Litigation and Closely Held Businesses
  • Mark Smith is recognized for White Collar Crime
  • Matt Kane is recognized for Business Litigation, Banking, and Appellate
  • Payal Salsburg is recognized for Business Litigation and White Collar Crime
  • William Cosmas is recognized for Business Litigation and General Litigation
  • Jessica Conklin is recognized as a Rising Star in White Collar Crime, Schools & Education, and Business Litigation
  • Darshana Indira is recognized as a Rising Star in Employment & Labor

Each year, no more than five percent of the lawyers in the state are selected by the research team at Super Lawyers to receive this honor. Super Lawyers, part of Thomson Reuters, is a rating service of outstanding lawyers who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. The annual selections are made using a patented multiphase process that includes a statewide survey of lawyers, an independent research evaluation of candidates and peer reviews by practice area. The result is a credible, comprehensive and diverse listing of exceptional attorneys. The Super Lawyers lists are published nationwide in Super Lawyers Magazines and in leading city and regional magazines and newspapers across the country.

Jessica Conklin Achieves ATIXA Certification for Title IX Hearing Advisors

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Jessica Conklin completed the ATIXA certification program for Title IX Hearing Advisors. ATIXA is an independent not-for-profit corporation that serves as a professional association for school and college Title IX coordinators, investigators, and administrators that explores best practices, establishes industry standards, shares resources and advanced the worthy goal of gender equity in education.ATIXA Title IX Hearing Advisor Certification This ATIXA certification establishes the important understanding of Title IX resolution procedures.

Jessica’s experience includes establishing expectations surrounding both investigations and hearings, uncovering bias and conflict of interest concerns surrounding allegations of Title IX, as well as the full scope of cross-examinations and appropriate interactions with the hearing chair during this tenuous scenario.

Jessica Conklin Named Senior Counsel to Firm

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The firm proudly recognizes attorney Jessica Conklin‘s excellent legal work and client service through her recent elevation to Senior Counsel.  Jessica joined the firm in 2011 as an Associate and continues to develop her practice in white collar criminal defense, government investigations, and school disciplinary hearings. Jessica has a specific expertise in working with students and their families who attend several local secondary schools, colleges and universities in connection with disciplinary proceedings and title IX investigations. Partner Mark Smith says, “Jessica works seamlessly with students and their families to put them at ease while determining the best possible legal strategies to help them through stressful times.” To learn more about Jessica’s practice, leadership and experience, please read her bio.

Understanding the New Regulations Governing Title IX for Colleges and Universities

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On May 6, 2020, the United States Department of Education released new regulations governing the application of Title IX, which prohibits discrimination based on sex in educational institutions. These regulations become effective on August 14, 2020. Although these regulations also govern the application of Title IX at elementary and secondary schools, this alert focuses on the impact in the college and university setting.

June 2020 Newsletter

Conklin Presents BBA Program: Representing Students in Title IX Proceedings

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Jessica Conklin presented on a panel covering the special considerations of representing complainants and respondents in sexual misconduct proceedings in high school, college and university settings. The group will cover:

  • fact gathering
  • preparing your client for an interview or hearing
  • handling a parallel criminal and civil matter
  • trauma informed advocacy
  • preserving issues for subsequent civil litigation
  • recent due process court decisions

Sponsored by the White-Collar Crime section of the BBA, this program took place on March 4th.  If you missed it and would like more information about the subject matter, please contact Jessica Conklin.

Newsletter: College Students In Trouble– What Can You Do?

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When young adults are away from home in a collegiate atmosphere, sometimes they get into trouble.  So, what is a parent to do? First, have a basic awareness of the rules that govern student conduct– rules that may have changed dramatically since our collegiate days.  Discuss them with your college-bound children. A school may impose an array of disciplinary actions up to and including expulsion, a potentially devastating, life-altering consequence for a young man or woman.  If a student is facing any kind of disciplinary charge, it is important that he or she consult with an attorney immediately– before speaking to the authorities and making potentially damaging statements with far reaching (including criminal) consequences.  Experienced counsel can guide the student through the disciplinary process, advocate to the administration on a student’s behalf, and keep an eye out for due process issues.

Newsletter_January 2016