The school offered you an advisor. What that means.
Every respondent at a postsecondary hearing has an advisor, because the rule requires the school to supply one where the party does not. The question is never whether you have one - it is who, and with what protection.
Why the obligation exists.
The 2020 regulations bar parties from conducting cross-examination personally, and require that it be conducted by the party’s advisor. If a party arrives without one, the institution must provide an advisor, who may be but is not required to be an attorney, to perform that function. The provision exists to make the hearing workable rather than to give respondents representation.
The three structural limits.
The appointed advisor is engaged by the institution deciding the case. Communications with them are not privileged, which matters enormously where a criminal investigation is open, because an unprotected channel is created around the most sensitive facts in the matter. And cross-examination is a trial skill developed over years; a volunteer or staff member performing it for the first time is not doing the same thing a trial lawyer does, whatever their diligence.
If retaining counsel is not possible.
Say so plainly and work with the structure. Use the provided advisor for the hearing function, and shift the weight of the defense into documents you can control: the ten-day evidence response, written objections with dates, itemised evidence requests, and the appeal. Those are written rather than spoken, they can be prepared carefully, and in a process reviewed on the record they carry more weight than anything said in the room.
Why you should call us.
If you are scrolling through search results trying to find someone to defend you, your search is over. You have found Spodek Law Group P.C. - and we are not your average defense firm. We know a thing or two about defending the accused in campus cases - and in the criminal courts that run alongside them. Over 50 years of combined experience, some of the toughest cases in the country, and we have come out on top. We have seen it all, and we empathise with you. We understand how frightening this is, and we have a legal team who can fight and win.
Unlike other attorneys who care about their reputation with the administrators and the prosecutors, our only goal is getting you the best outcome. We owe loyalty to only you. Our lawyers listen to you, your fears, and your goals. We care about your story, and that is where the work begins - by understanding and listening to you.
On billing, we are transparent about our fees, and there are no surprises. Choosing a lawyer is a big deal and cost is a real issue, so we are committed to being your champion irrespective of your ability to pay. Our firm has a simple belief: lawyers should only take on clients whom they can truly help. Many firms are mills that take every case through the door. We do not.
Working with us starts with a risk-free consultation, in person or over the phone. You can ask us anything, for as long as it takes, and we encourage you to ask the tough questions. We are available 24/7, we practise coast to coast, and every client has direct access to a partner. Call 212 300 5196 - an attorney answers.
