The last written word after the hearing.
The hearing ends and the determination has not been written yet. In many institutions there is a window in between, and it is the least used opportunity in the entire process.
Why it matters more than it sounds.
The person writing the determination has just sat through several hours of testimony and holds a file of several hundred pages. A short, cited submission arriving before they begin drafting shapes what they look at first. It is the only point at which a respondent addresses the decision-maker directly, in writing, after all the evidence is in.
The divergence schedule.
The most valuable content is a comparison of what was said at the hearing against what was said earlier - in the investigative interviews, in written submissions, and in contemporaneous messages. Those divergences were explored in cross-examination but the panel heard them once, in sequence, hours ago. Set out on paper with citations, they are considerably harder to overlook.
Preserving the rulings.
Every question excluded on relevance should appear in a numbered schedule with the question as posed, the purpose it served, and the ruling given. That schedule does two things: it invites the decision-maker to reconsider before finalising, and it becomes the procedural-irregularity section of any appeal without further work.
Why it is safe when testimony is not.
A closing submission is argument about an existing record. It creates no new account of events, which means that where a criminal investigation is open it advances the campus defense without generating a discoverable statement. For a respondent who declined to testify, it is the way the defense still gets made.
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.
