Schools & Institutions
Services for Schools and Educational Institutions
I work with K-12 school districts, colleges, and universities in matters involving student discipline, Title IX proceedings, and disability discrimination under Section 504.
I serve institutions as an independent hearing officer and as an appointed advisor. That work means running a proceeding that stays organized, reading the record closely, and issuing written findings that follow the institution's own policies and procedures.
I also represent students, families, and faculty in these same proceedings, on both the complainant and respondent side. This perspective means I know what a record looks like when someone is reading it line by line for the place the process went wrong, because that is the other half of my practice. When I sit as a neutral, I build the record that holds up to that reading.
From 2015 to 2019 I was a Supervisory Attorney and Team Leader at the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights, and before that a staff attorney at the Education Law Center. I know what a federal investigator asks for, and what the record needs to show while the process is still open.
Independent Hearing Officer
Schools and universities sometimes appoint an external hearing officer to preside over disciplinary or grievance proceedings. I am available to serve as a neutral hearing officer in matters involving:
Student conduct and disciplinary proceedings
Title IX hearings
Complaints under Section 504
Appeals or grievance hearings conducted under institutional policies
My responsibilities in these matters may include presiding over hearings, reviewing investigative records and documentary evidence, evaluating witness testimony, conducting hearings consistent with institutional procedures, and issuing written findings or decisions when required by institutional policy.
I also pay attention to how the process runs for the people in it. Parties are told what to expect before the hearing, what the order of proceeding will be, and when a decision will issue. Questions about procedure get answered. Written decisions explain the reasoning in language the parties can follow, including the party who did not prevail.
Appointed Advisor Services
Many Title IX procedures require parties in hearings to have an advisor who conducts questioning during the hearing. When a party does not have one, institutions sometimes appoint an external advisor to fill that role.
I am available to serve as an appointed advisor in Title IX proceedings. That work may include:
Conducting questioning consistent with institutional hearing procedures
Preparing the party for what the hearing will require of them
Assisting with procedural requirements and deadlines
Supporting the orderly conduct of the hearing
An appointed advisor is often working with someone who did not choose to be in the process and does not understand it. I explain what the hearing is, what my role is and is not, and what will happen on the day.
Available for Appointment
Nancy Potter is available to serve educational institutions as an independent hearing officer or appointed advisor.
Institutions that maintain lists of outside hearing officers or advisors are welcome to contact the office regarding availability.
Training and Technical Assistance
Training and professional education sessions are available for schools, colleges, and universities .
Sample topics:
Title IX hearing processes
Title VI & student rights
Student conduct procedures
Section 504 grievance procedures
Student participation in institutional processes
Academic integrity and disciplinary frameworks
Institutions Served
Nancy is available to work with:
K-12 school districts
Colleges and universities
Independent and private schools
Professional Background
Former Supervisory Attorney and Team Leader, U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights
Former Staff Attorney, Education Law Center
Founder, Potter Law
Institutional Inquiries
Institutions interested in hearing officer, appointed advisor, or training services may contact the office to discuss availability or request qualifications materials.