Schools & Institutions

Services for Schools and Educational Institutions

Potter Law provides professional services to K-12 school districts, colleges, and universities in matters involving student discipline, Title IX proceedings, and disability discrimination under Section 504.

Nancy Potter serves institutions as an independent hearing officer and appointed advisor. Her work focuses on conducting well-organized proceedings, reviewing institutional records carefully, and producing clear written findings consistent with institutional policies and procedures.

Nancy’s background includes service as a Supervisory Attorney and Team Leader at the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights and as a staff attorney at the Education Law Center.

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Independent Hearing Officer

Schools and universities sometimes appoint an external hearing officer to preside over disciplinary or grievance proceedings. Nancy is available to serve as a neutral hearing officer in matters involving:

  • Student conduct and disciplinary proceedings

  • Title IX hearings

  • Disability discrimination complaints under Section 504

  • Appeals or grievance hearings conducted under institutional policies

Hearing officer responsibilities 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.

Appointed Advisor Services

Many Title IX procedures require parties in hearings to have an advisor who conducts questioning during the hearing process. When a party does not have an advisor, institutions sometimes appoint an external advisor to fulfill that role.

Nancy is available to serve as an appointed advisor in Title IX proceedings. Advisor responsibilities may include:

  • Conducting questioning consistent with institutional hearing procedures

  • Assisting with hearing participation and procedural requirements

  • Supporting the orderly conduct of the hearing process

Available for Appointment

Nancy Potter is available to serve educational institutions as an independent hearing officer or appointed advisor in matters involving student discipline, Title IX proceedings, and disability discrimination under Section 504.

Institutions that maintain lists of outside hearing officers or advisors are welcome to contact the office regarding availability.

Independent Hearing Officer and Advisor Qualifications

Schools and universities sometimes maintain lists of outside professionals who are available to serve as hearing officers or appointed advisors in disciplinary, Title IX, or Section 504 grievance matters.

A summary of Nancy Potter’s professional background and qualifications for these roles is available upon request.

Training and Technical Assistance

Training and professional education sessions are available for schools, colleges, and universities on topics including student discipline, Title IX proceedings, and Section 504 disability discrimination.

Sample topics:

  • Title IX hearing processes

  • 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, Section 504 grievance, or training services may contact the office to discuss availability or request qualifications materials.