Fall 2025 Newsletter

Written By Julie Burke

As the fall colors fade and we head into Thanksgiving this week, we’re taking a moment to reflect on the trust, collaboration, and shared purpose that shape our work. This season invites gratitude, and we are deeply appreciative for the opportunity to partner with dedicated campus and workplace leaders and to continue building strong relationships with our clients, colleagues, and community. We hope this update offers helpful insights as you navigate the months ahead.

In this issue:

  • Firm Happenings

  • New Faces & Grateful Returns

  • Legal Updates

  • Hearing & Appeal Officer Services

  • Upcoming Events

Firm Happenings

  • In September, Senior Investigator and Hearing Officer Nicole Ladner traveled to Marina del Rey for the Association of Workplace Investigators (AWI) Advanced Seminar for AWI-Certificate Holders, a valuable opportunity to deepen skills for impartial investigations and exchange insights with fellow certificate holders.

  • Nicole participated in ATIXA’s 14th Annual Conference in Baltimore (Oct 13–16), engaging in training, networking, and discussions with colleagues from across the country. She also completed a pre-conference certificate course, Title IX Coordinator Foundations Level One: Sexual Harassment for Higher Education, strengthening our team’s capacity to support higher education partners.

Nearpass & Koegel once again sponsored the University of Vermont’s Annual Legal Issues in Higher Education Conference this October.

Senior Investigator Rebecca Walters, Co-Managing Partner Rachel Koegel, and Director of Operations Julie Burke attended and connected with partners and colleagues throughout this dynamic event.

This November, Nearpass & Koegel proudly sponsored the AWI Annual Conference in Atlanta.

Co-Managing Partner Kate Nearpass attended on behalf of the firm and enjoyed connecting with investigators from across the globe during this always-exceptional gathering of leaders in the field.

New Faces & Grateful Returns

We’re excited to share the happy news that Rachel and her family welcomed a baby boy, William, this summer!

Everyone is doing wonderfully, and we’re grateful to have Rachel back after her parental leave. Our team is delighted to celebrate this joyful addition. Please join us in congratulating Rachel and her family on this exciting new chapter!

Legal Updates

New Requirements for NY Independent Schools Under the Jack Reid Law

On October 23, 2025, Governor Kathy Hochul signed the Jack Reid Law, extending key protections of New York’s Dignity for All Students Act (DASA) to independent and other nonpublic K–12 schools. The law prohibits harassment, bullying, and cyberbullying whether it occurs on campus, at school functions, or off campus when it can disrupt the school environment.

The law creates new reporting obligations: School employees must make an oral report to the Administrator within one day of witnessing or receiving information about bullying or harassment, followed by a written report within two days. Schools must then promptly investigate, communicate findings to the victim, and take steps to stop the conduct and prevent retaliation.

Independent schools should prepare now by:

•         Adopting or updating anti-bullying/harassment policies, published and shared annually

•         Training employees on all reporting requirements

•         Training investigators or determining when to engage external support

•         Developing documentation tools, including reporting forms and investigation protocols

The Jack Reid Law represents a significant shift for independent schools, aligning their obligations more closely with public school standards. Schools are encouraged to review current policies and practices to ensure timely compliance. Read more.

Hearing & Appeal Officer Services

Services for Higher Education Institutions and K–12 Schools: Nearpass & Koegel has a team of attorneys trained and experienced in serving as hearing and appeal officers in Title IX and other misconduct proceedings. We bring fairness, professionalism, and trauma-informed practices to adjudications across academic settings. In addition to supporting colleges and universities, we serve as external decision-makers for K–12 school districts.

  • Rachel to Teach at the AWI Investigations Fundamentals Series – December 9
    Rachel Koegel will serve as faculty for the Evidence, Interviewing, and Credibility module at AWI’s Basics Seminar on December 9. She looks forward to sharing her experience and insights in this important training. Learn more.

  • AWI Upstate NY Local Circle Roundtable – December 10
    Join us for a virtual roundtable on timely topics, including the new NIBRS “Criminal Sexual Contact” definition. We’re eager to hear whether this has surfaced in your work, as early conversations show rising interest in how to handle these nuanced cases. Register here.

  • AWI Institute Dates for 2026 – Register Today
    Registration is open for AWI’s 2026 Training Institute. Seats fill quickly, so be sure to reserve your spot. This program is a good fit for anyone looking to strengthen their investigations practice. Register here.

 

If you would like to discuss any topics covered in this newsletter or if you need assistance with investigations, mediation, interim support, Title IX services, or training, please contact us. We are here to assist you.

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Julie Burke
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Summer 2025 Newsletter