Overview
Kristina is co-chair, along with Susan Stone, of KJK’s Student & Athlete Defense/Title IX Practice Group.
For more than fifteen years, Kristina has protected and counseled clients during the most difficult periods in their lives. She has developed a sophisticated federal and state practice with a particular focus on internet-based crimes. Her experience is regularly enlisted for complex cases involving allegations of sexual assault, and she has worked on national defense teams representing students and executives facing prosecution in the United States and abroad. Kristina is also extremely adept at working with families and defending juveniles facing prosecution, particularly when the child has a physical or mental disability.
Kristina has achieved great success protecting students and professors in campus Title IX proceedings, which has garnered her a national reputation. Her services are particularly sought after to navigate Title IX cases involving a parallel criminal investigation. In addition to being a skilled Title IX attorney, Kristina also helps students of all ages facing academic misconduct, research misconduct and other types of discipline. She has represented Greek organizations involved in student disciplinary matters and assisted with drafting policies and implementing training. When Title IX and other campus misconduct matters require litigation, Kristina has filed civil suit in federal courts across the country and successfully negotiated resolutions.
Over the years, Kristina’s practice has grown to include representation of people with complex mental health and neurological disorders. She serves as a tireless advocate for clients with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Kristina’s understanding of ASD enables her to effectively communicate the social and behavioral deficits associated with ASD to school officials, lawyers and judges.
With training in crisis communication, Kristina leads teams that can protect her clients’ needs not only in court, schools and the workplace, but also in the public realm. Kristina and Susan Stone co-created the firm’s Reputation Management practice to protect clients facing backlash from social media and internet postings, as well as other forms of defamation. Given the diversity of her clients and their needs, Kristina understands the importance of a comprehensive multi-disciplinary strategy.
Kristina regularly writes and speaks on issues involving students and education. Regarded as a go-to authority for journalists examining student legal issues, she has appeared on television and is frequently interviewed. Kristina and Susan Stone host a podcast entitled Real Talk With Susan and Kristina, which explores student issues and offers guidance for parents. Kristina also believes in the importance of service to her profession and the community. For six years, Kristina served on the Board of Directors for the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL). She also served as a trustee for the Cleveland-Marshall Law Alumni Association. Currently, Kristina serves on the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association’s Judge4Yourself committee, which interviews and rates judicial candidates in order to assist the public in the election of qualified judges in Ohio.
Education
- Skidmore College, Certificate of Completion, Restorative Justice Training
- Cleveland State University Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, J.D., 2006
- Boston University, B.A., European History, 2003
Civic Involvement
- Cleveland-Marshall Law Alumni Association, trustee
- Title IX Committee, chair
- Sixth Circuit Amicus Committee, co-chair
- National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (“NACDL”)
- Board of Directors, member, 2013 – present
Professional Affiliations
- American Bar Association, 2007 to present
- Ethics and Professionalism Committee, 2009
- Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association since 2006, Cleveland Committee, 2012 to present
- Judicial Selection Committee, 2018
- Cleveland-Marshall Law Alumni Association Life member, 2007 to present
- Board of Trustees, 2012 to present
- Professional Opportunities Committee, 2011
- Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates, Member, 2017 to present
- Families Advocating for Campus Equality, 2016 to present
- Federal Bar Association, Member, 2007 to present
- Foundation for Individual Rights in Education, 2016 to present
- National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
- Board of Directors, elected July 2013
- Parliamentarian, 2019 to present
- White Collar Committee, 2013 to present
- Indigent Defense Committee, 2012 to present
- Champion Advisory Board, 2007 to present
- Board of Directors, elected July 2013
- Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, 2007 to present
- Publications Committee, 2009
- Ohio State Bar Association, Member, 2007 to present
- Jury Instruction Committee, 2009
- Criminal Justice Committee, 2009 to present
- Stop Abusive & Violent Environments, 2016 to present
- Women White Collar Defense Association, 2017 to present
Bar/Court Admissions
- United States Court of Appeals, First Circuit
- U.S. Supreme Court
- Ohio Supreme Court
- U.S. District Court, Northern District of Ohio
- U.S. District Court, Southern District of Ohio
- U.S. Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit
Awards
- The Best Lawyers in America, Criminal Defense: White-Collar, 2021
- Top Attorneys in Ohio, Rising Stars, 2013
- Selected to Ohio Rising Stars, 2011-2013 & 2015-2016
- The State’s Outstanding Young Lawyers, Cincinnati Magazine, January 2011
- Robert D. Kensey Memorial Award for Outstanding Scholarship in Civil Liberties, 2006
- Executive Editor of the Year, Cleveland State Law review, 2006
- High “A” CALI Awards:
- Legal Writing, 2004
- Product Liability, 2005
- Sexual Orientation & Law, 2006
Presentations & Publications
SELECTED SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS
- Healthy Sex Lives in College: How to Deal with Impulsivity, The 2020 Virtual International Conference on ADHD, November 7, 2020
- Title IX: What Due Process Looks Like Now, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, May 27, 2020
- Consent When the Bee Stings, Indiana University, March 26, 2020
- Avoiding Title IX Allegations During Internships; Coronavirus, Kent State University, March 19, 2020
- College Concerns: Helping Students With Disabilities Transition to College and Navigate Campus Disciplinary Proceedings, COPAA National Conference, (Baltimore, MD), March 8, 2020
- Don’t Rush In: The New Conversation Around Sex and Consent On Campus, Fraternal Law Conference (Cincinnati, Ohio), November 7, 2019
- Changing the Conversation Around Sex & Consent, KJK College Kick-Off (Columbus, OH), September 12, 2019
- 504 Plan Eligibility and Accommodation Best Practices, National Business Institute (Cleveland, OH), September 12, 2019
- College Concerns: Helping Students with ASD Navigate Campus Discipline Issues, 2019 Milestones National Autism Conference (Cleveland, OH), June 12, 2019
- Defending Students in Title IX Proceedings, LACDL’s Jazz Fest (New Orleans), April 25, 2019
- Cyberbullying and Threats: School Authority and Liability, National Business Institute (Westlake, OH), February 2019
- The 8th Annual FACE Meet and Greet Private Weekend Event, FACE – Families Advocating for Campus Equality(Cincinnati, OH), November, 2018
- College Concerns: Helping Students with ASD Navigate Campus Discipline Issues, 2019 Milestones National Autism Conference (Cleveland, OH), June 12, 2019
- Defending Students in Title IX Proceedings, LACDL’s Jazz Fest (New Orleans), April 25, 2019
- Cyberbullying and Threats: School Authority and Liability, National Business Institute (Westlake, OH), February 2019
- The 8th Annual FACE Meet and Greet Private Weekend Event, FACE – Families Advocating for Campus Equality(Cincinnati, OH), November, 2018
- Title IX and Affirmative Action, Chief Justice Thomas J. Moyer Inn of Courts (Columbus,OH), November, 2018
- Parallel Proceedings in Sexual Assault Cases: Finding Evidence and Avoiding Incrimination, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, November 2018
- How #MeToo and Title IX have Changed Campus Culture, Meritas Webinar, September 2018
- Manifestation Determination Review (MDRs): Did the Disability Cause the Behavior?, Special Education Law: The Ultimate Guide, March 2018
- National Business Institute, Student Records: Legal Requirements You Need to Know (FERPA), December 2017
- National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Wick Good Defenses, Title IX Session, October 2017
- Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, Computer & Law, September 2017
- University of Akron, Trial Advocacy Clinic, August 2017
- Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, New Lawyer Training: Law Office Management, June 2015
- Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association, 3Rs Program, Fall-Spring 2012-2013; 2013-2014
- Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, Computers & Law, November 2012
- Northern Ohio Academy of Pharmacy, Implications of Emily’s Law for Pharmacists: How to Avoid the Criminal Pitfalls, February 2012
- Pennsylvania Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, “Litigating Sex Crimes,” Presentation “Deconstructing the He Said/She Said Case,” October 2011
- New Mexico Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, “From Street Crime to Cyber-Crime: Trends in Technology and Criminal Law,” June 2011
- Cleveland-Marshall Alumni Association, Pathways to Practice, March 2011
- Ohio Mock Trial Regional Competition, Judicial Panelist, February 2011
- Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, Computers & Law, November 2010
- Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, Evidence & Technology, Finding and Presenting Evidence in the Age of Technology, 2010
- Cuyahoga County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, Effectively Defending the Child Pornography Case, March 2010
- Cuyahoga Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, Defending Computer Sex Crimes, March 2010
- Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, Computers & Law, November 2008
- Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Superstar Seminar, Innovative Ways to Find & Present “Similar Offenders and Similar Offenses,” October 2008
- Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, Scientific Evidence, April 2008
- Ohio Mock Trial Cuyahoga Regional Competition, Judicial Panelist, February 2008
- Ursuline College, Issues in Criminal Defense, October 2007 & 2008
SELECTED ARTICLES AND PUBLICATIONS
- “Reset: Combatting COVID-19 Stress & Anxiety,” December 01, 2020
- “Tattletale vs. Reporter in the Cancel Culture Age,” November 11, 2020
- “COVID-19 and Guests: The Campus Dilemma,” October 16, 2020
- “It’s All Fun and Games Until Someone Loses an Eye (or Gets COVID-19),” October 14, 2020
- “COVID Travel Shaming: 99 Problems and a Beach IS One,” October 06, 2020
- “Real Talk Podcast: Cancel Culture – Students Weigh In,” September 21, 2020
- “Real Talk Podcast: The Pandemic of Hate – Rising Anti-Semitism in Schools,” August 20, 2020
- “Back to School & Support Services,” August 04, 2020
- “Anonymous Chat Rooms: Are They Really a Safe Space?,” July 30, 2020
- “No Strikes and You’re Out,” July 09, 2020
- “Real Talk Podcast: COVID-19 & the College Search,” June 16, 2020
- “Will Colleges Become ‘Big Brother’ in the Fall?,” May 26, 2020
- “Title IX: Great Regulations, Bad Timing!,” May 15, 2020
- “You Can Leave Your Mask On: Respecting New Boundaries During COVID-19,” May 12, 2020
- “Real Talk Podcast: New Title IX Rules,” May 07, 2020
- “Change Has Finally Come: Reflecting on New Title IX Rules,” May 06, 2020
- “Covid-19: Online Classes, Full Tuition?,” April 21, 2020
- “Common Questions Asked About Individual Education Programs (IEP) During Coronavirus,” April 20, 2020
- “Special Education Services and the CARES Act,” April 13, 2020
- “The Cares Act: Major Changes for Those With Student Loans and Their Employers,” April 10, 2020
- “Why It’s Important to Monitor Online Activities of Students With Autism During Coronavirus,” April 04, 2020
- “Zoombombing: Idle Hands and the Devil’s Keyboard,” April 04, 2020
- “COVID-19: Campus Visits & The Admission Process,” March 25, 2020
- “Don’t Kiss With COVID-19!,” March 20, 2020
- “Susan Stone and Kristina Supler’s Kent State Lecture on Title IX and Internships,” March 20, 2020
- “Real Talk Podcast: Impact of Coronavirus on Students With Disabilities,” March 20, 2020
- “What Title IX and Coronavirus Have to Do With Each Other,” March 17, 2020
- “Real Talk With Susan & Kristina: The Ins and Outs of Consent,” March 10, 2020
- “Real Talk With Susan & Kristina: Spring Break – Avoid the Hangover of Regret,” February 20, 2020
- “Helping Students With Disabilities Transition to College: Part 1,” January 28, 2020
- “SB 212: New Bill Requires Texas University Employees to Report Sexual Assault on Campus or Face Criminal Charges,” January 20, 2020
- “Fake News Feeds Sex Panic About Athletes on Campus,” December 30, 2019
- “Digital Privacy: Are Smart Phones Smarter Than the Police?” November 25, 2019
- “We Should All Care About the Autism CARES Act,” October 29, 2019
- “Landscape Does Not Level the Playing Field,” October 11, 2019
- “On the Back-To-School List: How Parents Can Make the IEP Process Go Smoother This Academic Year,” October 9,2019
- “Winning the War, but the Battle Never Ends: Keeping Services Once You Get Your Individual Options Waiver,” August 27, 2019
- “Adversity Does Not Measure Disability,” August 12, 2019
- “College Common Application Drops Criminal History Questions,” August 1, 2019
- “Why Kevin Spacey Went Free: The Evidence That Can Make or Break a Defense,” July 26, 2019
- “Will Instagram’s Anti-Bullying Efforts Curtail Online Cruelty?” July 17, 2019
- “Bakery Verdict Against Oberlin College Takes the Cake,” June 21, 2019
- “Getting Out of the Title IX Dog House: The Doggy Defense,” May 31, 2019
- “It’s Always Easier in the Movies: How Title IX Has Shattered the View of Sex and Romance on Campus Over the Last 30 Years,” May 10, 2019
- “Falling off a Cliff: High School Students on the Autism Spectrum Must Have Proper Transition Planning for College,” Apr. 09, 2019
- “No Running from Trouble with the Transfer Rule,” Mar. 25, 2019
- “Will Colleges Level the Playing Field After Admissions Cheating Scandal?” Mar. 13, 2019
- “Learn from Aunt Becky: Money and Fame Won’t Protect Your College Student,” Mar. 12, 2019
- “Will I Be Arrested?” Mar. 01, 2019
- “Heads Up Hollywood, What About the Women?” Feb. 25, 2019
- “The Scandalous Effect of Research Misconduct Allegations,” Feb. 19, 2019
- “Fighting to Make Sure Title IX Doesn’t Trample the Rights of Disabled Students,” Feb. 11, 2019
- “Is the Party Over for Greeks at Harvard? Fraternities and Sororities Sue Harvard, Claiming Sex Discrimination,” Jan. 11, 2019
- “Were Single-Sex Fraternities Bullied off Campus at UMW?” Jan 02, 2019
- “New Title IX Regs: More Hope for the Accused,” Dec. 17, 2018
- “The Talk About Consent That You Must Have With Your College Student,” Nov. 20, 2018
- Accused Students Should Not Suffer in Silence, November 2018
- Bullying Prevention Month: What Parents Should Know About Bullying and Hazing, October 2018
- Sixth Circuit Upholds a Student’s Right to Mainstreamed Education, October 2018
- A Call for Title IX Reform Amid Kavanaugh Debate, October 2018
- 10 Tips When Facing a Title IX Investigation: Part 1, September 2018
- 10 Tips When Facing a Title IX Investigation: Part 2, August 2018
- New Title IX Guidance: Fact or Fiction?, August 2018
- Social Media Pitfall: Student Missteps Can Derail College Career, July 2018
- Why Athletes Need Title IX Protection, July 2018
- Opinion: Due Process for All?, July 2018
- Revenge Porn: College Students Beware!, July 2018
- “I don’t get it”: Why college students with autism are vulnerable to charges of sexual misconduct, July 2018
- When An Accuser Cries Wolf: Repercussions for Making False Allegations of Sexual Assault On College Campuses, June 2018
- Title IX Meets Rocky Balboa: What Charges Against College Students and Sylvester Stallone Have In Common, June 2018
- Lessons for Parents About the Risks Their Children Face on Social Media, Smart Business Magazine, February 2018
- Restorative Justice Conflict Resolution Program Could Be Used to Resolve Workplace Issues, Smart Business Magazine, October 2017
- Ohio’s Campus Disruption Act: Students beware, Crain’s Cleveland Business, April 2017
- Know the Limits, Community Leader, November 2016
- Swimming in Difference Ponds Navigating the Criminal and Civil Aspects of Campus Sexual Misconduct Proceedings, Bar Journal of the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association, September 2016
- Drinking in college can lead to Title IX charges, Cleveland Jewish News, August 2016
- Title IX: Addressing Sexual Discrimination and Violence in Schools, “Law You Can Use,” Ohio State Bar Association, July 2015
- A Guide for Developing a Corporate Response to a Grand Jury Subpoena Duces Tecum, Bar Journal of the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association, September 2014
- Digital Age & Practice, THE CHAMPION, January/February 2013
- The New Rules of Gatekeeping: Applying Daubert to Scientific Evidence in State Court, “The Guardian,” Alabama Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, Oct., Nov., Dec., 2012
- A Primer of Extradition: Tracking Fugitives and Managing Criminal Proceedings, “Law You Can Use,” Ohio State Bar Association, October 2011
- Sexual Offenders: How to Create a More Deliberate Sentencing Process, THE CHAMPION, December 2009
- Child Pornography Sentencing: The Road Here and the Road Ahead: Federal Sentencing Reporter, Vol. 21, No. 2, 2008
- How the Adam Walsh Act Restricts Access to Evidence, THE CHAMPION, February 2007
- Why Defend Computer Sex Crimes, Law & Fact, 2007
- Booker and Our Brave New World, 53 CLEVE. ST. L. REV. 657, 2006
Representative Experience
“Susan and Kristina are great lawyers. They helped me resolve an extremely difficult academic dishonesty accusation case against me at the university level. They had helpful ideas and were persistent in making sure my defense was the best it could be. They were creative in their way of utilizing outside resources that helped achieve a positive outcome. Good, prompt responses to my questions. I highly recommend them!”
“Kristina and Susan are very competent and experienced attorneys in Title IX and higher education law who treat their clients with integrity and compassion. Highly recommend this team!”
“We are very grateful for all the hard work that Susan, Kristina and her team put into a rather difficult case. Our son was put in a very difficult situation while playing sports at the College level. His strength and conditioning coach recommended a pre-workout substance that he said was NCAA approved to use before working out. After submitting to a random drug test, he tested positive for that exact substance and was then suspended. Susan and Kristina represented our son during the NCAA appeal process. Ultimately, his suspension was overturned and he returned to the sport he loves. Thank you again.”
“Enough cannot be said for how helpful KJK was for me during my allegation process. Susan, Kristina and Melissa were extremely knowledgeable and passionate toward my specific case. They consistently had steps of action to take in my defense and were extremely flexible when working with me. They helped prepare me, both mentally and emotionally, prior to my hearing. Thanks to their hard work, I now have my future back.”
“Thank you for always working to understand the full situation and for exploring the entirety of issues at hand. Thank you for always being supportive and for providing a productive, positive environment for working with us and most importantly, my son. I’m sure that he learned a lot from this situation, and we would not have been able to navigate without the help of both of you. Thank you for being tirelessly committed and for pursuing the best possible outcome.”
- Working with our client and our team of mental healthcare professionals, Melissa, Susan, and Kristina were able to help a student with ADHD, who had never before received accommodations on a standardized test, successfully appeal the denial of her disability accommodation request for the MCAT. Our client will now receive the extra time she deserves on this important professional entrance exam.
- Successfully prevailed in an expulsion hearing and kept student in school after serious allegations of misconduct.
- Obtained reversal of discipline sanction in housing misconduct matter.
- Successfully defended a pre-med undergraduate student for alleged cheating on a physics lab report and showed that the professor had made a critical error in basic mathematics.
- Won an appeal with the NCAA to allow a student to remove restriction on eligibility to play football
Media Mentions
KJK’s Kristina Supler Speaks With NACDL on New Title IX Regulations, NACDL, August 12, 2020
Stone & Supler Discuss LSU Case With USA Today, USA Today, June 19, 2020
A suspended LSU football player files a federal lawsuit against the university, Louisiana Radio Network, June 19, 2020
Former LSU football player suing to be reinstated to team, 24/7 Sports, June 18, 2020
Stone & Supler Discuss LSU Player’s Case With ESPN, ESPN, June 18, 2020
Stone & Supler Speak With The Advocate Regarding LSU Football Player’s Case, The Advocate, June 18, 2020
Susan Stone and Kristina Supler interviewed about the future of education in the COVID-19 era and beyond, For the Defense With Brad Koffel, May, 17, 2020
Susan Stone and Kristina Supler interviewed about #MeToo showdown at Harvard, Law & Crime Network, Jan. 17, 2020
Susan Stone interviewed about “unfair” process her client went through with Harvard, Harvard Crimson, Nov. 7, 2019
Susan Stone and Kristina Supler interviewed for “Brian Ross Investigates” piece, “Has ‘MeToo’ Gone Too Far?”, Law & Crime Network, Sept. 26, 2019
Susan Stone and Kristina Supler interviewed about the “Red Zone” and sexual assault on campus, Fox 8 News, Sept. 6, 2019
Susan Stone and Kristina Supler interviewed regarding investigation into UNC women’s basketball program, CNN.com, April 2, 2019
Susan Stone and Kristina Supler interviewed about plea bargaining in sexual assault cases following plea deal in Baylor University rape case, CNN.com, Dec.18, 2018
Susan Stone and Kristina Supler interviewed regarding Urban Meyer suspension at The Ohio State University, 97.1 The Fan Sports Radio, Columbus, Aug. 23, 2018
Susan Stone and Kristina Supler interviewed related to case obtaining TRO for client to play football in college, Associated Press coverage, Sept. 15, 2017