Susan is co-chair, along with Kristina Supler, of KJK’s Student & Athlete Defense/Title IX Practice Group. She and Kristina also co-chair the firm’s Criminal, Cyber & White-Collar Practice Group.

Susan’s life work is to help students in crisis and to meet their legal needs. Recognizing the need for legal services dedicated to protecting students, professors and individuals with disabilities, Susan handles matter ranging from special education issues, student disciplinary matters and Title IX investigations. Susan has the knowledge and experience required to navigate due process complaints and shaping of 504 Plans and Individualized Education Programs. She also handles student matters involving hazing, bullying and social media.  

Susan has gained a national reputation for representing student and professors in Title IX cases. She is routinely hired as a student advisor for the campus investigation and hearing phase of proceedings and is also retained to handle subsequent university level appeals. Susan has also guided students through informal resolution, including mediation and restorative justice. Her talent as a student advisor has led to her representing Greek organizations and athletes, as well as other professionals accused of sexual harassment and misconduct. When cases do not resolve at the university level, she has experience fighting in state and federal courts around the country to obtain favorable outcomes for her clients.  

Susan’s background in public relations and crisis communication led to her co-creation of the Reputation Management Practice. This practice assists clients in the rebuilding of their reputation on various social media platforms. Susan has also instituted defamation actions when necessary to stop her client’s professional and academic futures from being harmed by libelous postings on the internet.  

Susan has a deep understanding of mental health and neurological disorders. She is particularly experienced working with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (“ASD”), which allows her to formulate creative defenses for those individuals with ASD and other co-morbidities facing discipline at school or being investigated by law enforcement. Susan is sensitive to the multiple challenges facing this growing population.  

Given her experience representing individuals with mental health issues and the rise in students facing parallel criminal charges, Susan’s skills are frequently called upon in the criminal justice system. Susan partners with Kristina to represent adults and juveniles charged with crimes in the state and federal systems. Their clients have faced a variety of charges ranging from misdemeanors to high-level felonies.  

Susan is a nationally published author, and blogger, on topics related to education law. She has lectured on subjects that vary from Twice Exceptional Students, FERPA and the handling of educational records, and how to determine when behavioral issues arise of disabilities of students. She has also spoken throughout the country at conferences on Title IX. In addition, Susan proudly co-hosts the podcast Real Talk with Susan and Kristina to discuss with outside guests cutting edge issues affecting students. Susan is regularly called upon by families and outside therapists to consult on legal matters affecting children. 

“My life passion is helping students in crisis and dedicating myself to meeting their needs.” – Susan Stone

• Skidmore College, Certificate of Completion, Restorative Justice Training
• Case Western Reserve University School of Law, J.D., 1991
• Miami University, B.A., Speech Communication, Political Science, 1988

• Ohio State Bar Association, Member
• American Bar Association, Member
• Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates, Member
• Cleveland Academy of Trial Attorneys, Member
• Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association, Member
• Families Advocating for Campus Equality, Member
• Stop Abusive & Violent Environments, Member
• Foundation for Individual Rights in Education, Member

• Ohio State Courts
• New Jersey State Courts
• U.S. District Court, Northern District of Ohio
• United States Court of Appeals, First Circuit

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
• 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
• Forum on Higher Education: Crisis on Campus (Statesville, NC), The National Coalition for Men Carolinas, August 2018
• Title IX for Criminal Defense Lawyers – Common Mistakes and Creative Strategies, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, July 2018
• Handling the School Investigative Process, Fourth Annual Symposium on Representing Students Accused of Sexual Assault, March 2018
• Manifestation Determination Reviews (MDRs): Did the Disability Cause the Behavior?, Special Education Law: The Ultimate Guide, March 2018
• National Business Institute, School Law: Social Media and Apps, Cyberbullying, Privacy and other Technology Issues, February 2018
• National Business Institute, Student Records: Legal Requirements You Need to Know (FERPA), December 2017
• Restorative Justice – a better alternative to the Title IX Hearing Process, Title IX ExecuSummit, July 2017
• A School of Options: How an attorney and advocate can open doors to new services for your child, International Dyslexia Association of Northern Ohio, Notre Dame College, November 2016
• How to Prevent a Title IX Lawsuit, Title IX ExecuSummit, July 2016
• Women in Leadership, Cleveland Jewish News, Eton, February 2016
• Wrongful Imprisonment Settlement Interview, WEWS, February 2016
• Top 10 Tips for Parents, Ohio Coalition for the Education of Children with Disabilities, Independence Civic Theater, November 2014
• IEP Process – Protecting your Child’s Rights in School, Protecting your Special Needs Child, South Pointe Hospital, October 2012

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
• 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
• Do’s and don’ts of social media, SHE In The CLE, April 2016
• Understanding Alphabet Soup: A Guide to the Special Education Process, Northeast Ohio Parent LiveSpecial Resource Guide, Summer 2015
• Title IX: Addressing Sexual Discrimination and Violence in Schools, Law You Can Use, Ohio State Bar Association, July 2015

“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!”

“The team that Susan Stone put together for me and my son was strong, passionate, knowledgeable and determined. Together, they helped us build a strong IEP and gain one-on-one tutoring during school, all of which I am confident will help my son reach his full potential and then some! I could not be more thankful for my time with Susan, Kirsten and Vivian.” 

“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.”

“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.”

“I am very grateful for all of the hard work Susan and her team put into defending me against a difficult situation with the school. They had very helpful opinions and were very tenacious in making sure my defense was the absolute best it could be. Susan and her team are very satisfactory and experienced, and they treated us with such compassion and integrity. They were very creative in helping find resources to help achieve a favorable outcome. They are very professional and always have informative responses to my questions. I highly recommend this team!!”

• 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

No Shelter From Trouble For Students During Quarantine, Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Journal, April 2021

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

• KJK Advocate
• Autism Defense
• Student & Athlete Defense/Title IX
• Criminal, Cyber & White Collar
• Special Education Law
• Research & Scientific Misconduct
• Reputation Management