Insights & News

By: Lindsay R. McKasson and Jared J. Roberts The riveting trial of Johnny Depp v. Amber Heard has come to an end with the Pirates of the Caribbean star victorious to a tune of $15 million. As most anyone with a social media account likely knows, Johnny Depp sued Amber Heard for defamation in Virginia’s Fairfax County Circuit Court. At issue was a 2018 op-ed Ms. Heard published in The Washington Post (titled “Amber Heard: I spoke up against sexual violence and felt our culture’s wrath. That has to change.”). Mr. Depp claimed the article cost him multiple job opportunities […]

By Ben North  On April 6, 2022, the Fifth Circuit heard oral argument in Van Overdam v. Texas A&M University, case No. 21-20185, in which the student-plaintiff appealed the dismissal of one of his Title IX claims as well as the dismissal of his claims for violations of his right to due process. In October 2021, the Binnall Law Group submitted an amicus curiae brief, on behalf of Stop Abusive and Violent Environments (“SAVE”), in support of the student, arguing for a pro-student change in Title IX law. It appears from the oral argument that the judges were supportive of […]

When a student accuses someone of a Title IX violation, the school can impose a “no contact” order (NCO) on the person accused of the violation. Some colleges refer to these as No Contact Directives or another term. NCOs may be accompanied by other restrictions that can have a broad reach and make life confusing and difficult for the person facing allegations. It is important for accused students to understand their rights and know how to act when an order is imposed. If they say or do the wrong thing, it could seriously harm their case and leave them open […]

Being accused of a Title IX offense can be a devastating experience. Procedures on campus may quickly make you appear guilty to everyone even before the investigation starts. Because the system is set up to protect potential victims, the rights of the accused are often disregarded. Working with a student defense attorney throughout the process can help preserve your rights and prevent mistakes or miscarriages of justice that could have a disastrous effect on your future. While your attorney will help make final choices, here are some factors to keep in mind when choosing witnesses and evidence to build your […]