Justice Law Collaborative, LLC

09/07/2026

Justice Law Collaborative is headed to Chicago!

JLC Partner Kelly A. Guagenty will attend the 2026 National Crime Victim Bar Association Annual Conference, September 9–11.

Held in conjunction with the National Center for Victims of Crime's National Training Institute, the annual conference brings together victim advocates, civil attorneys, criminal justice professionals and others working across disciplines to better serve survivors of crime.

These opportunities to learn, exchange ideas and connect with fellow advocates are invaluable to the work we do on behalf of survivors.

We look forward to a great few days in Chicago — with perhaps a little time for a Cubs game before heading home! ⚾

09/04/2026

Legal Terms Explained: Civil vs. Criminal Cases

When someone has experienced abuse, there may be more than one path to accountability.

A criminal case is brought by the government and focuses on whether a crime was committed and what criminal penalties may apply.

A civil case is brought by an individual seeking to hold a person, organization, or institution legally accountable for the harm they caused or enabled.

The two systems are separate, which means the outcome—or even the absence—of a criminal case does not necessarily determine whether someone has a potential civil claim.

Every situation is different, but understanding the distinction can help survivors better understand their options.

https://bit.ly/4vsC7mB

09/03/2026

September is Su***de Prevention Month — a time to talk not only about awareness, but about the systems and safeguards that can help protect people when they are most vulnerable.

There is encouraging momentum behind H.R. 5545: Katie Meyer’s Law, with 23 cosponsors now supporting the federal legislation. But more bipartisan support is still needed.

Inspired by Katie Meyer’s story, the legislation would help ensure college students have the right to an independent advisor when navigating serious disciplinary proceedings — moments that can be isolating, overwhelming and life-changing.

You can help move this important legislation forward in just a few minutes.

Katie’s Save has made it easy:

📍 Visit https://bit.ly/4xurmBM and click the red “Learn How to Help…” link at the top of the homepage.
📍 Identify your U.S. Representative.
📍 Use the provided email template to contact your Representative — or personalize it with your own message. A template for calling your Representative’s office is also available.

During Su***de Prevention Month, this is one concrete action we can take to advocate for stronger support and protections for college students.

23 cosponsors is meaningful progress. Let’s keep building bipartisan support.

Katie’s Save fights for systemic changes at colleges and universities to promote mental health, protect students and prevent su***de.

08/31/2026

As backpacks are packed and a new school year begins, many families are celebrating fresh starts and new opportunities.

For some survivors, however, this time of year can also bring difficult memories.

As we head back to school this August, let's all remember that creating safe environments for children is a shared responsibility. Every child deserves to learn, grow, and thrive in places where they are protected, respected, and heard.

At Justice Law Collaborative, we're proud to stand with survivors and advocate for safer futures for every child.

Wishing students, teachers, parents, and school communities a safe, successful, and hopeful school year.

🔗 https://bit.ly/4chceQt
📞 (508) 230-2700 or (310) 363-0030

08/28/2026

Hanover College Faces Title IX Lawsuit After Cutting Women's Swimming

Four female athletes filed a Title IX lawsuit against Hanover College after the school eliminated its women's swimming program.

08/28/2026

There is always something happening at Justice Law Collaborative.

From important case developments and courtroom victories to legislative advocacy, media coverage, firm news, and issues impacting survivors across the country, our News & Updates page is where we keep you informed.

It is also where you will find JLC attorneys weighing in on the issues they care deeply about—whether that means fighting for institutional accountability, advocating for changes in the law, or helping bring greater attention to the experiences of survivors.

If you have not visited our newsroom lately, take a look. There is a lot to catch up on.

Explore the latest from Justice Law Collaborative: https://bit.ly/45uhD2h

08/27/2026

Four members of the Hanover College women's swim team are suing over s*x-based discrimination and Title IX violations after the college cut their program.

Hanover discontinued the men's and women's swim teams in March, citing concerns over costs, roster size and lack of facilities.

On Aug. 25, the four women announced they had filed a class action lawsuit in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana. According to the complaint, the athletes believe Hanover does not provide women equal opportunities to participate in varsity sports, and cuts to the swim team made the problem worse. The women's team had eight athletes for the 2025-26 season, and the team would have grown to 14 athletes in the upcoming season, the complaint said.

Read here: https://www.yahoo.com/news/us/articles/female-swimmers-sue-over-title-170838640.html?guccounter=1

08/27/2026

Four Members of Hanover College Women's Team File Title IX Lawsuit Over Cut Program - SwimSwam Magazine


"Four members of the Hanover College women’s swimming team filed a Title IX lawsuit against the school on Tuesday for discriminating against female student-athletes.

Hanover College, a Division III school in Hanover, Ind., announced it was cutting both its men’s and women’s swimming teams in March, with “facility maintenance concerns, projected increases in operational costs, and declining roster size” among the reasons mentioned by Vice President for Athletics Mark Shook in an email sent to donors at the time."


Read more: https://bit.ly/4xqY1Za

08/27/2026

“This is s*x discrimination, plain and simple,” said Kimberly Dougherty of Justice Law Collaborative, P.C., in North Easton, MA. “Hanover created its varsity swimming team a decade ago. The team thrived when it had a full-time coach, but now, after giving it only a part-time coach and no assistant, Hanover is saying women don’t have the interest and ability to participate in varsity swimming. The problem isn’t the women. It’s Hanover.”

Seek Preservation of Women’s Swimming, Equal Opportunities for All Women ‍Four female swimming team members at Hanover College filed a s*x discrimination class action against the school today for discriminating against its female student-athletes and potential student-athletes in violation of Ti...

08/26/2026

Accountability is about more than what happened yesterday. It can help change what happens tomorrow.

When an institution fails to protect someone in its care, pursuing accountability can do more than provide a measure of justice for the person who was harmed.

Civil litigation can expose failures that were hidden, require difficult questions to be answered, and bring attention to policies and practices that need to change.

For many of the survivors we work with, that possibility of protecting someone else is an important part of why they choose to come forward.

Their courage can become a catalyst for change.

See how you can help in our Justice in Action center: https://bit.ly/44r7brG