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Kristina W. Supler
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Kristina W. Supler

Partner
216.736.7217
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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.

OVERVIEW & EXPERIENCE

Kristina is co-chair, along with Susan Stone, of KJK’s Student & Athlete Defense / Title IX Practice Group.

For nearly twenty 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. Additionally, she is certified in restorative justice and has worked to guide students through informal resolution, including mediation and restorative justice. Kristina has also 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.

Representative Experience
  • Working with our client and our team of mental healthcare professionals, we 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.
  • Successfully represented a professor who was falsely accused of violating Title IX by a graduate student and obtained a finding of not responsible for all allegations.
  • Represented two students accused fraternal hazing; suspension avoided for both individuals.
  • Achieved a result of not responsible in a case where a student was charged with sexual assault and sexual harassment.
  • Successfully represented a graduate student who was charged with dating violence, intimidation, stalking and sexual harassment. The student was found to be not responsible for all counts.
  • Represented a student charged with multiple Title IX policy violations resulting in a finding of not responsible.
  • Successfully prevailed in a sexual misconduct hearing; student was found not responsible.
  • Represented a student who was removed from a Veterinary Technician program following the college’s failure to accommodate the student’s disability. Susan and Kristina represented the student following this violation, resulting in the student being reinstated with permission to complete the certification.
  • Negotiated no disciplinary action for a student accused of discriminatory harassment.
  • Represented a student accused of physical intimidation and assault who was facing expulsion from their respective university, the case concluded with the student reinstated and no adverse marks on their disciplinary or academic record.
  • Successfully defended a student accused of Title IX non-consensual sexual intercourse; student deemed not responsible, and the case was dismissed.
  • Defended a juvenile who was facing expulsion and legal repercussions for possession of marijuana and paraphernalia on school grounds; effectively reversed the expulsion and achieved dismissal of all charges.
  • Successfully represented a collegiate athlete accused of hazing; the student athlete was able to avoid suspension and expulsion.
  • Represented a student athlete accused of sexual assault and relationship violence resulting in the successful appeal of the student’s interim suspension. The student athlete was able to return to the team, participate in graduation and attend classes.
  • After a lengthy multi-day hearing, Susan and Kristina were able to achieve a finding of not responsible for their client who was accused of sexual contact without consent.
  • Represented multiple student complainants who were the victims of sexual assault and dating violence, resulting in a finding of responsibility against the defendants.
  • Successfully defended a student athlete accused of cheating on a final examination resulting in a finding of not responsible.
AWARDS & PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

Awards

  • Crain’s Cleveland Business, Notable Women in Law, 2024
  • The Best Lawyers in America®, Criminal Defense: White-Collar, 2021 – 2024
  • Selected to Ohio Super Lawyers, 2023 – 2024
  • JD Supra Readers’ Choice Awards, Top Author, Education, 2024
  • Avvo Top Rated Lawyer, 2022
  • Selected to Ohio Rising Stars, 2011 – 2013, 2015 – 2016, 2020 – 2021
  • Top Attorneys in Ohio, Rising Stars, 2013 – 2024
  • 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

Professional Affiliations

  • American Bar Association, 2007 – Present
    • Ethics and Professionalism Committee, 2009
  • Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association since 2006, Cleveland Committee, 2012 – Present
    • Judicial Selection Committee, 2018
  • Cleveland-Marshall Law Alumni Association Life member, 2007 – Present
    • Board of Trustees, 2012 – Present
    • Professional Opportunities Committee, 2011
  • Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates, Member, 2017 – Present
  • Families Advocating for Campus Equality, 2016 – Present
  • Federal Bar Association, Member, 2007 – Present
  • Foundation for Individual Rights in Education, 2016 – Present
  • National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
    • Board of Directors, elected to two terms: July 2013 – July 2016; July 2016 – July 2019
      • Parliamentarian, 2019 – Present
    • White Collar Committee, 2013 – Present
    • Indigent Defense Committee, 2012 – Present
    • Champion Advisory Board, 2007 – Present
  • Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, 2007 – Present
    • Publications Committee, 2009
  • Ohio State Bar Association, Member, 2007 – Present
    • Jury Instruction Committee, 2009
    • Criminal Justice Committee, 2009 – Present
  • Stop Abusive & Violent Environments, 2016 – Present
  • Women’s White Collar Defense Association, 2017 – Present
    • Chapter Secretary, Ohio Chapter
  • Certified Positive Discipline Educator
  • Society of Women Trial Lawyers
BAR / COURT ADMISSIONS
  • Ohio
  • Ohio Supreme Court
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, First Circuit
  • U.S. 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
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”)
    • Member, 2013 – Present
    • Board of Directors
MEDIA MENTIONS
PRESENTATIONS & PUBLICATIONS

Selected Speaking Engagements

  • Title IX – What You Need to Know When Representing Students Involved in Sexual Assault Cases On and Off Campus, The Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association, 2023
  • Psychology & The Law in the Time of Dobbs, The Ohio Psychological Association, 2023
  • Their Future Depends on You: Protecting & Preparing Your Student for Success, The Country Club in Pepper Pike, Ohio, 2023
  • Educational Law: Considerations You Should Know, Cleveland Clinic Children’s Hospital Pediatric Social Work Dept. and the Division of Developmental Pediatrics, 2022
  • ADHD and Student Discipline: From Kindergarten Through College, CHADD Annual International Conference on ADHD (Dallas, TX), Nov. 19, 2022
  • Understanding Sexuality and ASD: Considerations for College Students on the Autism Spectrum, ATIXA (Orlando, FL), Oct. 19, 2022
  • A Comparative Analysis: Sexual Assault Cases in Court & on Campus, NACDL 2021 Annual Defending Sex Cases Training Seminar, Nov. 18, 2021
  • Healthy Sex Lives in College: How to Deal with Impulsivity, The 2020 Virtual International Conference on ADHD, Nov. 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), Nov. 7, 2019
  • Changing the Conversation Around Sex & Consent, KJK College Kick-Off (Columbus, OH), Sep. 12, 2019
  • 504 Plan Eligibility and Accommodation Best Practices, National Business Institute (Cleveland, OH), Sep.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), Feb. 2019
  • The 8th Annual FACE Meet and Greet Private Weekend Event, FACE – Families Advocating for Campus Equality (Cincinnati, OH), Nov. 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), Feb. 2019
  • The 8th Annual FACE Meet and Greet Private Weekend Event, FACE – Families Advocating for Campus Equality(Cincinnati, OH), Nov. 2018
  • Title IX and Affirmative Action, Chief Justice Thomas J. Moyer Inn of Courts (Columbus,OH), Nov. 2018
  • Parallel Proceedings in Sexual Assault Cases: Finding Evidence and Avoiding Incrimination, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Nov. 2018
  • How #MeToo and Title IX have Changed Campus Culture, Meritas Webinar, Sep. 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), Dec. 2017
  • National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Wick Good Defenses, Title IX Session, Oct. 2017
  • Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, Computer & Law, Sep. 2017
  • University of Akron, Trial Advocacy Clinic, Aug. 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, Nov. 2012
  • Northern Ohio Academy of Pharmacy, Implications of Emily’s Law for Pharmacists: How to Avoid the Criminal Pitfalls, Feb. 2012
  • Pennsylvania Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, “Litigating Sex Crimes,” Presentation “Deconstructing the He Said/She Said Case,” Oct. 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, Feb. 2011
  • Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, Computers & Law, Nov. 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, Nov. 2008
  • Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Superstar Seminar, Innovative Ways to Find & Present “Similar Offenders and Similar Offenses,” Oct. 2008
  • Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, Scientific Evidence, April 2008
  • Ohio Mock Trial Cuyahoga Regional Competition, Judicial Panelist, Feb. 2008
  • Ursuline College, Issues in Criminal Defense, Oct. 2007 & 2008

Selected Articles and Publications

PRACTICE AREAS

EDUCATION

  • Skidmore College, Certificate of Completion, Restorative Justice Training
  • Cleveland State University Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, J.D., 2006 (Honors)
  • Boston University, B.A., European History, 2003 (Honors)

RECENT KJK INSIGHTS

“Room Scans” in Remote Examinations Ruled Unconstitutional

“Room Scans” in Remote Examinations Ruled Unconstitutional

In a win for student digital privacy rights, Aaron Ogletree, a student at Cleveland State University (CSU), has successfully challenged the University’s implementation of “room scanning” rules in connection with proctoring his remote Chemistry II examination. Students...

New Ohio Law Allows Teachers to Carry Firearms in Classrooms

New Ohio Law Allows Teachers to Carry Firearms in Classrooms

Governor DeWine Signs House Bill 99 On June 13, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed House Bill 99 (HB 99), which allows teachers and other school personnel to carry firearms in school safety zones. HB 99 was previously passed by the Ohio House in November 2021 with a...

Kristina W. Supler
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