VM Attorneys Present at the 2025 AASPA Virtual Legal Summit
Van Dermyden Makus Law Corporation is pleased to announce that Liz DeChellis and Lexi Weyrick presented at the 2025 AASPA Virtual Legal Summit, offering an important and timely session titled “Tackling Title IX Confidence: Conducting Legally-Compliant Title IX Investigations in K-12 Schools.”
In an era where K–12 schools are navigating significant regulatory change and heightened expectations around student safety, Liz and Lexi provided school administrators, HR professionals, and legal practitioners with clear, practical guidance on what it takes to conduct fair, compliant, and defensible Title IX investigations.
Session Details
When: Thursday, November 13, 2025
9:15 am –10:45 pm PT
Where: Virtual
In this ever-changing Title IX landscape, K-12 administrators need tools to ensure they are adequately prepared to conduct investigations that are both legally compliant and practically effective. This 90-minute training will provide an engaging, accessible overview of the investigative process under Title IX, with a focus on how recent regulatory changes impact day-to-day practices. Participants will learn the critical steps of a defensible Title IX investigation—from intake and evidence collection to interview strategies and documentation—while also addressing common pitfalls and challenges unique to K-12 settings. Using scenarios and real-world examples, the training will highlight how investigators can balance fairness, transparency, and compliance, especially in complex or sensitive cases. By the end of the session, attendees will leave with concrete tools, greater confidence, and a clear framework for conducting investigations that withstand scrutiny while fostering equitable outcomes for all parties involved.
Speakers
Liz DeChellis, is a Partner with Van Dermyden Makus Law Corporation. Her practice focuses on conducting workplace investigations as well as Title IX investigations and hearings. She is available as an expert in evaluating Title IX and sexual harassment matters. Liz serves as Van Dermyden Makus’ Director of Title IX Services, overseeing all Title IX investigations and hearings. She also frequently conducts Title IX trainings as a faculty member of T9 Mastered.
Trained in Trauma Informed Forensic Interviewing, Liz is also an experienced investigator in Title IX sexual misconduct claims. Liz understands best practices in the Title IX arena, and the challenges facing schools and parties when sexual violence allegations surface. She has conducted investigations for K-12 Districts, as well as higher education institutions.
Lexi Weyrick, is an Attorney Investigator and Adjudicator with Van Dermyden Makus Law Corporation. She has been with the Firm since 2021, when she joined as a Law Clerk in her final year of law school. Lexi regularly conducts workplace and campus investigations and trains professionals on best practices for Title IX investigations.
Lexi is an experienced investigator in public and private higher education and K-12 Title IX sexual misconduct claims. She is trained in Trauma Informed practices and understands the complexity of sexual misconduct allegations for schools, parties, and others impacted. Lexi is also experienced in investigating discrimination and harassment claims, in both school and workplace settings. She also serves as a Hearing Officer, Decision-Maker, and Appeal Officer in Title IX cases.
