Tara J. Davis focuses her practice on Title IX and Title VII, representing students and faculty members involved in college disciplinary matters, at the investigatory and hearing process through litigation.

Tara’s deep institutional knowledge and unique expertise have gained national recognition. She has represented students and faculty at more than 100 public and private educational institutions across the country, on matters ranging from academic dishonesty to sexual misconduct.

Tara is passionate about safeguarding individuals’ due process rights, and approaches each case with zealous advocacy, attention to detail, and a clear understanding of her client’s goals.

Tara is an accomplished practitioner in both federal and state court and has litigated in more than a dozen states at both the trial and appellate levels. Her extensive litigation practice includes preparing complaints, conducting all aspects of fact and expert discovery, taking and defending depositions, drafting and arguing motions to dismiss, motions for summary judgment, motions for temporary restraining orders, motions for preliminary injunctions, and discovery related motions. She has successfully obtained numerous advantageous rulings and has secured favorable resolutions for her clients through settlement, arbitration, and mediation.

Some of Tara’s cases have generated significant attention from major news media outlets, including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, The Los Angeles Times, CBS Sunday Morning, New York Magazine, The Huffington Post, Fox News, and National Public Radio.

She also has experience representing individuals in Title VII employment discrimination and defamation matters, and resolving a wide range of business disputes, including those related to contracts, partnerships and construction. No matter the subject matter of a case, Tara is a tenacious litigator and a trusted advisor.

In her free time, Tara enjoys spending time with her husband and children, traveling, indoor cycling, reading, and serving as Treasurer for her local community service organization.

Education

  • The George Washington University Law School, J.D. 2009
  • The George Washington University, B.A. 2006, magna cum laude

Admissions

  • States
  • Massachusetts 
  • New York
  • Courts
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the 1st Circuit
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit
  • U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts
  • U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York
  • U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York
  • U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York
  • U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado
  • Selected as one of the Top 25 Attorneys of Massachusetts for 2022 by Attorney Intel
  • Boston Bar Association
  • Federal Bar Association-Massachusetts Chapter
  • New York Women’s Bar Association
  • New York City Bar Association

Doe v. Colgate University et al. – Successfully defeated motion for summary judgment in the United States District Court for the Northern District of New York in matter challenging university’s Title IX process and the resultant erroneous finding against a student.

Farzinpour v. Berklee College of Music – Successfully defeated a motion to dismiss in the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts, resulting in the critical precedent setting decision that Title VII does not preempt Title IX claims.

Settled Title IX and racial discrimination action against an Ivy League institution after conclusion of discovery.

Reached a favorable settlement against a private institution after commencing action for violations of Title IX and breach of contract based upon the gender biased investigation and wrongful finding of sexual misconduct against a student, resulting in a full expungement.

Secured not responsible finding in a Title IX investigation conducted after student’s graduation date, arising from allegation of non-consensual sexual intercourse without consent.

Obtained a not responsible finding on a Title IX complaint from a private institution after finding was remanded to a new hearing board for reconsideration and second hearing panel issued a full reversal of the outcome.

Settled a matter in litigation involving erroneous sexual misconduct finding and wrongful suspension against student athlete against a private university.

Reached a favorable settlement with an Ivy League institution in a Title IX and breach of contract action stemming from an allegation of non-consensual sexual contact brought against a student of the university.

Obtained a not responsible finding on a charge of sexual assault due to incapacitation after a Title IX investigation spanning nearly an entire academic year at a private college.

Secured a recommended finding of not responsible on a non-consensual sexual contact charge brought against a student of a private university just prior to the student’s anticipated graduation date.

Reached a settlement pre-litigation with a private college regarding sanctions imposed upon three student athletes due to alleged violations of Covid-19 policies.

Secured the dismissal of a Title IX complaint at a public university on the basis that such investigation was in violation of the 2020 Title IX regulations.

Aided professor through investigation at public university, ultimately overcoming a wrongful accusation of gender discrimination and sexual harassment.

Guided graduate student of private university through disciplinary process related to Title IX complaint arising from conduct alleged to have occurred three years prior, ultimately achieving a not responsible finding.

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