Overview

Tara J. Davis is a seasoned litigator whose practice focuses on Title IX and Title VII discrimination matters, higher education litigation, employment disputes, civil rights claims, and internal investigations. Recognized as a 2024 “Go-To Lawyer for Higher Education” by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly, Tara is nationally known for her work representing students, faculty members, and professionals in university disciplinary proceedings and employment-related disputes.

Tara has represented clients at more than 100 public and private colleges and universities across the United States, handling matters involving allegations of sexual misconduct, academic dishonesty, discrimination, harassment, and other disciplinary issues. She advises clients through every stage of the process, from investigations and hearings through appeals and litigation, and is widely sought after for her deep understanding of higher education procedures and due process protections.

An accomplished advocate, Tara has extensive experience litigating complex matters in federal and state courts. She has successfully handled all phases of litigation, including pleadings, dispositive motions, discovery, oral argument, mediation, arbitration, settlement negotiations, and appeals. Her work has contributed to several significant decisions shaping the legal landscape of Title IX and higher education law.

Among her notable accomplishments, Tara successfully argued a landmark case before the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit that helped establish a clearly recognized due process right to cross-examination in university disciplinary proceedings. She has also secured precedent-setting victories in cases involving Title IX, Title VII, employment discrimination, and procedural fairness in higher education.

In addition to her higher education practice, Tara represents clients in defamation matters, business disputes, and other complex civil litigation. Known for her strategic judgment, meticulous preparation, and client-centered approach, she is a trusted advisor who combines vigorous advocacy with practical solutions tailored to her clients’ goals.

Tara’s work has received national media attention from outlets including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Los Angeles Times, CBS Sunday Morning, New York Magazine, Fox News, The Huffington Post, and National Public Radio.

Whether facing a university disciplinary proceeding, employment dispute, civil rights claim, or complex litigation matter, clients turn to Tara for her combination of deep subject-matter expertise, proven courtroom advocacy, and unwavering commitment to protecting their rights. She understands the personal and professional stakes involved in every case and works tirelessly to develop strategic solutions that achieve meaningful results. Clients value her responsiveness, attention to detail, and ability to guide them confidently through challenging circumstances while pursuing the best possible outcome.

Notable Work

  • Successfully argued a matter in the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals which resulted in the establishment of a due process right to cross-examination in the university disciplinary context. The plaintiff, a former student of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill sued the University after he was found responsible for sexual assault and expelled. Defendants appealed the District Court’s decision denying its motion to dismiss. The Fourth Circuit reversed in part, affirmed in part, and dismissed in part. As part of its decision, the Court made clear that, going forward, the right to cross-examination in student disciplinary proceedings will be deemed a clearly established right for due process purposes.
  • Obtained a favorable ruling on behalf of a former tenured professor who was terminated from his employment after being falsely accused of misconduct. The United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia denied in large part the motion to dismiss, permitting the Plaintiff’s claims for sexual orientation discrimination under Title VII, sexual orientation discrimination under Title IX, breach of contract, and equal protection against UVA and the individual defendants in their official capacities for injunctive relief, to proceed to discovery.  
  • Defeated a motion to dismiss the complaint involving allegations of violations of Title IX, violations of 14th Amendment procedural due process, and immunity defenses in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of North Carolina. This case involved a student expelled from a public institution. 
  • 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.  
  • 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. 
  • Advocated for a 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.

Education & Admissions

Education

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

Admissions

  • Massachusetts
  • New York
  • United States Court of Appeals, First Circuit
  • United States Court of Appeals, Second Circuit
  • United States Court of Appeals, Fourth Circuit
  • United States Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit
  • United States District Court, District of Massachusetts
  • United States District Court, Northern District of New York
  • United States District Court, Southern District of New York
  • United States District Court, Eastern District of New York
  • United States District Court, District of Colorado
  • United States District Court, Eastern District of Michigan

Honors

  • Chambers USA 2026 Guide, Labor & Employment: Mainly Plaintiffs in Massachusetts, Practice Group Recognition, Chambers and Partners
  • Massachusetts 2026 Spotlight Guide for Labor & Employment, Practice Group Recognition, Chambers and Partners 
  • Go To Lawyer for Higher Education 2024, Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly 
  • Top 25 Attorneys of Massachusetts for 2022, Attorney Intel 

Media

Speaking Engagements 

Practice Areas

Related News

View More news
December 20, 2025
Davis, Federico: Nesenoff & Miltenberg, LLP Present Webinar on the Title IX Process and Related Litigation
July 31, 2025
Miltenberg, Davis: District Court Denies in part UVA Motion to Dismiss in Lawsuit by Former Tenured Professor. Claims under Title VII, Title IX, breach of contract to proceed.
May 12, 2025
Miltenberg, Davis: “Fourth Circuit Establishes Due Process Right to Cross-Examination in University Disciplinary Hearings,” April 2025.
March 19, 2025
Miltenberg, Vinci, Davis & Federico: “Former women’s hockey coach Katey Stone gains edge in bias case against Harvard,” The Boston Globe, March 19, 2025.
Read more news

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