I’m Kayla, and this is my story. It’s not easy to write. But it might help someone. I’m a grad student in San Diego. When my campus case started, I felt small, scared, and so tired. I needed someone who knew the rules and could speak when I froze.
Why I looked for help
One night, I sat on my floor with my laptop and cold coffee. You know that feeling when your chest gets tight and your brain won’t stop? That was me. I searched for a campus sexual assault attorney in San Diego. Reading others’ experiences helped me decide; for example, this candid look at working with a San Diego campus sexual assault law attorney showed me what real support can look like. I called three numbers. One called back fast. She offered a free 30-minute consult. I said yes. Honestly, I just needed a calm voice.
The first meeting (and the whiteboard)
We met at her office near Balboa Park. The AC was loud, the chairs were squeaky, and I was shaking. She brought water and tissues. No fuss.
She pulled out a small whiteboard and drew the steps:
- Report filed
- Evidence window
- Hearing (with an “advisor” — that could be a lawyer)
- Outcome letter
- Appeal (maybe)
She used simple words. She explained Title IX as “the school’s process,” and criminal court as “a separate track.” That helped me breathe. She asked about safety and got the ball rolling on a no-contact letter the same day. She also suggested I tell one professor. She even gave me a short email script so I didn’t have to find the words.
If you’re trying to wrap your head around how California schools handle sexual assault complaints, the student-focused FAQ from the state attorney general’s office is a clear, plain-language guide (source).
What she actually did for me
Real things, not fluff. Here’s what stands out.
- She set up a “drop box” folder and taught me to save screenshots with time stamps in the file names (like “2024-02-14_10-21_PM_text.png”). Sounds small, but it saved hours.
- We built my timeline on a Sunday in a tiny conference room with bad lighting and a loud vent. She brought sticky notes and sorted them by date. I cried once. She paused, then kept pacing the work so I didn’t feel rushed.
- She wrote a short letter to the investigator asking them to add three messages I missed. One was a group chat post I forgot to include. That mattered.
- She served as my advisor at the hearing in March. She handled questions with a calm tone. No drama, no tricks. Just facts. I watched her check her notes, slide me a sticky note, and nod. It felt like a shield.
- After the first result, she drafted an appeal. She cited “procedural error” and “new evidence” (a date error by the investigator and one file that was mis-tagged). The appeal got reviewed, and the school adjusted the outcome. I’m keeping the details private, but I felt seen. I slept for the first time in weeks.
The little help that didn’t feel little
She emailed the Title IX office to ask for “supportive measures.” That meant:
- Switching my lab section so I wasn’t in the same room as the other person
- A short deadline extension on one paper
- Help with campus escort after dark for two weeks
These sound simple, but they gave me space to heal. And honestly, that’s what I needed.
Many schools outline these protections in their public Title IX policies—for example, see how the San Diego Unified School District explains supportive measures and student rights (source).
What I didn’t love
Nothing is perfect. A few things bugged me.
- Parking near the office? Chaos. I fed a meter every hour and still got a warning once. If you can, take the trolley or rideshare.
- One Friday night, I sent a panic email. She replied Monday. I get it — boundaries — but the wait hurt. Next time I’d ask about emergency hours.
- She used more legal terms in one meeting than my brain could hold. I stopped her and said, “Plain words, please.” She adjusted. But I had to ask.
I later came across a Los Angeles student’s review of hiring a campus sexual assault lawyer and noticed many of the same ups and downs.
Money talk (because it matters)
She asked for a $3,000 retainer. Her rate was $350/hour. She billed in 6-minute blocks. Emails counted. The hearing day had a flat piece so I didn’t stare at the clock. She gave a small student discount on one prep session. Each invoice showed the date, time, and task. No weird surprises.
It added up. I won’t lie. But I also won’t pretend the help wasn’t worth it. Peace of mind has value.
A small San Diego moment
We did one prep at a North Park coffee shop. The barista spelled my name wrong, again. We laughed. She used napkins to map the hearing flow. Sticky notes. Pens. Too much noise. But you know what? I felt stronger walking out.
Who this kind of attorney helps
- Students who need help with the campus process (Title IX)
- Survivors who want clear steps and a steady voice
- Anyone who freezes in hearings and needs an advisor who can question and keep calm
If you have a police case too, ask about getting a separate criminal lawyer. Two tracks. Different rules.
A few tips I wish someone told me
- Keep a simple timeline doc with dates, places, and who was there.
- Save screenshots with times in the file name. Put them in one folder.
- Ask for a written scope: what they’ll do, what they won’t, and how they bill.
- Bring a trusted friend to one prep session if you can. A kind face helps.
- Ask the school for supportive measures early. Even small ones matter.
If you study on the East Coast, you might relate to this real story from a student who hired a campus sexual assault attorney in Washington, D.C.—different city, same need for steady guidance.
Students who decide to spend a semester or year abroad often ask how to navigate dating safely in a brand-new environment. If you’re heading to western France and want a feel for the local hookup culture, take a look at this detailed guide to casual dating in Nantes—it breaks down consent expectations, local etiquette, and practical safety advice so you can meet new people without compromising your boundaries.
For readers who might find themselves interning or doing research near Detroit and are curious about trans-friendly nightlife options in the suburb of Novi, consider checking the curated listings at TS Escort Novi—the page features verified profiles, clear photos, and contact guidelines that can help you arrange a safe, discreet encounter with confidence.
My bottom line
I felt scared and stuck. This San Diego attorney didn’t fix my whole life — no one can — but she gave me structure, voice, and a plan. She made a hard process more human. I’d call her again. I’d also ask even more questions up front.
To explore additional resources and learn about preventing and responding to sexual assault on campuses nationwide, visit End Campus Sexual Assault.
If you’re reading this late at night with that tight-chest feeling, I see you. You’re not weak for asking for help. You’re smart. Take the next small step. Then the next. And breathe.