Founding Partner | Strategic Counsel for High-Stakes Student Discipline, Civil Defense & Institutional Risk

Terrell A. Ratliff is the co-founder and principal attorney of Ratliff Jackson LLP, a boutique litigation and education law firm known for handling some of the most complex student discipline and institutional defense matters across New Jersey and Pennsylvania. His practice centers on advising students, families, and professionals when institutional power threatens personal or professional futures—and his approach is grounded in clarity, discretion, and command of process.

Terrell doesn’t posture. He prepares. From navigating high-stakes Title IX proceedings, emergency disciplinary actions, and academic misconduct allegations to protecting students facing dual criminal-educational exposure, he is the attorney families call when the stakes are higher than a transcript and when reputation is as valuable as outcome.

Clients rely on Terrell for his ability to map institutional systems quickly, extract leverage quietly, and guide students through processes that often lack transparency or consistency. He brings courtroom-ready discipline to administrative hearings, and strategic neutrality to emotionally charged campus cases.

Why Families and Professionals Choose Terrell

• Deep Experience with K-12, Higher Ed & Graduate-Level Defense
  Terrell has represented students across Ivy League campuses, public flagship universities, elite boarding schools, and professional programs. His experience spans academic integrity charges, behavioral discipline, and allegations that implicate race, gender, disability, and free speech concerns.
• Cross-Training in Criminal & Civil Systems
  Many student discipline matters run parallel to criminal or civil liability. Terrell is trained to spot issues early and shield clients from unintended exposure—whether that’s through statement control, record strategy, or institutional positioning.
• A Reputation for Precision
  Whether drafting an appeal, preparing a student for cross-examination, or negotiating discreet resolution with school counsel, Terrell is known for measured tone, procedural fluency, and an unwavering focus on outcome integrity.

Education & Bar Admissions

• J.D., Toledo College of Law
• Licensed to practice in:
  • New Jersey, Pennsylvania
  • District of New Jersey
  • Eastern District of Pennsylvania
  • Eastern District of Michigan
  • Third Circuit Court of Appeals

Practice Areas

• Student Discipline Defense (K–12, College, Graduate)
• Title IX Investigations & Hearings
• Academic Integrity Allegations
• Disability & Accommodation Conflicts
• Civil & Constitutional Litigation
• Education Law & Institutional Policy Advising

Personal Philosophy

“Students don’t just need someone to defend what they did or didn’t do—they need someone who can speak the language of the institution, protect their dignity, and safeguard their future. My job is to make sure the system hears them clearly, and that they’re never left unprepared.”