texas

Judge Chides Firm Over Documents in Baylor Sex Assault Cases

A federal judge in Texas says a Philadelphia law firm made "ill-advised" and "risky" decisions in ignoring his orders to turn over documents as part of lawsuits filed by women who say Baylor University mishandled their claims of sexual assault.

U.S. District Judge Robert Pitman held a hearing Monday on repeated failures over the past three years by law firm Pepper Hamilton and Baylor to produce materials for lawyers representing former Baylor students.

The Waco Tribune-Herald reports that Pitman is considering sanctions against Pepper Hamilton.

Baylor hired Pepper Hamilton in 2015 to review how the Baptist school responded to allegations of sexual assault and Title IX violations.

The firm later reported a "fundamental failure" by Baylor in its response to such claims.

Pepper Hamilton said in a statement Tuesday that, "We are not in a position to comment until the judge issues his order."

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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