We are proud to announce that Jennifer Swift, Counsel & Practice Manager at Barger & Gaines, is now also an Adjunct Assistant Professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice.
This appointment marks a meaningful return for Ms. Swift, who previously served as a 2016 Juvenile Justice Fellow at John Jay’s Center on Media, Crime and Justice before her career in education law.
Bridging Legal Expertise and Real-World Classroom Experience
In her new academic role, Ms. Swift has a first-hand perspective on the evolving classroom—including the widespread adoption of Generative AI tools among students.
As generative technology becomes a standard part of student life, middle schools, high schools, colleges, and universities across the country are struggling to keep pace. Institutions are rapidly enacting strict academic integrity policies and relying on automated AI-detection software that frequently yields false positives.
Defending Students Facing AI-Related Accusations
As a result, an increasing number of students are facing academic dishonesty accusations for simply using AI for basic research or spell-checking—or, in many cases, without having used AI tools at all.
An accusation of academic misconduct can have lasting consequences, including:
Failing grades on critical assignments or entire courses
Formal disciplinary notations on permanent academic transcripts
Loss of scholarships, honor society standing, or athletic eligibility
Threats to high school graduation or college/graduate school admissions
How Barger & Gaines Can Help
Navigating school disciplinary boards and academic integrity reviews requires a strategic defense. At Barger & Gaines, we understand how to challenge unreliable AI-detection reports, hold educational institutions accountable to their procedural guidelines, and protect students’ rights to due process.
Ms. Swift’s dual vantage point—as both an experienced education law attorney and an active college instructor—further strengthens our firm’s ability to defend students against unfair academic dishonesty charges.
If your child or family is dealing with an academic integrity allegation or an AI-related disciplinary proceeding, Barger & Gaines is here to advocate for your student's future.
Contact Barger & Gaines today to schedule a consultation with our education law team or contact Attorney Swift directly by phone at (914) 902-5918, or by email at info@bargergaines.com.
Our firm has extensive experience in handling a variety of matters, including special education law, bullying, student discipline, discrimination, tenure, guardianship, and special needs planning.
We serve clients nationwide from an office in Irvington, N.Y., (Westchester County) and locations in New Jersey, Connecticut, and Michigan. See the Barger & Gaines website to learn more.