Jan Fennell is a Senior Solutions Specialist at Grand River Solutions. She previously served as an investigator for nearly four years at both American University and Tulane University. In her previous roles, Jan conducted Title IX investigations as well as investigations into allegations of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation involving students, staff, and faculty. She also prepared and led trainings for students, faculty, staff, and hearing panels on these topics.

Prior to her work in higher education, Jan worked at public defenders’ offices across the country as an investigator and attorney for nearly a decade. Most recently, Jan served as a public defender in New Orleans, Louisiana where she handled all aspects of litigation including interviewing clients and witnesses, overseeing investigations, preparing pleadings, engaging in plea bargaining, writing and arguing appeals, and conducting all motion hearings and trials. Jan began her career as an investigator for the public defender office in Washington, D.C, where she led several investigations for homicide, armed assault, and sexual assault cases.

Jan received her J.D. from the George Washington University Law School, and her B.A. in Spanish Literature and Sociology from The University of Wisconsin – Madison.