We have two areas of focus within our speciality of
education law: Special Education
Representation (including IEP evaluations) and
Disciplinary Representation.
Special Education Representation (including IEP
evaluations)
School districts and parents often have differences of
opinion about what a child with special needs requires in
order to have an appropriate education. We support, guide
and strengthen the voice of parents in special education
processes from direct negotiation to IEP meetings to
mediation to due process hearings.
Below are our suggestions to parents after retaining an
attorney.
1. Notify the school that you have
hired an attorney.
2. Begin or have your attorney
begin to get a meeting scheduled.
3. Organize any medical or other
records that might be needed. Contact any current or former
treatment providers that might be able to help either by
coming in person or writing letters of support.
4. Narrow and focus your concerns
(narrow does not mean sort out but rather fine tune). An
easy way of doing this is to try to make three running
lists:
-- A list of things that, in a
perfect world, you could hope to get
-- A list of things that you absolutely want and are
practical and realistic (and would never trade off or give
up)
-- A
list of things that you will never consider letting the
school do
5. Update your attorney as often as possible, and contact
him or her with any questions that might have (process,
legal standing, education, etc.).
6. Decide whether you want to have anyone else at the
meeting with the school (not applicable at a due process
hearing).
Disciplinary Representation
Unfortunate circumstances can lead to negative consequences
for a child, including disciplinary hearings, suspension
proceedings and expulsion hearings. Children have rights of
due process and protections under the law, and we help
parents protect those rights from school districts that
might overreach.