Special Education Law
Our primary focus is Special Education Law and Education Advocacy. We represent parents who have children struggling in school. Our clients' needs range from having a child with a mild learning disability who requires tutoring or classroom “push-in” support services to children who require a home program or residential treatment facility.
As a Firm, we assist in negotiating the appropriate services for our clients from their child's school district or regional center. This includes among other things helping our clients navigate the complicated area of special education law, guiding our clients through the independent assessment process, advocating for our clients at IEP meetings and when necessary filing a complaint with the California Department of Education (CDE) or the Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH).
It is our goal to keep the relationship between the local educational agency (LEA) and our clients amicable and friendly. The children we represent often attend the same school district year after year. Therefore, we try very hard not to damage that relationship. When possible, we work to develop a stronger rapport between our clients and their child's school district, putting our clients in a position of power and respect.
It can be hard for our clients to remain calm and respectful to the agency they feel is not providing their child with the appropriate level of services. It is our job to empathize with our clients and to remove the stress they have from dealing with the school district. When we attend IEP meetings we strive to alleviate the anxiety felt by our clients and make sure the District remains professional and in compliance with the law.
Even though we may have to file a lawsuit against the school district we work very hard to settle the case through settlement discussions and mediation. Typically, a reasonable approach leads to a reasonable resolution. It is our job to get the best results for our clients at the least possible cost. We would rather see our clients spend their money providing additional services for their child than spending it needlessly on an attorney.
Part of our recommendation of services is giving our clients a cost/benefit analysis. That is, we compare the cost of our proposed action to the possible benefits obtained. Additionally, it is usually fiscally advantageous to the school district to settle a case and avoid trial. Unfortunately, some school districts will not negotiate the appropriate services such as funding a private placement unless a formal lawsuit is filed.
In an effort to protect the rights of parents, the law is very clear that parents have the right to seek reimbursement of their attorneys' fees if they prevail at a due process hearing.