Special Education Law
Our primary focus is Special Education Law. We represent parents of special needs
children in negotiating the appropriate services for their child from their School District and
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. Usually our clients will be working with the same school district for many
years. Therefore, we try very hard to not damage that relationship and when necessary develop a
stronger relationship putting our clients in a position of power and respect.
It can be hard for our clients to remain calm and courtesy to the agency they feel is not providing
their child with the appropriate level of services. It is our job to empathize with our client and take over
the stress of dealing with the District. When we attend an IEP meeting we strive to alleviate the stress
from our clients and to make sure the District is procedurally and legally in compliance with both
federal and state laws.
Even though we may have to file a lawsuit against the school district we try very hard to settle the
case through mediation before trial. 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 to their
special needs child than spend it frivolously on their 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. Additionally, it is usually fiscally advantageous to the school district to settle a case
and avoid trial. Unfortunately, some 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 on an compliance complaint.