Short answer: If your child with a disability isn't getting the help they need at school, a special education lawyer can help. You may not have to pay upfront. Our firm offers a free screening, and sliding-scale and no-cost-up-front representation to eligible families.
You may need a lawyer if:
The DOE is reducing, denying or delaying your child's IEP services.
Services are on the IEP, but your child isn't getting them.
The DOE does not have a recommended class or school.
The recommended class or school can't meet your child's needs.
You want the DOE to pay for a private school.
Your child isn't making progress, or is falling further behind.
Your child is being suspended, sent home early, or excluded.
Your child has behavioral issues.
Your child has dyslexia or needs tutoring.
Your child did not receive his or her speech therapy, physical therapy or occupational therapy.
Your child is being bullied or was hurt at school.
Your child is turning 5, starting high school, or about to "age out."
Your child needs ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis)
You've received a decision, letter or notice you don't understand.
What we do
Advice and IEP meetings: we review your child's records and help you prepare for or attend IEP meetings.
Impartial hearings: we file and try cases to get services, a placement, tuition or make-up services for your child. See Impartial hearings.
Pendency: we work to keep your child's current program and funding in place while a case is pending. See Pendency.
Appeals and federal court: we handle appeals to the State Review Officer and cases in federal court.
Class actions: we are co-counsel in M.G. v. NYC Department of Education.
How can I afford a Lawyer"?
Many special education lawyers in New York City do not charge parents up front because the school district may be responsible for their attorney’s fees. When parents win a hearing, federal law allows them to ask the school district to pay their reasonable attorney's fees. Many families pay nothing upfront. See Can I afford a special education lawyer?
What happens when you contact us
Reach out. Email info@specialedlawyer.com. Include your phone number and the best time to reach you and some basic information about your issue.
Review. If we may be able to help, a paralegal will contact you to obtain more details and they may ask for your child's IEP, evaluations and any letters from the DOE.
Next steps. If we take your case, we get to work. If we can't, we'll suggest other resources.
What to have ready (if you can)
Your child's most recent IEPs (current, and past three years)
Evaluations, from the DOE or private evaluators
Report cards and progress reports
Letters or emails from the school or DOE
A short list of dates and what happened
Don't wait to gather everything. Deadlines matter, so contact a lawyer even if you only have some of these.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a lawyer, or can I handle this myself?
Many parents start on their own, but the DOE has lawyers at every hearing. A lawyer can help you request pendency, gather the right evidence, and avoid missing deadlines.
How quickly should I contact a lawyer?
As soon as you notice a problem. Some rights depend on acting before a school year starts or within strict deadlines.
Do you work with families in all five boroughs?
Yes.
What if I don't speak English?
We can arrange for an interpreter.
¿Qué pasa si no hablo inglés?
Podemos conseguirle un intérprete.What if you can't take my case?
We'll point you to free and low-cost organizations, such as Advocates for Children of New York and INCLUDEnyc.