Special education law · New York

If you're worried about your child's special education rights, you're already doing the work.

We help families understand their child’s rights at school and make sure they get the support and services they need to succeed. If the school isn’t listening, or the process feels overwhelming, we guide families through it step by step.

See how we help →

Why families choose us

A small firm. Close hands-on support. Real experts in the field.

A small firm, on purpose

Four people. No call centers, no junior associates handling your file. Whoever you speak with knows your case.

Experts in this work

Special education is all we do. We know New York’s CSE process, the local districts, and how to build the record your child’s case needs.

Help is truly accessible

Our intakes are always free. Even if we don’t end up representing your family, you’ll leave the conversation knowing more about how to advocate for your child.

Who we are

“We help families understand their child’s rights at school, and make sure they get the support and services they need to succeed. If the school isn’t listening, or the process feels overwhelming, we guide families through it step by step and advocate for their child.”

- Courtney Haas · Founder & Managing Attorney

How we help

Four ways our special education law firm represents families.

We take all special education matters for children ages 3 through 22. Whatever stage of the process you’re in, the work falls into one of these categories.

01

Direct advocacy

Ongoing support through your child’s special education process: preparing for meetings, attending school and IEP meetings with you, written communication, and advising on your family’s rights along the way.

When you need someone in the room with you, not just on paper.

02

Representation in mediation

We file the request and represent the family throughout the mediation process, working toward a resolution without the formality of a hearing.

When the gap is real but a hearing isn’t the answer yet.

03

Representation in due process proceedings

We represent families in administrative hearings against their local school district to secure services and supports the district has denied.

When the district says no and you’re ready to make the case.

04

State Review Office appeals

Families should reach out as soon as the unfavorable decision is received because there are strict deadlines for appealing a case.

When the hearing didn’t go the way it
should have.

Who you’ll work with

A small firm. Real names. Direct lines.

Courtney Haas

Founder & Managing Attorney

Founded the firm in 2018 after years as a social worker, mediator, and special education teacher. She also navigates this system as a parent of a child with a rare genetic disorder.

Audrey Daniel

Senior Attorney

Spent nine years as an impartial hearing officer before joining the firm. She knows how districts build their cases, and uses that to build yours.

Jeanne Small

Senior Advocate

Nearly 20 years in special education, including representing the NYC DOE at hearings before switching sides to advocate for families. She is also a parent of two children who receive special education services.

Jennifer McKenzie

Bilingual Legal Assistant

Handles all administrative matters along the way. She conducts intake in English and Spanish so no family loses ground because of a language barrier.

Our intakes are always free

A conversation,
not a sales pitch.

Reaching out costs nothing. Even if we don’t end up representing your family, you’ll leave the conversation with a better understanding of how to advocate for your child.

1

Tell us what’s happening

A short form: your child’s age, school district, and a few sentences about the situation.

2

We listen

A real call, in English or Spanish, usually within two business days. No pressure, no jargon.

3

You leave knowing more

Either we move forward together, or we point you to resources that will help. Either way, you have a clearer picture of next steps.

Common questions

A few things families ask us first.

See all frequently asked questions →

If you’re new to this, you’re not alone. These come up on almost every intake call.

Do we have to live in New York City?

We represent families throughout New York State, not just the five boroughs. As long as you are in New York, we can help. If you are outside the state, we are happy to point you toward resources where you live.

What does the intake actually cost?

Nothing. Our intakes are always free. Even if we decide we are not the right firm for your matter, you will come away with a better understanding of what to do next. We do not charge for our intakes because at minimum, our goal is to have each family leave knowing more about how to advocate for their child.

My child is 3 (or 17, or 21). Are they too young or too old?

We represent families with children ages 3 through 22, the full span of special education eligibility under New York law. If your child is within that range, we want to hear from you.

The school says my child doesn't qualify. Is that final?

No. The district’s determination is the beginning of a conversation, not the end of it. There are formal ways to challenge that decision, and we walk families through them regularly. Start with a free intake call and we will tell you what your options are.

Do you offer intake in Spanish?

Yes. Our bilingual legal assistant conducts intake in English and Spanish. No family should lose ground because of a language barrier.

Get started

Reach out to learn more.

However your family contacts us first, form, phone, email, the next step is the same: a real conversation, at no cost to you.

By phone

(929) 673-2910

Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm ET

By email

info@haaseducationlaw.com

We typically respond within one business day.