Special Education Legal Services

How we help

Four ways we
represent families

We take all special education matters for children ages 3 through 22. Whatever stage of the process you are in, the work falls into one of these categories.Every one of them starts with a free intake.

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.

Most families start here, and many never need to go further.

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

02

Representation in mediation

When you and the district disagree, mediation is often the first formal step. We file the request and represent your family throughout, working toward the resolution your child needs without the formality of a hearing.

A neutral mediator helps both sides reach agreement. We prepare the case and do the talking.

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

03

Representation in due process proceedings

When mediation fails or isn’t appropriate, we represent families in administrative hearings against their local school district to secure the services and supports the district has denied.

We handle the filings, the evidence, the witnesses, and the hearing itself.

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

04

State Review Office appeals

When a family has not prevailed at impartial hearing, we handle the appeal to the New York State Review Officer. There are strict deadlines, so reach out as soon as you receive the decision.

Time matters here. The sooner we see the decision, the more we can do.

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

Not sure which one?

That's exactly what the free intake is for

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.

Four ways we represent families

01