Education lawyers represent parents and their children in cases involving students' access to public school education, rights of special needs students under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), discrimination in education, and more. When you need help to make sure that your child receives an appropriate education, contacting an education law attorney near you is the first step.

Use the list of education law professionals that we've compiled to hire a local education law lawyer to help with the issues your child is facing at school.

What Can Special Education Lawyers Do?

Within the field of education law, there is a subset of special education attorneys who are primarily focused on fighting for special needs children and those with learning disabilities. These attorneys can:

Build a case for your child's eligibility for an individualized education program (IEP).
Guide you through the IEP meeting preparation process and potentially attend the IEP meeting with you.
In some instances, attorneys may even participate in the IEP drafting process.
Represent clients in due process hearings when disputes arise.

Education Lawyers Help With All Types Of Education Law Issues

In addition to offering legal advice about special education and general education law-related topics, education law attorneys answer detailed questions such as:

What rules can school districts and school boards set regarding student safety and discipline?
Are there different laws or regulations for how public schools and private schools in the United States can act toward students?
Is there a difference in regulations that apply to higher education institutions compared to elementary schools, middle schools and high schools?
Do public health issues (such as the COVID-19/coronavirus pandemic) modify how schools can treat students? Do those issue change what options schools must offer, such as distance learning?
How does Title IX protect against discrimination?
Can an education lawyer help with civil rights issues?
Can a lawyer attend a due process hearing?
What options do I have if my child's right to free speech has been violated by a school or teacher?

How do I choose a lawyer?

Many lawyers offer free or low-cost consultations. Finding a lawyer that can align to your needs and goals may impact the outcome of your legal matter. Things to do to help get you started include:

Ask for recommendations and referrals from friends, family, and colleagues
Research attorneys online through directories and bar association websites
Review qualifications and experience
Interview prospective lawyers
Consider compatibility
Read client reviews and references
Determine conflicts of interest

Making an informed decision when choosing an attorney requires time to research if a lawyer is a good fit for you. Asking the right questions can help you determine if they have the approach, capabilities, and experience to assist you in your legal matter. Some questions to ask a potential attorney include:

What is your experience and expertise in this area of law?
Have you handled cases like mine and what were the outcomes?
What strategy would you use for this type of case?
What are the biggest challenges of my case?
What is your fee structure and how do your charge for your services?