Education Attorneys, IEP Advocates, Maryland, DC, Florida, and Nationwide

Empowering families with the knowledge and resources needed to help bring peace and harmony to their home

Navigating the complex world of special education law can be daunting, but you don’t have to face it alone. At Shefter Law, we understand the challenges and emotions you’re experiencing. Your child’s education and future are of paramount importance, and ensuring they receive the support they deserve is our top priority.

Every child has the right to a fulfilling educational experience, but sometimes, the path to achieving this is riddled with legal hurdles and bureaucratic red tape. That’s where we step in. With years of dedicated experience in special education and special education law, we’re equipped to guide you through the intricacies of the legal system, ensuring your child’s educational needs are met and their rights are protected.

Your journey with us begins with a simple, no-obligation Strategy Session. We listen to your story, understand your child’s unique needs, and develop a strategy tailored just for you. Our approach is collaborative and transparent, keeping you informed and empowered every step of the way.

Imagine the relief and satisfaction of seeing your child thrive in an educational environment that meets their needs. That’s the success story we strive to write for each of our clients.

Don't let the complexity of special education law hold your child back from achieving their full potential. Partner with Shefter Law, where your child’s educational success is our mission. Take the first step towards securing their future today.

-Frances Shefter, Education Attorney , IEP Specialist

The Frances Shefter Approach To IEP

First and foremost, the Shefter Law approach means you get one managing attorney assigned to your case and involved with your child and your case from start-to-finish!

No impersonal law firm. Just a real lawyers, advocates and team members that know you, your child and your case inside and out.

We will gently guide your family through the complicated school processes. Before each step, we will have a full discussion of the options and put a roadmap in place to navigate the different roads ahead as the school puts up roadblocks. This will help you better understand how we will reach your end goal with as little stress as possible.

You will get in-depth help understanding the many options and choices that are available for your child at each fork in the road. That includes our expert opinion on the quality and value of these many options.

Legal Services Provided in Maryland, DC, New Jersey and Florida. Advocacy Services Provided Nationwide and American Schools Overseas

What I Bring To Your Family

Peace Of Mind For You!

A special needs household is already chaotic enough. Let’s work together to replace the stress and anxiety of dealing with the school system with the calm and orderly approach that comes from having a specific, custom, roadmap in place.

Less Stress For Your Child!

A day at school that is more enjoyable and less difficult than it is now. An educational environment that lets your child reach their full potential.

Harmony For Your Family!

A child that is having a good day at school is a child who makes the home a more enjoyable place for the whole family. Not having to deal with daily educational challenges means more time for living your life with your family.

     Excellent  
     Based on 20 reviews 
    
 
 
   
 
 
        
   Melissa Schulz 
 2024-09-04
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Frances is highly knowledgeable and experienced, and also has the unique perspective of being a mom of neurodiverse kids as well.  I highly recommend reaching out to her!
  
 
       
   Daniela Feldhausen 
 2024-08-28
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I really enjoyed being interviewed by Frances for her Stress-Free IEP podcast yesterday!  Great conversation with a great advocate for students and families.
  
 
       
   Sara Hashem Liles 
 2024-08-22
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Shefter Law played an invaluable role in helping our son get his IEP and all of the supports that he needs to thrive in the classroom, which has subsequently helped him to thrive outside of the classroom! Their communication is proactive and prompt. Their presence during IEP meetings brought us an incredible amount of comfort. I am so happy that we worked with such a comprehensive and helpful legal team.
  
 
       
   Mylene Leckner 
 2024-07-19
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Frances and her team have been amazing.  They listen to us, kept us informed and guided us through the whole process.  Frances suggested to have our son join the IEP meeting when we discussed the measures that could help him. Our son was empowered having a voice at the meeting. He’s very happy with the outcome. He feels supported and heard. We are more comfortable moving forward - onward to high school. Thank you!
  
 
       
   Jackie Havard 
 2024-07-12
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Our daughter's need for an IEP came fast after the pandemic and Frances Shefter and her team really helped us through the process. They were so creative and knowledgable. We are very grateful!
  
 
       
   Rachel Frey 
 2024-06-12
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Shefter Law know the fields of special education and social emotional health.  They are top notch professional attorneys and education advocates.  Both the attorneys and the support staff were friendly, efficient, patient, and compassionate.  When faced with  making an IEP for my son at a new school for high school following several crisis in our family, Shefter Law gave me the personal support and confidence that I needed to establish a good understanding and trust with the support team at the school and to feel confident that we were asking all the right questions and securing all the needed and available supports for my son.  It felt so good to have them by my side and at first speaking for me so that now I feel confident to go forward by myself.
  
 
       
   Hannah PC 
 2024-04-19
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. They did a great job helping us figure out transportation for our son. It was only when we brought Ms. Shefter to the meeting about transportation that we were able to make progress on getting our son to school. We are grateful to the firm and highly recommend!
  
 
       
   Mylene Leckner 
 2024-03-06
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. When you have Frances in your corner, you have a lawyer, advocate, champion with an extensive knowledge, experience.  More importantly she listens and truly cares about our family and our child’s best interests. Because of her help, we got the services our child needs. This is from a grateful family.
  
 
       
   Rikki Ellis 
 2024-01-05
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Shefter Law is amazing!!! We hired them to help get our Autistic child in a better school that could better meet his needs. It was one of the best decisions we ever made during this journey. Ms. Shefter is very knowledgeable and compassionate. She completely understands what you are fighting for and genuinely wants the best for your child. The entire staff is very friendly and helpful, with great communication skills. Shefter Law quickly exceeded our expectations. It was a frustrating process with PGCPS, but she easily won our case. He is exactly where we want him to be! We highly recommend!
  
 
       
   Paola Golubinko 
 2023-09-07
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I feel blessed to have found Frances Shefter to help us push Montgomery County schools to put our son into a better suited special Ed program. Frances helped me win our case, we thankfully were able to get everything we requested for our son. Frances is kind, attentive, and very knowledgeable in special education and the law. I highly recommend! I wish someone had recommended her to me, I found her through Google.

Strategy Session

Strategy Session (no document review) — Together we talk about what you want to achieve for your child. We can determine the next steps and if you even need my assistance to get to your goals. There is no need to spend family funds on more than you need. Strategy Session with document review — Before the session, I will review current or draft IEP and most recent evaluations provided by you. At the session, we will discuss services, accommodations and programs that are available, my opinion of appropriateness of each and what you want to achieve or your child. We will then determine next steps to get to your goals.

Meetings

Sometimes it helps to have an advocate in the room with you. It is a sad fact that school officials sometimes do not listen to the parents. School systems can act like bullies. It is less stressful for you to have someone in your corner who knows the system and knows how to play the game. There are many kinds of meetings that I can help with from multidisciplinary team / student support team meetings to eligibility meetings to those detailed planning events for creating an appropriate IEP or 504 plans. I will help you prepare for the meetings, describe what you can expect and be there with you every step of the way so that you can be more relaxed and confident when walking in to the meeting.

Mediation

Mediation is one of the options when you disagree with the school’s recommendations. It is less expensive and faster than a Due Process hearing. Sometimes, filing a Complaint for Mediation is done at the same time as filing for Due Process. We will discuss the costs and time frames for each option so that you can make a fully informed decision. Once you decide which route is best for your family, I will file the Complaint. I will then fully prepare for and attend the mediation with you. You can relax and focus on your family while I do all the work on gathering support and evidence for your position. There are many kinds of meetings that I can help with from multidisciplinary team / student support team meetings to eligibility meetings to those detailed planning events for creating an appropriate IEP or 504 plans. I will help you prepare for the meetings, describe what you can expect and be there with you every step of the way so that you can be more relaxed and confident when walking in to the meting.

Due Process

When the school system forces you to file for Due Process to get what you know your child needs, a lawyer is necessary to prove your case and link the facts to the law. We will gather the evidence to support your position. We will work together to identify the best experts to testify about the unique needs of your child. I will help you to prepare and get comfortable to be the best witness and advocate for your child in the courtroom. When we walk into the courtroom we will be fully prepared to present the best case possible and convince the Administrative Law Judge to rule in your favor and order the school to provide your child with what they need to succeed in school.