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.
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.
We Are Proud To Partner With:
