SPECIAL EDUCATION ATTORNEY & IEP ADVOCATE — MARYLAND & DC
Your Child Deserves the Support They Need at School.
Legal guidance for parents navigating IEPs, 504 Plans, denied services, and school disputes.
When your child’s school isn’t meeting their needs, knowing what to do next can feel overwhelming. Shefter Law combines legal knowledge with real classroom experience to help you understand your options and advocate effectively.
Experience AT Several seats of the IEP Table
7 Years in the Classroom
Before becoming an attorney, Frances Shefter worked as a teacher in general and special education.
Former Special Education Coordinator
Frances lead IEP meetings as the LEA, ensured that timelines and laws were followed, and learned first-hand how schools make decisions.
Attorney & Parent
Frances has represented hundreds of families at the IEP table. Additionally, she has sat as a parent for her own childre.
Does This Sound Familiar?
You know your child better than anyone, buy the school isn’t listening.
We help parents navigate concerns like these:
My Child’s IEP or 504 Plan Isn’t Working
Your child has a plan, but you’re not seeing meaningful progress. Perhaps the school says everything is fine, while you’re seeing academic, behavioral, or emotional struggles.
You want to understand what may be missing and what you can ask the school to change.
The School Won’t Evaluate My Child
You’ve raised concerns about your child’s learning, development, or behavior, but the school keeps delaying or denying an evaluation.
You want to understand the school’s responsibilities and what options are available when your concerns aren’t being addressed.
My Child Is Facing School Discipline
Your child is being suspended, removed from class, sent home or disciplined for behavior that is connected to their disability.
You want to understand whether the school is following the proper procedures and how to protect your child’s educational rights.
Learn About School Discipline & Manifestation Determinations
MY CHILD NEEDS A DIFFERENT SCHOOL PLACEMENT
You believe your child’s current school placement isn’t meeting their needs, but the school disagrees. Or perhaps the school is proposing a placement you don’t believe is appropriate.
You want to understand what placement options are available and what steps you can take to advocate for the right learning environment.
Not sure which situation applies to your family?
You don’t need to know the legal terminology, or even what your desired outcome is. Our intake team will guide you and analyze the situation.
How We Help Your Family
Support for Every Stage of the Special Education or 504 Plan Process
Whether you need guidance before a meeting or legal support during a school dispute,
Shefter Law helps you understand your options and determine your next steps.
Ready to Understand Your Options?
Start with a free conversation with our intake team to discuss your concerns and learn whether Shefter Law may be able to help.
Getting Started Is Simple
What Parents Say About Shefter Law
An Attorney Who Understands How Schools Work
Meet Frances Shefter, Esq. — Founder of Shefter Law, P.A.
Before becoming a special education attorney, Frances spent seven years as a teacher and two years as a special education coordinator.
Her experience at several seats at the tables she has a unique perspective on how schools make decisions and how parents can effectively advocate for their children.
Frances helps families understand their rights, make informed decisions, and approach disagreements with confidence and preparation, and without unnecessary conflict.
You know your child. We bring the educational and legal experience to help you move forward.
Frequently Asked Questions
A Free Case Analysis is an introductory conversation with our intake team. We’ll learn the basic facts about your child’s school situation, ask about your concerns and desired outcome, and determine whether Shefter Law may be able to help.
There is no charge for this initial screening.
No. Your initial Case Analysis is with our intake team, not an attorney.
If your matter is a fit, we may recommend a Strategy Session with an attorney. During that session, you can discuss your concerns in greater detail, explore legal options, and receive a written Action Plan.
Yes. We can help parents when schools deny or delay evaluations, or just will not find your child eligible for special education services.
Our intake team can help determine whether your concerns fall within the firm’s services.
If you believe agreed-upon services, accommodations, or supports aren’t being provided, it’s important to understand what options may be available.
Shefter Law can help parents assess these concerns and consider possible next steps through an appropriate legal service.
Shefter Law provides special education legal services in Maryland and Washington, DC.
Advocacy services are available nationally and internationally at American Schools. Our intake team can explain whether the firm may be able to help with your situation.
If you have concerns about an upcoming IEP meeting, proposed changes, school discipline, or an important educational decision, reaching out early can provide more time to evaluate your options.
Some school disputes involve legal deadlines, so it’s important not to assume that waiting will have no consequences.
You Don’t Have to Navigate the special education process Alone.
Whether you’re facing an upcoming meeting, struggling to get appropriate services, or unsure of your rights, the first step is understanding your options.
Tell us what’s happening. We’ll listen, learn about your concerns and desired outcomes, and determine whether Shefter Law may be the right resource for your family.
Prefer to call? (301) 605-7303
Your Free Case Analysis is an initial screening call with our intake team, not an attorney consultation.
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