Education Attorney AND IEP Advocate
Maryland, DC, Florida, and Nationwide
Empowering families with the knowledge and resources needed to help bring peace and harmony to their home
At Shefter Law, we understand how stressful and confusing the special education process can feel. That’s why we’re committed to standing beside you—listening, guiding, and advocating for your child’s needs every step of the way.
With years of experience in special education law, we help families cut through the confusion, protect their rights, and build a plan that supports their child’s success.
Your journey toward a brighter educational future begins with a simple free case analysis.
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 Expert
THe Shefter LAw Approach To IEPs
Personalized Legal Advice
No impersonal law firm. Just a real lawyer, advocate and team members that know you, your child and your case inside and out. 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!
Individualized Guidance
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.
In-Depth Expertise
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.
Reviews For Shefter Law
EXCELLENT Based on 61 reviews Posted on Camp On Tour MullisTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Her podcast is an incredible resource for parents, educators, and anyone supporting neurodivergent children. She shares valuable insights, practical tools, and expert guests that help build a supportive village for families navigating special education. Highly recommend following her work and podcast!Posted on Christee Curran-BauerTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very grateful for Frances and her team. My child very clearly qualified for an evaluation but I was being stonewalled by the school. Frances was able to get us an evaluation.Posted on maggie kangTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I recently had the pleasure of joining Frances Shefter on her podcast, and I’m so grateful for the conversation. Frances creates a thoughtful, grounded space for honest dialogue about education, parenting, and advocacy. We talked about real challenges families are navigating right now, and I appreciated how deeply she listens and how practical and compassionate her approach is. Thank you, Frances, for having me—and for the important work you’re doing to support families and educators everywhere.Posted on Wilhelm BonnetteTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I have completely enjoyed working with the Shefter Law team.....they listened and included me in their strategy session, were easy to communicate with, provided guidance in areas in which I was unfamiliar and got me the outcome that I was looking for. I will continue to work with them and highly recommend anyone needing an attorney to assist with education related issues. They are the best!Posted on Matthew FishlederTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Frances and her team have been a joy to work with at the many intersections of our differing fields. It was a pleasure to sit together for her podcast. She is clearly very knowledgeable and highly approachable!Posted on Semira ShefawTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Posted on Cindy PalmerTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Passionate advocates for families working through the world of special education! Highly recommend.Posted on Roger HaneyTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I very much enjoyed the time with Francis and Kevin. It was a very nice conversation that flowed very nicely.Posted on Lisa RiegelTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Had a great conversation on their podcast. They are passionate about kids and families and supporting students who need a different way of doing schoolPosted on Janelle McCarthy, LCPC, LPC, RPT (she/her)Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Frances' intentions and actions are aligned in the most compelling of ways---the way she champions the value of 'the village' and is contributing to building it with and for neurodivergent families in the DMV is nothing short of a gift!
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 strss 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 Sessions
Together we talk about what you want to achieve for your child (no document review).
IEP Meetings
It is a sad fact that school officials sometimes do not listen to the parents. Sometimes it helps to have an advocate in the room with you.
Mediation
Mediation is one of the options when you disagree with the school’s recommendations.
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 are proud to partner with...

