Special Education Attorney in Maryland & DC

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.

Explore IEP & 504 Strategy Sessions

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.

Learn About Denied Evaluations & Child Find

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.

Learn About Private & Nonpublic School Placement

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.

1. Get Clear Next Steps

Not sure of options or what to do next?

Our attorney-led Strategy Sessions help you identify key concerns, understand your legal and educational options, and develop a practical plan for how to reach your desired outcome. After the Strategy Session you will get a written Action Plan that summarizes what was discussed so you know your next steps and how to make your next decision with greater clarity.

Explore Strategy Sessions

2. Get Support at Meetings

Meetings are overwhelming, especially when you disagree with the school's recommendations.

We determine data supported legal arguments to get to your desired outcome. We attend the meeting with you and advocate for those outcomes. We are there to respond to the school's recommendations and push back using the law and data.

Explore IEP Meeting Representation

3. Navigate School Disputes

When schools and families cannot reach an agreement, there are legal avenues you can take.

We help parents evaluate all disputes and discuss the pros and cons of each potential legal avenue. Our goal is to help you understand your options and decide which steps are appropriate to get to your desired outcome.

Explore Mediation

Explore Due Process Representation

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

book a time

Choose a time for your free conversation with our intake team.

Tell Us What's Happening

Share your concerns and what you hope to accomplish.

Understand Your Next Step

Find out whether we can help and what options may be available.

What Parents Say About Shefter Law

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 68 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Semira Shefaw 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Lisa Richer 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Genuine and knowledgeable.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   India 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. These people are superheroes. What a blessing it was to work with Mrs. Shefter and her Admin Exec Shane. Through such an emotional and turbulent journey, they remained grounded and treated me with so much care and respect. I received the exact results I hoped for from this firm. It took a lil bit more time than I anticipated, but they got the job done. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Rafijul Bari 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I am so thankful for the help and knowledge Shefter Law gave us as we worked through my child’s special education needs and the IEP process. Right from our first meeting, the team really understood special education law and truly cared about my child’s well-being and success at school. They listened to my concerns, explained every step, and worked hard to stand up for us.
I strongly recommend Shefter Law to any family needing help with special education or IEP issues. Their professionalism, kindness, and support really made a difference for us.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Cyndi M 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had a consultation with Frances Shefter and was extremely impressed by her professionalism, honesty, and integrity. She took the time to listen carefully to my concerns, provided straightforward and thoughtful guidance, and was genuinely focused on what was in my best interest rather than simply taking on a case.

What stood out most was her kindness and compassion. She was warm, approachable, and made me feel comfortable throughout our conversation. It’s rare to find an attorney who combines legal knowledge with such a high level of honesty and genuine care for people.

If you’re looking for an attorney who will give you an honest assessment and treat you with respect, I highly recommend Frances Shefter and Shefter Law.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Dahianna Serrata 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent very empathetic good help 👍

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.

Learn More About Frances Shefter

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Free Case Analysis?

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.

Will I speak with an attorney during the Free Case Analysis?

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.

Can you help if my child doesn't have an IEP yet?

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.

What if the school isn't following my child's IEP?

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.

Where does Shefter Law provide services?

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.

Should I contact you before my next IEP meeting?

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.