Our Team

About Frances Shefter, Esq.

Transforming Overwhelming IEPs Into Stress-Free IEP® Experiences 

I’m Frances Shefter, an Education Attorney, Advocate, fellow parent and the founder of Shefter Law, P.A. I help families navigate the special education process with clarity, confidence, and compassion—because no one should have to go on the special education journey alone.

From Teacher to Special Education Attorney 

Unique Expertise Backed by Real Classroom Experience 

Before becoming an attorney, I spent nine years working for the school systems,  I taught both general and special education and was the head of the Special Education Department. I hold: 

  • B.S. in Early Childhood Education – Towson University 
  • M.S. in Special Education – Florida International University 

During my teaching career, I: 

  • Managed and led IEP and Child Study Team meetings 
  • Conducted classroom observations and developed behavior plans 
  • Oversaw a Special Education Department 
  • Interpreted evaluations and monitored IEP and 504 implementation 

This experience gives me an insider’s understanding of how schools operate—what the school lingo really means and how to respond to get your child what he/she/they need. 

 

Legal Training Centered on Special Education Rights 

Helping Families Advocate Effectively and Confidently 

I am licensed to practice law in: 

  • Maryland 
  • District of Columbia 
  • Florida (inactive) 

I founded Shefter Law to merge my teaching experience, legal training, and lived experience as a parent into one mission: 

Help families secure appropriate services and create Stress-Free IEP® experiences. 

 

A Perspective You Won’t Find Anywhere Else 

I’ve Sat in Nearly Every Seat at the IEP Table 

My background spans nearly every role in the special education process: 

  • General education teacher 
  • Special education teacher 
  • Special Education Department head 
  • LEA representative 
  • Attorney 
  • Parent 

Because I understand each perspective, I help families: 

  • Decode school jargon into plain English 
  • Prepare for predictable school responses 
  • Keep meetings focused on the child—not the system 
  • Communicate firmly, respectfully, and effectively 

I’m not interested in unnecessary conflict. I am committed to working with the family and school to come up with solutions that are legally sound, educationally appropriate, and realistically implementable. 

 

Rooted in Service, Community & Real-Life Parenting 

Leadership Beyond the Law 

Outside my legal work, I am deeply involved in community service. I am: 

  • A Girl Scout troop leader and cookie mom 
  • A board member for WISER of DC 
  • A member of the Human Rights Committee for Catholic Charities 
  • A mom and foster parent 
  • A board member of the Foster Parents Association 

 

The Heart of the Stress-Free IEP® Approach 

Empowering Families Through Clarity & Preparation 

“Stress-Free” doesn’t mean the IEP process becomes easy—it means you are supported, informed, and never walking in alone. Together, we: 

  • Review data and evaluations 
  • Plan for meetings 
  • Identify clear goals and requests 
  • Build confidence and understanding throughout the process 

My goal is for you to enter IEP meetings empowered—not overwhelmed. 

 

Start With a Free Case Analysis 

Your Path to Support Begins Here 

The best first step is a Free Case Analysis with our intake specialist. You’ll: 

  • Share your concerns 
  • Learn whether a Strategy Session with me is the next step 

You do not have to do it all alone! We’re here to support you.

Schedule a free Case Analysis here!