Our Team
Frances Shefter, EDUCATION Attorney & Advocate – FOUNDER OF SHEFTER LAW, PA
Frances is a former teacher turned Education Attorney and Advocate who helps families transform overwhelming IEPs into Stress-Free IEP® experiences.
With a background in early childhood and special education, years of classroom and department-lead experience, she brings a 360° perspective to every IEP table.
Over the years, she has sat in nearly every seat:
– General education teacher
– Special education teacher
– Special Education Department head/LEA designee
– Attorney
– Parent
Want to know more about Frances’ story?
Sarit Klein, Education Attorney & Advocate
Special Education Legal Strategist
Sarit is an attorney and special education advocate who works with families of students with
disabilities and neurodivergent learners. She brings more than twenty years of legal experience in
government and private practice, where she developed strong skills in legal analysis, strategic
problem-solving, and client advocacy.
Before joining Shefter Law, Sarit was an attorney in the Office of the General Counsel of a
federal government agency. In that role, she advised on complex legal matters and worked
closely with diverse stakeholders to resolve challenging issues. She now draws on that
experience to help families navigate the special education process, understand their rights, and
secure appropriate educational services for their children.
As the parent of a neurodivergent learner, Sarit brings both professional expertise and lived
experience to her work with families. She approaches each case with compassion and
understanding and is committed to helping families feel informed, supported and empowered as
they advocate for their children.
In her free time, Sarit volunteers with Project HEAL at the Kennedy Krieger Institute, helping
connect families with resources and support related to children’s developmental, educational and
medical needs. She also proudly serves as an ambassador and volunteer for the ChadTough
Defeat DIPG Foundation, supporting efforts to raise awareness and fund research for a cure for
rare and devastating pediatric brain tumors. Through this work, Sarit remains deeply engaged in
the broader community of families and professionals working to improve outcomes for children
with complex challenges.
Sarit is admitted to practice law in Maryland, the District of Columbia and New York.
Shane Lutchman, FIRM MANAGER & CLIENT HAPPINESS COORDINATOR
Shane keeps the engine of Shefter Law, P.A. running smoothly so families can focus on their children—not on logistics.
As Firm Manager & Client Happiness Coordinator, Shane:
– Oversees day-to-day operations and internal systems.
– Helps ensure communication is timely, clear, and organized.
– Monitors workflows so no family falls through the cracks.
– Looks for ways to make every touchpoint with the firm more supportive and stress-free.
You might hear from Shane regarding scheduling, follow-up, or updates on firm processes and resources. His mission is simple: to make your experience with Shefter Law, P.A. feel human, responsive, and calm, even when the school situation doesn’t.
Coleman Koahela, Intake Specialist & Case Analysis Coordinator
Coleman is often the first voice you’ll hear when you reach out to Shefter Law, P.A. As our Intake Specialist & Case Analysis Coordinator, he guides families through the Free Case Analysis process with warmth, curiosity, and zero judgment.
During your Free Case Analysis, Coleman will:
– Listen to your story and your child’s history.
– Ask focused questions to understand your goals and concerns.
– Gather key information.
– Help determine whether a Strategy Session with Frances or another resource is the best next step.
Coleman’s role is not to “sell” you anything—it’s to help you get clarity. His goal is for you to finish the call feeling less alone and more informed about your options.
Kevin Hoyos, Automation & Systems Intelligence Coordinator
Kevin is the behind-the-scenes powerhouse who keeps Shefter Law, P.A. running with precision and ease. As our Automation & Systems Intelligence Coordinator, he builds, maintains, and optimizes the systems that make your Stress-Free IEP® experience possible.
Kevin ensures that every process—big or small—runs smoothly. He designs and monitors the automations that keep our workflows efficient, accurate, and consistent. From tracking firm conversion rates to analyzing key performance data, Kevin transforms numbers into insight so the entire team can support families more effectively.
He’s also the producer of our show, Stress-Free IEP, where he handles everything from recording to publishing so families can access reliable guidance wherever they are in their IEP journey.
Behind the scenes, Kevin is constantly asking: How can this be easier? How can this support families better? How can we improve this experience?
And then—he builds it.
Your Village at Shefter Law, P.A.
Every family who contacts us deserves to feel:
– Heard – Your concerns matter.
– Respected – You are the expert on your child.
– Supported – You shouldn’t have to figure this out alone.
Whether you’re talking with Frances, Coleman, Shane, or Kevin, you’re connecting with someone who believes:
– You deserve honest information, even when the answer is “it depends.”
– You should understand your options in plain language, not legal jargon.
– You’re entitled to a plan that feels manageable and hopeful, not overwhelming.
Ready to meet the team and talk about your child’s needs?
Start with a Free Case Analysis and we’ll help you figure out the best next step.
