Our Services
Advocates for Students and Families
At School Law Center, we have successfully represented students and their parents in many areas of school and education law.
How Can We Help?
We are experienced and caring attorneys ready to help your child and family solve a variety of legal problems. We work on special education problems, including due process hearings, state complaints, mediation, conciliation conferences, informal and formal negotiations and planning. We attend IEP Team meetings with you and provide legal advice and consultation customized to your needs. We are experienced in all levels of court appeals in state and federal courts including the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals. Our lawyers have helped students and families with special education issues, including:
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Patterns of unfair discipline
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Academic struggles and failure
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Transition planning and services for post-high school success
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Assessment and evaluation needs
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Early childhood special education
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Initial evaluation and eligibility questions
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Discrimination in school
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Bullying and Harassment issues
We have significant experience in other areas of Minnesota and Wisconsin education law, including:
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Bullying and harassment, including sexual harassment, disability harassment and racial harassment
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Juvenile delinquency school referrals
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Truancy and attendance problems, including school avoidance and refusal
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Discipline problems, including suspensions, expulsions, transfers, seclusion and restraint
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Discrimination, including Section 504, ADA, Minnesota Human Rights Act, and other civil rights claims for equity in education
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Sports and activities eligibility and participation, including Title IX, Minnesota State High School League, and securing the accommodations and modifications for equal participation by all students with disabilities
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Testing accommodations requests and appeals
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Physical and sexual abuse
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College and post-secondary accommodations and discipline
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English Learners, Limited English Proficiency, and the right to English proficiency and access to translated and interpreted materials pursuant to Title VI and the Equal Educational Opportunity Act
Q: What is an education attorney?
A: An education attorney navigates the complex world of schools and learning rights for students. School Law Center specializes in the laws and regulations that govern education.
Education law is a mix of constitutional rights, state statutes, and federal mandates. Education lawyers usually fall into one of two camps: those who represent students and families, and those who represent school districts and institutions. School Law Center only represents students and families in Minnesota and Wisconsin.
Q: What does an education attorney do?
A: School Law Center has represented families in many different areas of education. Generally, our cases cover these key areas:
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Special Education & IDEA: This is the most common role for attorneys at School Law Center. We ensure students with disabilities receive a "Free Appropriate Public Education" (FAPE) by advocating during IEP (Individualized Education Program) meetings or filing due process complaints.
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Student Rights & Discipline: School Law Center defends students facing suspension, expulsion, or those whose civil rights have been violated.
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Section 504, the Americans With Disabilities Act, Title IX & Harassment: School Law Center handles cases involving school-based discrimination, bullying, sexual harassment, or unfair treatment in sports and academics.
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Privacy & Records: School Law Center also deals with issues involving FERPA (Federal Educational Rights and Privacy Act), ensuring student records are kept private or corrected when inaccurate.
For a full list of helpful FAQs check out our FAQ page