Spring Issue 2021

In the complex process that follows, having an attorney that knows
the players is an invaluable asset for a family. In addition, a good
special education attorney also knows the other players that matter
in the special education community, and will know what clinicians
write the best reports and who performs best on the stand in a due
process hearing should it come to that.
So how do I find the right special education attorney for my
family? First and foremost, interview more than one attorney to
figure out who you feel most comfortable with. Since you are
going to be spending an inordinate amount of very stressful time
with this person, make sure you communicate well and have a good
level of trust with your legal professional. Word of mouth
recommendations are important, but remember that each
student is different, and each student’s case is different. Just
At the end of the day,
whatever attorney
you decide to hire,
make sure that
1. they have specific
because your neighbor’s attorney was successful with your district
school doesn’t necessarily mean that the same will be true for you
and your child. Ask around – the local bar association will likely
have a list of special education attorneys, and private schools you
are interested in or professionals who have worked with your child
may also have recommendations of attorneys. A great resource
for special education attorneys is the directory of the Council
of Parent Attorneys and Advocates, or COPAA. COPAA is a
national nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the rights
of students and their families in matters of special education and
disability rights; they maintain a directory of member attorneys
which can be useful for families beginning the special education
experience in special
education law
2. they have experience
representing students with
your child’s learning profile
as well as the outcome you
are attempting to achieve
legal process. (www.copaa.org).
for your student
3. they have experience with
your school district
4. you understand how they
are charging you for their
services.
Special education attorneys come to this field of law for many
reasons, but in my experience, many of those reasons are personal.
So many of the attorneys that I’ve met in Connecticut who
represent parents in special education matters do so because they
have personal experience as a parent of a child with an IEP. Their
experience advocating for their own child in the special education
system in many cases has acted as inspiration for their professional
legal careers. Other special education attorneys have backgrounds
as special education teachers, administrators, school psychologists,
social workers. An increasing number of special education
attorneys are entering this field of law because of experience they
have had in the special education system themselves. As selfadvocates
and special education attorneys, their experiences both
inside the system and advocating for students within the system
can be particularly compelling.
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