What does a special education attorney do?

Attorneys are licensed to practice law, so they are able to do things that advocates cannot do, such as:

• Provide legal advice.
• Assist with the preparation of a due process complaint.
• Appear on your behalf at a hearing.
• Subpoena and examine witnesses, obtain critical documents through discovery, preserve records for appeal, and other related legal/courtroom procedures.

They can also:

• Assist with negotiations with the school and district.
• Write letters/emails on your behalf.
• Assist in reviewing documents.
• Help you understand your rights.
• Attend IEP/504 team meetings with you.
• Recommend assessors, schools, and more.

For more information about these professional services, check out our article Special Education Attorneys and Advocates: What’s the Difference?