Top Ten Considerations When Hiring a Special Education Lawyer

Parenting is challenging under the best of circumstances. Dealing with ongoing stress and conflict over issues related to your child’s schooling without someone on your side is more difficult. Once you decide that you need some help from a caring special education lawyer, how should you select one? 

Here is our top ten list of questions to consider:

1. Does the attorney have a background in disability work, both inside and outside of the legal field?
2. Does the attorney understand the complexities of and the emotional toll that the special education process can have on parents and children?
3. Does the attorney have a personable and empathetic attitude that will put clients at ease and also create effective communications between clients/parents and the school district?
4. Does the attorney have familiarity with special education resources inside and outside  Massachusetts, including potential school placements and skilled evaluators?
5. Does the attorney know how to read an IEP and a 504 Plan as well as the comprehensive evaluations conducted?
6. Has the attorney invested time in understanding your child’s disability and the specific services you are advocating for to accommodate your child’s needs?
7. Is the attorney engaged in the special education community?
8. Does the attorney and his or her law firm provide superior client service and generally have favorable client reviews?
9. Does the law firm use technology to work and communicate efficiently?
10. Does the firm offer alternative fee arrangements for clients, including choices of hourly or fixed fee pricing when appropriate?

If you think you may need a special education attorney, or just have some questions to ask, we would like to help. Please contact Next Phase Legal & Dispute Resolution LLC in Norfolk, MA to schedule a private meeting. You may complete our website contact form or call us at (508) 359-4043.  Consultations are conducted in person, or by telephone/video conference.  

Here is our top ten list of questions to consider:

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