Special Education Attorneys - California
Dedicated to giving your child a level playing field in education.
Every child is entitled to an education that meets their needs for success.
If you are a parent or legal guardian of a child with special needs, you may be facing some challenges related to their education. Navigating the complex laws and regulations that protect your child’s rights can be overwhelming. However, please know that you are not alone. We are here to support you and your child in every possible way.
Areas of Practice
Our mission is to help families like yours navigate the educational system and obtain the services and support your child needs to thrive. Our team of expert attorneys can advocate for your child’s rights and help you resolve any conflicts with your school district.
Special Education
We focus solely on educational law in Southern California, offering legal assistance to families and children of all abilities. We’re here to help parents understand Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and ensure that every child gets the education they deserve.
Special Education Eligibility
In 1975, Congress passed the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to ensure that all children with disabilities have access to a free, specialized education tailored to their individual needs. To qualify, a child must be "adversely affected" by one of the 13 disabilities listed under IDEA. If a child is suspected of having a disability, their school or parents may request an evaluation.
Individualized Education Program
Knowing whether your student needs an individual education plan (IEP) or 504 Plan is a critical step in your special education student’s academic endeavors and may provide your student with a better framework for success in the classroom.
Federal Appeals
In a situation where you lose all or some of your legal issues in the California Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH), you are able to appeal the OAH decision in federal court. The appeal is filed within the United States District Court, which varies depending on which district you are aligned with.
504 Accommodations
A federal law that intercepts discrimination against children with special needs in the learning environment, whether on public, private, or charter school grounds. Under this arrangement, any education space that has access to federal funding MUST make the appropriate accommodations to secure the notion that all students with disabilities are provided a free public education.
Due Process
Parents and teachers can resolve issues surrounding a child’s education in a perfect world. However, in some cases, issues concerning special education may leave parents with no option other than to take a more official route — this is where due process comes in.
Access the IEP Pocketbook
Our IEP Pocketbook is a convenient resource for quickly accessing information to advocate for your child’s rights effectively. While we aim to empower you as a strong advocate for your child, it’s important to remember that asking for help is okay. We work with some of the best and most experienced special education advocates to ensure your child receives the education they deserve.
Meet Our Team
Our team has had personal experiences with the injustices of the special education system, making us uniquely qualified and especially empathetic to our clients. We understand the struggle, and it drives our passion to do everything in our power to protect the rights of children with special needs. We proudly serve all of California and mainly practice in San Diego, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties.
How We’re Different
Aggressive
We are known for being one of the most aggressive law firms in California, willing to take cases as far as necessary to protect the rights of children. We are one of the handful of law firms in California to argue before the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals.
Devoted
We are devoted to our clients because our firm has attorneys who have had personal experiences with the deficiencies in the special education system.
Team Approach
Many law firms assign one attorney to a case. We believe it’s important to work on all cases as a team to encourage an encompassing approach where nothing is overlooked.
Client Testimonials
Use Matthew Storey to take on the district. He’s knowledgeable, professional and experienced. You’ll love how quick he settles your case, which is extremely important when time is of the essence. He got our kid the help she needed now, not years from now. He answered all of our questions and we got results fast. Can’t thank you enough Matt!
Matt is not only an amazing attorney but an exceptional human being! He helped us get our son the placement that meets his educational needs and was supportive every step of the way! He goes above and beyond for his clients!
Educational Equity For All
At the end of the day, a school district has an undeniable advantage when a parent challenges their child’s educational program. They have all the experts, all the staff, and all the money to pay very large law firms to defend them when they do something wrong.
My goal has always been to put parents on an equal footing so that they can get the best for their children, ensure their education, and help them become as independent as possible.