Every case I take on is a high-stakes case

Most of my clients stay awake at night worrying about their child's future, because their child's education is a life and death prospect. Their child's pain is their pain. Parents need to understand that if their school system is failing their child, all hope is not lost, and that they have other options.

"Clients usually come to me as a last resort - after they’ve exhausted all other options, and now need someone who is willing to fight to the end and win their case."

I am primarily a litigator.  Therefore most of the time, parents have me take over after they've been unsuccessful trying to work collaboratively with their school systems. It could be that they’ve started this process on their own, with an educational advocate or even with another lawyer. While each case is unique, what is common to most parents who seek my help is their feeling like their school districts have rolled over them.  By the time they come to me, they're often worn down, feeling like they've been fighting with no one on their side. They're tired of being pushed around by their school system, and they want someone in their corner who will push back. 

Parents who come to me seek hope for their child.

My first step is always to initiate a careful review of the case, so that I can evaluate and advise the parents of their chances of a favorable outcome — either through settlement or through a hearing or trial. If I feel a case is weak, I can advise parents on how to strengthen it. I am going to want to meet your son or daughter, and have a chance to chat with them in person, since, after all, he or she is what this is all about.  If your child is more comfortable meeting me at your home or at another location, I'm happy to meet him or her there.

Most of the cases I handle settle favorably for my clients without the need for a hearing or trial. This is important to consider, because due process hearings are not only expensive, but are emotionally draining.  Unfortunately, however, there are times when a public school district will not settle, thereby forcing parents and their lawyer to decide just how far they are willing to go.

I take a no-nonsense approach with my cases: I have no time or patience for bluffing or playing games with school systems. Parents hire me to take on their school system and see the job through to the end. While a favorable settlement is always the ideal, it's important for clients to understand from the outset that I take on cases that I am confident can ultimately, if necessary, be won at hearing or trial.