One of the basic functions of government is education. Public education is governed and regulated by the federal, state and local governments and elected school boards. Public school teachers and administrators are represented and protected by their respective unions and occupational associations. School board members are elected and respond and answer to the voters within their school district.
The person with the least power and resources in our public education system is the student and the student's parents. And, ironically, it is the student who the teachers, administrators and school boards are employed to serve.
Too often the needs of students and parents are overlooked, unheard and sometimes the rights of students are even violated by the other education stakeholders. Students and parents are the ones who have the most at stake in our public education system and the ones who have the most to lose. They are the ones who are most in need of legal representation.
That is why our firm focuses its practice on representing students and parents. Our firm is dedicated to defending and advocating for students and parents in all aspects of education.
Attorney Debra R. Mehaffie, who holds a Bachelor of Arts in Education in addition to her Juris Doctorate, heads up the Firm's Education Law practice. Attorney Mehaffie takes students' educational needs very seriously and is a strong advocate for students and their parents. Listed below are some of the many legal issues involving students and parents that Attorney Mehaffie handles:
- Individuals with Disabilities Education (IDEA)
- No Child Left Behind Act
- Special Education
- Individual Education Assessments
- Individualized Education Program (IEP)
- Failure to Implement Education Plan
- Mainstreaming
- Mediation
- Discrimination and Unfair Treatment
- Due Process Hearings
- School Discipline and Alternative Education
- Students in Foster Homes, Juvenile Justice & Other Placements
- Students with Autism
- Students with Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Attorney Debra R. Mehaffie, who received her Bachelor's Degree in Education, is devoted to protecting and promoting the rights and the best interest of students in our public and private school system. Attorney Mehaffie advocates for students and parents involved in situations including the following:
- School Disciplinary Actions
- Administrative Hearings
- Special Education, Mediation, Dispute Resolution and Appeals
- IEPs - Individual Education Plans
- Alternative Education
- Students with Disabilities & IDEA - Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
- Students Involved in Foster Homes, Juvenile Justice and Other Placements
- Private Schools, Charter Schools and Childcare and Daycare Facilities
Attorney Mehaffie also represents teachers and support staff in private schools, childcare and daycare facilities involved in:
- Disciplinary Actions
- Administrative Hearings
- Employment Law
- Wrongful Termination
- Compensation and Benefits
- Unemployment Compensation Hearings and Appeals
Children with Special Needs: Parents with children who have special needs should know federal law states that every child with a disability is entitled to receive a "free appropriate public education" that meets their unique needs and prepares them for "further education, employment and independent living." But, schools sometimes respond to the needs and wants of all stakeholders, except students and their parents. That is why it is up to the parents to make sure your child's school is adhering to this legal requirement and is not violating the rights of your child. In some cases, courts can award counsel fees to students who have been discriminated against or whose rights have been violated in public education.
Make sure your child is receiving the education he or she needs to survive and thrive in our increasingly complex and challenging world. Make sure you have an experienced, knowledgeable and aggressive Education Law attorney whenever you are involved with the school concerning something that is of paramount importance - your child's education.
Call now for a free consultation with Attorney Mehaffie.
