Education Law

The century-old law firm of Gawthrop Greenwood invites prospective clients to contact us to schedule an initial consultation with one of our attorneys about your education law questions. The education lawyers at Gawthrop Greenwood represent parents and children, school districts, teachers, and outside contractors concerning a wide variety of education law matters.

We represent teachers, administrators and school districts in employee grievances, arbitrations, civil rights issues and labor relations negotiations. We also handle matters involving claims under the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB), the Sunshine Act (open meeting law), the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), and the Family Education Right to Privacy Act (FERPA). We also represent students and school districts in student disciplinary hearings.

In addition to advocating for students, school districts, and teachers, we also intervene in conflicts or dealings between individuals or companies and school districts. Examples are vendors and construction firms needing help with bid disputes and contracts.

Special Education Law

Our Pennsylvania special education law attorneys represent parents and children seeking their right under state and federal law to a free, confidential evaluation to determine if the child is eligible for special education services and, where appropriate, a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) under the provisions of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA). Parents often contact us when their child is not making academic progress in a public school, when an IEP (Individualized Education Plan) meeting results in a school district’s placement proposal that parents disagree with, or when a school district is failing to follow the child’s IEP.

Many parents of a child with a disability or special needs don’t know what they’re entitled to ask for and receive from their public school. State and federal laws and regulations entitle parents to meet with teachers and other professionals to create a plan of special education services, including individualized instruction, support services, and other learning aides as appropriate, to give their child the opportunity for academic success despite any disability or limitation. The advocacy of our special education law attorneys can help parents achieve this goal.

Through negotiations, administrative hearings, and civil court actions, we achieve a high success rate in our work obtaining free and appropriate public education for our clients’ children. Our Pennsylvania special education law attorneys attend individualized education plan (IEP) meetings, and file due process actions on behalf of parents and children, when necessary. If a due process proceeding is required and the family prevails, they may be entitled to reimbursement of attorneys’ fees.

To schedule a consultation on your education law matter, contact  our education lawyers.

Attorneys:
Stacey L. Fuller
George C. Zumbano

The law firm of Gawthrop Greenwood serves West Chester, Pennsylvania, and surrounding communities, including Downingtown, Exton, Kennett Square, Main Line Philadelphia, Coatesville, and Paoli, and the counties of Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, Philadelphia, Lancaster, Berks and Bucks.