If you have questions about your child's special education programming in Georgia public schools, I can help. I have been a special education attorney - practicing only special education law - since 2003. If you want to know more about your child's rights with an IEP, a 504 Plan, teachers, services, school location, discipline, transportation or any aspect of special education, I answer questions from parents like you.
I help families reach solutions to legal and educational problems.
I attend school meetings with families to assist in the IEP or 504 meeting discussion and help ensure that your concerns are addressed.
I give families - like yours - practical, time-tested advice on how to handle the little things - and the big things - that keep you awake at night.
I also work hard to save families a lot of money, time, and heartache. If there have been mistakes or legal violations by the school system, I assist in resolving those problems.
******************************* "We are so pleased with the results of the IEP meeting, and feel better than we ever have about what is now in place ... Thank you for EVERYTHING you have done for us!" ~K.M., parent *******************************
With multiple options of special education attorneys to choose from in Georgia, what should you know about me?
1) I spent 9 years working as an attorney for school districts before I opened The Calbos Law Firm. Now I only represent families and children. My background as a former school attorney means that I have insider perspectives and expertise in this complicated area of law - this is knowledge that other attorneys may not have. After I analyze the facts of your case, I will explain the insider's viewpoint and help you understand what is and is not likely to occur. I help you understand your rights, the school system's responsibilities, and what reasonable expectations look like.
My analysis and perspective is designed to help you make smart decisions about where you spend your time, energy and money. It is my opinion that special education law disputes should not require families to spend tens of thousands of dollars and be trapped for years in payment plans to law firms. I work with families every day to find the right approaches for their unique situations.
2) I have gone to court many times during my career as a lawyer, handling cases before judges and juries. If your case requires that you file for a due process hearing, we may decide to go that route. However, it's my opinion and experience after 16 years in this area, that a special education lawyer should try to keep you OUT of court, if at all possible. I do not rush parents into filing due process complaints, because that process will ratchet up your legal fees very quickly. You should be fully informed so that you can make a decision that is right for your child and your family.
****************************** "We would highly recommend her to any family needing assistance with the legal area of special needs and education law." ~A. S., parent ******************************
3) I understand how important it is to be a strong and collaborative attorney for a family who is in special education negotiations and meetings with school districts. Parents are concerned about a lawyer being too aggressive. They also often feel shortchanged by a lawyer who does not speak up in meetings and move the discussion forward as a persuasive advocate for their child.
Lawyers have different personalities and communication styles. Because of the nature of special education law and because your relationship with the school system will likely continue for years after your lawyer has left the scene, you may want to choose to be represented by a lawyer who speaks and acts fairly and professionally in all emails, phone calls, and at meetings. Every attorney has a different track record with different districts and the school system's lawyers and employees. However, an effective, affordable lawyer must be able to work professionally with the the opposite side. If the lawyers on both sides have vendettas and just want to battle it out and pocket the fees, the real victim is your child because the case will drag on and on, your legal bills will probably skyrocket, and while this happening, your son or daughter is not going to quickly receive the supports and services that he/she needs.
Special education law is designed to work rather quickly on behalf of a student. This type of law is not like other areas of law where the process drags on for years. I have been in special education law for over 16 years, on both sides of the fence, working in several states, and I have seen just about every type of district, law firm, and case imaginable.
Here is my philosophy: I believe that the most important thing for your special education lawyer to focus on is your child quickly receiving the services and supports that are required...in other words, solutions and justice should be sought and achieved, as quickly and appropriately as possible. This is what parents expect from the school district and it is what I convey to the school district, so that we are keeping your child front and center as the priority.
********************************** "I want you to know you are a great attorney and we appreciate you A LOT. I was a wreck when I initially reached out to you for help. You went to bat for us and thank you for that. You also continue to provide advice...it is appreciated and well received." ~Y.R., parent **********************************
Are there situations when a family has no choice except to head to a courtroom and ask a judge to determine who is right and who is wrong? Yes, of course. Yet...if you can resolve the problems and reach a resolution that satisfies you without going to court, your attorney should be eager to do this for you. Your attorney should review the file thoroughly, give a balanced and rational analysis to you, and explain your options. Your attorney should be able to persevere and press on to work through difficult decisions with the school district. There are multiple roads to the top of the mountain. Every family and every case is different.
4) I work exclusively in special education and have done so since 2003. It is a complicated area of law and requires expertise and commitment. Your child deserves a legal expert who has honed their craft with thousands of hours. If your lawyer is unaware of school district nuances, policies, and hidden agendas, you are at a disadvantage. You should feel comfortable relying on your attorney to sidestep landmines and anticipate problems from the school system that could slow the case down, impact your child, and drive your legal expenses through the roof.
5) I meet my clients' needs in a responsive, compassionate way. If you have ever had a disappointing experience with a law firm, this will mean something to you. Maybe you have heard stories from families who have felt that they paid for sub-par legal service or who felt they were dealt with impatiently. Maybe they rarely could reach their lawyer and wound up speaking to other staff or office members more frequently than the attorney. It is important that you select a law firm that can ensure your family will be treated like a priority. You need direct contact with your lawyer who understands your goals and who is helping you with the stress, anxiety and emotion of these situations. I do not take on more cases than I can handle. I understand the stress and emotion that comes with special education problems. I know that a day can seem like a year to a worried and frustrated parent, so I am quickly responsive to calls and emails from my clients. I do not disappear for days or weeks at a time, ignoring your calls and emails while I am "tied up" with other clients and putting your child on the back burner.
********************************************* "She takes the time to get to know her clients and listens to her clients and is very compassionate about the children that she represents..." ~T.S., parent *********************************************
To schedule a 20-minute complimentary consultation call: calboslaw.as.me.