5 Things an Education Lawyer Can Do (That You Probably Can't)

Unlike criminal law or high-stakes corporate law, education law is not typically the subject of movies or television dramas.

But education lawyers serve an array of important functions in the education world. For parents of school-aged children, an education lawyer can be essential to ensuring that a child receives the education that he or she deserves.

What exactly do education lawyers do? Here are five things that an education lawyer can do (that you probably can't):

1. Know your state's education law. Each state has its own education law in addition to the federal education code and U.S. Supreme Court case law. An education lawyer will know how these laws apply in your situation.
2. Defend your child's student's rights. From school dress codes to school drug testing, school district policies may violate your child's student's rights if written or applied incorrectly. An education lawyer can defend your child's right to receive an education while maintaining his or her constitutional rights.
3. Repeal a disciplinary action. If your child has been subject to a disciplinary action such as suspension or expulsion from school, an education lawyer can help fight it -- even in court if necessary.
4. Get your child the help and services they need. If your child is disabled or requires special education, they are still entitled to a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) under federal law. An education lawyer can make sure he or she receives the accommodations they need.
5. Negotiate without getting emotional. Your children likely evoke strong emotions from you, especially when their education and futures may be at stake. An education lawyer can advocate for you without being stymied by anger, fear, and other emotions that may cloud your judgment.

If you have a legal issue involving your child's education, an education lawyer can help find a solution.

Related Resources:

• 5 Legal Tips for Parents of Autistic Children (FindLaw's Law and Daily Life)
• Each Special Needs Child Has Educational Rights (FindLaw's Law and Daily Life)
• Calif. Teacher Tenure Ruling: 5 Things to Know (FindLaw's Law and Daily Life)
• Legal How-To: Withdrawing Your Child From Public School (FindLaw's Law and Daily Life)