TALS hosts Special Ed Law CLE - June 12th

The Basics of How to Handle a Special Education Case

Training Agenda:

10:00 – 11:00 – Individualized Education Programs (IEPs): this presentation will highlight what an IEP is, what must be addressed in each IEP as outlined in the I.D.E.A., how to prepare for an IEP meeting, and what your role as a parent or child’s attorney is during an IEP meeting. Presented by Murti Bhakta, Attorney at West TN Legal Services

11:10 – 12:10 – Filing Administrative and Office for Civil Rights Complaints: this session will focus on complaints other than Request for Due Process that attorneys can file on behalf of students with disabilities. Attendees will get hands on experience with a case scenario requiring issue spotting, determining type of complaint to file, identifying remedies, and working in small groups to draft key points in a complaint. In addition, the speaker will share tips and real cases that have resulted in systemic change in schools. Presented by Sherry Wilds, Senior Attorney at Disability Rights Tennessee

12:10 – 12:50 – Lunch and networking

12:50 – 1:50 – Nuts and bolts discussion of how to file a Due Process Complaint; what happens after the complaint is filed; how to go about settling the case; how a Due Process trial is conducted; and what is required after the trial.  It will also include discussion of attorney fees and other post-decision issues.  Materials will include samples of Due Process Complaints and scheduling orders.  Presented by Bill Allen, partner in the Oak Ridge law firm of Mostoller, Stulberg, Whitfield & Allen.

2:00 – 3:00 – Appeals and post Due Process – in this final session, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to file an appeal if you are not satisfied with the outcome of the due process hearing. We will discuss the standard of review used by the state and federal courts for due process appeals, and we will look at a sample complaint. We will also discuss circumstances where is exhaustion under IDEA is not necessary, even if some issues are educational in nature, where you can file a lawsuit directly in state or federal court. Presented by Craig Barnes, Attorney at Memphis Area Legal Services

Click Here to Register

Location:

TN Alliance for Legal Services

50 Vantage Way, Ste. 250

Nashville, TN  37228

Cost:

Private Attorneys: Registration is $75, includes 4 hours of CLE and lunch

Advocates & OTJ Volunteers: $15 for lunch and filing fee

Legal Aid Attorneys and Staff: Free