Special Education

BB&K's attorneys are equipped to provide advice concerning all aspects of the laws impacting students with disabilities. We are proud to have been instrumental in the effort before the Commission on State Mandates which, after twenty years of litigation and administrative proceedings, resulted in reimbursing school districts, county offices of education and special education local plan areas (“SELPAs”) for years of state-mandated special education costs dating back to as early as 1980.

Our attorneys can provide general assistance in drafting policies and procedures, as well as provide training to help prevent school districts from encountering procedural problems that may lead to unnecessary litigation.

Our attorneys regularly advise school districts on a wide variety of special education issues arising under California law and the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, including IEPs, related services, behavioral plans, and appropriate placements in the least restrictive environment.  The firm has multiple attorneys with extensive experience in representing clients in IEP meetings, as well as resolution meetings, mediation, and due process hearings resulting from parent complaints filed with the California Office of Administrative Hearings.

BB&K attorneys also provide guidance with issues arising under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. We can be of assistance in determining necessary and appropriate accommodations and modifications to existing curriculum and facilities, as well as provide guidance regarding the drafting of Section 504 plans for students with disabilities. The firm also has recognized experts in the Americans with Disabilities Act who understand the student, personnel, and facilities access aspects of this federal law.

Our attorneys are experienced in negotiating appropriate resolutions to compliance complaints filed with the California Department of Education, as well as complaints of discrimination based on disability with the federal Office for Civil Rights (OCR).

In addition, we are experienced in all aspects of due process appeals to federal and state courts, as well as handling actions for attorneys’ fees.