Practice Areas
School Discipline
We represent students in disputes with K – 12 schools and universities. We assist our clients with issues such as suspensions, expulsions, and other disciplinary actions. We understand how daunting it can feel when your child is facing discipline at school and the relevant concerns your family may have regarding the process.
Higher Education Conduct Violations and Discipline
We represent students in undergraduate and graduate institutions who are accused of academic and/or disciplinary violations. We provide legal counseling, strategic approaches, and representation in all stages of disciplinary proceedings in institutions of higher education.
Higher Education Accommodations
The transition for students from secondary education to a college or university can be scary and overwhelming when they need academic or housing disability-related accommodations.
Title IX
We represent clients in cases related to sex discrimination within elementary and secondary schools, college, and graduate school, including issues like sexual harassment, sexual assault, sexual abuse and grooming in schools, under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972.
Juvenile Delinquency and Expungement
If your child is accused of a delinquent act, your child will be involved with probation and, likely, juvenile court proceedings. This can be extremely challenging for kids and parents alike.
Testing Accommodations
Even when students have disability-related accommodations at their undergraduate or graduate institutions, they may be denied testing accommodations on exams.
Guardianship
A guardianship is a court-appointed legal relationship where a guardian (or guardians) is responsible for making decisions on behalf of someone deemed unable to make decisions for themselves. Guardians can be appointed to make some or all decisions relating to personal care (i.e. decisions pertaining to medical, housing, treatment/services) and financial matters.
Power of Attorney
A power of attorney is a voluntary legal agreement between individuals. It allows an adult (anyone over the age of 18 years old) to appoint an agent to make medical/healthcare decisions for them and/or to manage their finances, with varying levels of authority depending on the person’s preference.
Special Education
Cherkas Metcalfe Law is a full-service law firm that represents families and students with disabilities. We advocate for young children and pre-school children as well as school age students to secure their educational rights pursuant to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and other statutes and regulations.
Education Advocacy
Education Advocacy includes reviewing educational records, IEPs (Individualized Education Programs), 504 Plans, FBAs, PBSPs, as well as providing guidance on rights under IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) and Section 504, attending IEP meetings to advocate for appropriate services and accommodations and much more.
Act 53 Petitions
If a parent or guardian’s minor child is dependent on drugs or alcohol, and their child is unwilling to receive the treatment they need, they may seek to file an Act 53 petition in Juvenile Court. Based on the petition, a judge may order the juvenile to undergo a drug and alcohol assessment and schedule the case for a hearing.