Positive outcomes for clients are individualized to each of our clients’ situations and needs. We strive to reach a successful resolution through negotiation and litigation, as necessary. Whether the family lives in Philadelphia or one of the surrounding counties, like Bucks, Delaware, Montgomery, or Chester, we work with the school districts and charter schools to advocate for our clients.
Our first goal is to try to resolve the dispute through an amicable resolution. We believe in relationship building between families and schools. Even if issues get off-track, we try to re-build by working to fix the IEP and negotiating a remedy for a school’s denial of a Free Appropriate Public Education. We pride ourselves in effectively advocating for the student’s rights while trying to maintain relationships between families and schools to help ensure the child’s future success.
We have successfully negotiated hundreds of settlement agreements without needing to file a due process complaint. These speedy and amicable resolutions are due, in large part, to our approach and professional relationships with schools and their counsel. The relief for our clients in special education matters ranges from compensatory education, tuition reimbursement, and attorney fee reimbursement. For PHRC and Title IX matters, the relief for our clients may include compensatory damages and attorneys’ fees.
If settlement is not possible, we proceed with litigation as necessary. As experienced litigators, we have conducted numerous due process and expulsion hearings on behalf of our clients. Issues have ranged from child find violations, disciplinary exclusions, IEP deficiencies, placement disputes, and least restrictive environment violations. We have successfully won thousands of hours of compensatory education, educational placements, tuition reimbursement, and attorneys’ fees reimbursement.
We are also experienced in federal court, as special education hearing decisions often end up in federal court on appeal. We have successfully appealed and fought to overturn hearing officer decisions that were incorrect decisions against the parents and we have defended hearing officer decisions that resulted in parent wins when the school district appealed.
Our team at Cherkas Metcalfe Law is happy to discuss your matter and the next steps you need to take to ensure your child is receiving the support they need. We can be reached directly by phone at (484) 873-8010 or via our contact form on our website.
The materials on this website are provided for informational purposes only and are not intended to be exhaustive or comprehensive discussions of the topics addressed. They are not meant to cover every legal issue or be a substitute for personalized legal advice. Laws and regulations change frequently, and how they apply to your situation may differ. Cherkas Metcalfe Law makes no guarantees about the completeness, accuracy, or timeliness of this information. The information within this article is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. Please consult an attorney for advice regarding your personal situation. To get advice about your particular circumstances, please contact Cherkas Metcalfe Law, PLLC directly. Viewing or using this information does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and Cherkas Metcalfe Law, PLLC.