Advocating for the protection of access to education is a principle engrained in McCarthy Lebit’s culture, dating back to 1976 when our late founder, Dan McCarthy, was appointed by a federal judge as a Special Master to oversee the Cleveland School Board’s development and implementation of desegregation. For nearly 50 years, our firm has been involved in defending the rights of children and their families as it pertains to their access to education, whether it’s integrating Cleveland’s racially diverse student population or resolving the issues special needs children and their families face in school.
Who We Are
All special education advocates are not created equal. Our attorneys have valuable experience advocating for students and their families and counseling on this nuanced area of Education law. We leverage that experience to act surgically in the pursuit of results for our clients. We understand the challenges our clients face and utilize our in-depth knowledge of school systems, administrations, and professionals to help our clients navigate protocols and obtain the appropriate special education outcomes.
How We Help
We are there for our clients every step of the way – advising them on obtaining an IEP or 504 plan, attending meetings with our clients, advocating on behalf of clients when litigation matters arise, and representing our clients on the special needs children face in schools.
Our special education services include evaluating placements and team reports, abuse and neglect in schools, discrimination including the ADA and section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, due process hearings, and other disciplinary issues impacting students in school and juvenile court.
Who We Represent
We represent families with loved ones who have special needs and advocate on their behalf in the following situations:
- Abuse in Schools
- Bullying
- Disciplinary Issues
- Discrimination
- Due Process Violations
- Educational Plans
- Expulsion
- Learning Disabilities
- Neglect in Schools
- Search and Seizures
- Student Rights
- Suspension
McCarthy Lebit assists families in working through these issues. We may reach out to child development professionals to strengthen our client’s case. They are beneficial in presenting the proper diagnoses and conditions. These conditions include ADD, ADHD, Autism, intellectual and learning disabilities to OCD, STSD, Tourette Syndrome, and Traumatic Brain Injury.