Education Attorneys, IEP Advocates, Maryland, DC, Florida, and Nationwide

Empowering families with the knowledge and resources needed to help bring peace and harmony to their home

Navigating the complex world of special education law can be daunting, but you don’t have to face it alone. At Shefter Law, we understand the challenges and emotions you’re experiencing. Your child’s education and future are of paramount importance, and ensuring they receive the support they deserve is our top priority.

Every child has the right to a fulfilling educational experience, but sometimes, the path to achieving this is riddled with legal hurdles and bureaucratic red tape. That’s where we step in. With years of dedicated experience in special education and special education law, we’re equipped to guide you through the intricacies of the legal system, ensuring your child’s educational needs are met and their rights are protected.

Your journey with us begins with a simple, no-obligation Strategy Session. We listen to your story, understand your child’s unique needs, and develop a strategy tailored just for you. Our approach is collaborative and transparent, keeping you informed and empowered every step of the way.

Imagine the relief and satisfaction of seeing your child thrive in an educational environment that meets their needs. That’s the success story we strive to write for each of our clients.

What our clients are saying:

“My family enlisted Shefter Law Firm to advocate for us as we went through the Eligibility and Initial IEP process with a Maryland public school system . Even though we had knowledge and experience in special education and special education law, the process is long and arduous. There were many days that we felt overwhelmed and helpless to ensure our young child with autism would be given the supports and services that were available to her under the law. It shouldn’t be so hard. Frances Shefter worked with us in a very competent and professional manner and our little girl will start special education services soon. We needed Ms Shefter, and she was there with us every step of the way.” – Sheila Langston

“Frances Shefter is an amazing catalyst for my child getting an IEP. As a result of her in-depth knowledge of the school system, the special education process, related laws, and the rules and regulations around 504s and IEP’s, she knows exactly what to say, and when to say it during the meeting to get the results the parents and students need. She was a true advocate and partner for us In the process so far.” – Paul Springer

Don't let the complexity of special education law hold your child back from achieving their full potential. Partner with Shefter Law, where your child’s educational success is our mission. Take the first step towards securing their future today.

-Frances Shefter, Education Attorney , IEP Specialist

The Frances Shefter Approach To IEP

First and foremost, the Shefter Law approach means you get one managing attorney assigned to your case and involved with your child and your case from start-to-finish!

No impersonal law firm. Just a real lawyers, advocates and team members that know you, your child and your case inside and out.

We will gently guide your family through the complicated school processes. Before each step, we will have a full discussion of the options and put a roadmap in place to navigate the different roads ahead as the school puts up roadblocks. This will help you better understand how we will reach your end goal with as little stress as possible.

You will get in-depth help understanding the many options and choices that are available for your child at each fork in the road. That includes our expert opinion on the quality and value of these many options.

Legal Services Provided in Maryland, DC, New Jersey and Florida. Advocacy Services Provided Nationwide and American Schools Overseas

What I Bring To Your Family

Peace Of Mind For You!

A special needs household is already chaotic enough. Let’s work together to replace the stress and anxiety of dealing with the school system with the calm and orderly approach that comes from having a specific, custom, roadmap in place.

Less Stress For Your Child!

A day at school that is more enjoyable and less difficult than it is now. An educational environment that lets your child reach their full potential.

Harmony For Your Family!

A child that is having a good day at school is a child who makes the home a more enjoyable place for the whole family. Not having to deal with daily educational challenges means more time for living your life with your family.

Bill Ecenbarger

2022-03-23

I highly recommend Frances Shefter as an education attorney. I am a Guardian ad Litem in Washington, DC and have worked with Frances for many years, including in instances where I have been appointed as the educational decision-maker for a child and Frances was appointed by the court to represent me in that capacity. Frances brings a deep understanding not only of education law, but also of the functioning of schools. She is able to work constructively as a positive and productive team member when possible, but is also an effective an tireless litigator when it becomes necessary. After many years of working with Frances, I recommend her without reservation.

Brandon Savage

2021-06-15

Frances is a tremendous professional who gets things done. It's almost cliche to hear that a lawyer fights for you, but Frances does so in a way that's unique. She's collaborative when it's appropriate, and aggressive when she needs to be. I would have no trouble recommending Frances to anyone who needs special education representation for their IEP meeting or due process needs.

Kristy Ochs

2020-06-25

Working with Ms Shefter in service of one of our students has been a true pleasure. She is collaborative and thoughtful, and relies on best practices in guiding team decisions, while advocating for her client's interests. As a school administrator, it is refreshing to have her perspective and support.

Cherise Williams

2020-04-23

She represented me as parent and was able to get my student the necessary special education services and school placement. She has the expertise and compassion and I would highly recommend her to anyone in need of a speical education attorney.

Peggy Dickison

2019-11-14

Frances never gave up on getting our daughter the school placement that we believe will be best for her. It took time, and several school meetings, but we ultimately got the outcome we were looking for. We won't hesitate to use Frances again if we need help.

John Crowe

2019-10-15

Shefter was efficient and prepared for our guardian case in DC. Cut through the hurdles and got it done. Great personality and amazing resource of information. We recommend her for your adoption and guardianship needs.

Robert Lannan

2019-07-27

Ms. Shefter did an excellent job counseling and representing my family on an an IEP and placement in the Montgomery County Public Schools. I highly recommend her.

Strategy Session

Strategy Session (no document review) — Together we talk about what you want to achieve for your child. We can determine the next steps and if you even need my assistance to get to your goals. There is no need to spend family funds on more than you need. Strategy Session with document review — Before the session, I will review current or draft IEP and most recent evaluations provided by you. At the session, we will discuss services, accommodations and programs that are available, my opinion of appropriateness of each and what you want to achieve or your child. We will then determine next steps to get to your goals.

Meetings

Sometimes it helps to have an advocate in the room with you. It is a sad fact that school officials sometimes do not listen to the parents. School systems can act like bullies. It is less stressful for you to have someone in your corner who knows the system and knows how to play the game. There are many kinds of meetings that I can help with from multidisciplinary team / student support team meetings to eligibility meetings to those detailed planning events for creating an appropriate IEP or 504 plans. I will help you prepare for the meetings, describe what you can expect and be there with you every step of the way so that you can be more relaxed and confident when walking in to the meeting.

Mediation

Mediation is one of the options when you disagree with the school’s recommendations. It is less expensive and faster than a Due Process hearing. Sometimes, filing a Complaint for Mediation is done at the same time as filing for Due Process. We will discuss the costs and time frames for each option so that you can make a fully informed decision. Once you decide which route is best for your family, I will file the Complaint. I will then fully prepare for and attend the mediation with you. You can relax and focus on your family while I do all the work on gathering support and evidence for your position. There are many kinds of meetings that I can help with from multidisciplinary team / student support team meetings to eligibility meetings to those detailed planning events for creating an appropriate IEP or 504 plans. I will help you prepare for the meetings, describe what you can expect and be there with you every step of the way so that you can be more relaxed and confident when walking in to the meting.

Due Process

When the school system forces you to file for Due Process to get what you know your child needs, a lawyer is necessary to prove your case and link the facts to the law. We will gather the evidence to support your position. We will work together to identify the best experts to testify about the unique needs of your child. I will help you to prepare and get comfortable to be the best witness and advocate for your child in the courtroom. When we walk into the courtroom we will be fully prepared to present the best case possible and convince the Administrative Law Judge to rule in your favor and order the school to provide your child with what they need to succeed in school.