Smith & Files advises and represents special education law cases for students with disabilities in communities across Georgia. We help parents and students every single step of the way. Our work will go from consultation, such as building a strategy for a child to a child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) through dispute resolution. We are highly experienced in negotiation and mediation.

Before the State Board of Education and Georgia Office of Administrative Hearings, A zealous advocacy will be provided by us in administrative hearings. In addition to being experienced in state and federal court litigation, we will help you in navigating the complex and emotionally charged education system. We are familiar with the several issues that could arise, from the determination of a child’s eligibility for special education to obtaining an appropriate in-district program and securing public funding for a private school placement. We represent students with all types of disabilities. At the core of our practice is our commitment to making the law’s promise of Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) a reality.

We also advise and represent families regarding their rights under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, including Section 504 plans. We have a particular focus on empowering families by making them aware of the special education process. This includes educating families on their rights as parents of a child with a disability, advising parents on how to navigate IEP meetings and other special education procedures, and teaching families how to go hand in hand with the school in order to protect their child’s rights. We also represent the cases of students dealing with suspension or expulsion in disciplinary proceedings such as tribunal hearings.