Who we are

Connolly, Jacobson, DePietro & John, LLP is one of the only law firms in Pennsylvania that specializes in the representation of special needs children and their families in education and related matters.

Our office represents students with a wide variety of special needs, including students with learning disabilities, autism, ADHD, speech and language impairments, mental retardation, emotional, physical and developmental disabilities, behavioral concerns and giftedness.

Our partners have over 40 years of combined experience in education law and can approach your legal issues with this extensive knowledge and with the unique perspective that comes from our prior representation of school districts.

What we do

According to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (“IDEA”), all students with disabilities are entitled to a free appropriate public education (“FAPE”).  In Pennsylvania, this right to FAPE also extends to gifted students.

However, the laws pertaining to students with special needs are complex, and successfully navigating the special education process can be difficult and overwhelming for parents.  Our attorneys are here to guide and inform you about your child’s rights within the education system and to develop effective, practical and creative solutions to your legal concerns.

Our team of professional and accomplished attorneys can assist families of students with special needs in a wide range of matters, including:

• The evaluation and determination of your child’s eligibility for early intervention and school-age special education services, gifted programming or services under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
• Representation in special education due process hearings, as well as state and federal court proceedings
• Review of multidisciplinary evaluations, IEPs, GIEPs, and Section 504 Service Agreements
• Attending multidisciplinary team meetings and IEP meetings
• School disciplinary proceedings, including expulsions and manifestation determination meetings
• Juvenile court proceedings
• Discrimination claims under Section 504 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”)
• Drafting special needs trusts

Presentations

The attorneys of Connolly, Jacobson, DePietro & John are available to speak to your group or organization on a variety of special education topics, typically free of charge. To learn more, click here.