About

Drew Christian’s path into education law began long before he became an attorney.

In 1994, he was hired by the Pennsylvania Bureau of Special Education and the Chester County Intermediate Unit as a Regional Interagency Coordinator, a role created following the federal court decision in Cordero v. Commonwealth, which required Pennsylvania to improve coordination of services for special education students.

In this position, Drew:

• Reviewed special education and psychological evaluations

• Assisted in developing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)

• Coordinated services for students with complex and profound disabilities

• Worked directly with school districts and state agencies

• Presented difficult cases to statewide interagency teams to secure funding and services

He spent significant time working within underserved school districts, helping build stronger special education programs and advocating for students lacking appropriate placements.

This early hands-on experience provided a deep understanding of how special education systems function — knowledge that continues to shape his legal practice today.

While working in special education coordination, Drew earned his:

• Master of Public Administration — Widener University
  (focused on government systems, budgeting, and interagency coordination)

He later attended American University Washington College of Law in Washington, D.C., where he pursued coursework emphasizing education law and legal remedies affecting students and families.

After passing the Pennsylvania Bar Examination, Drew immediately began practicing education law.

Early in his legal career, Drew worked at a plaintiff-side special education law firm representing students and parents.

He was entrusted with managing a full caseload of special education matters from his first day as an attorney — gaining extensive litigation experience early in his career.

He later worked as defense counsel for school districts at law firms in Allentown and Doylestown, Pennsylvania, where he:

• Defended school districts in due process hearings and federal court litigation

• Gained insight into school administration and decision-making

• Worked with school insurance carriers and budgeting structures

• Developed extensive federal court litigation experience

This rare dual perspective allows Drew to anticipate how school districts evaluate and defend cases — providing a strategic advantage when advocating for families.

After several years representing school districts, Drew recognized that families in Pennsylvania often lacked access to experienced special education legal representation.

In 2004, he opened his private practice to focus exclusively on representing students and parents.

Within weeks, his caseload filled through referrals from special education advocates and families who trusted his experience and commitment.

Since then, Drew has represented clients throughout Pennsylvania in a wide range of education law matters, including:

• Special education due process hearings

• Federal civil rights litigation

• IEP disputes and implementation issues

• Disability discrimination claims

• School discipline and retaliation matters

Special education law is different from other areas of law.

For families, the issue is not simply compensation or resolving a past event — it is about a child’s daily educational experience and future opportunities.

Parents must send their child to school every day trusting that appropriate support will be provided.

Drew believes successful representation begins with earning that same trust.

His approach focuses on:

• Careful evaluation of each case

• Honest guidance to families

• Pursuing meaningful educational remedies

• Securing resources that benefit the student’s future

He believes educational remedies should serve the child — which is why he does not take attorney’s fees from compensatory education awards intended for students.