Parents do not pay attorney’s fees.

Many special education cases are handled under federal “fee-shifting” statutes. If a case is successful, the school district or responsible agency may be required to pay attorney’s fees.

Drew Christian also believes that compensatory education funds belong to the child and does not take fees from those educational awards.

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Cases involve a wide range of disabilities, including:

• Autism spectrum disorders

• ADHD

• Learning disabilities (dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia)

• Emotional disturbances

• Anxiety and depression

• Speech and language impairments

• Intellectual and developmental disabilities

• Physical and medical impairments

• Behavioral and mood disorders

Every child’s situation is unique and evaluated individually.

Disabilities Represented →

You should consider contacting an attorney if:

• Your child is not receiving appropriate special education services

• The school refuses to evaluate your child

• You disagree with an IEP or placement decision

• Services listed in the IEP are not being implemented

• Your child is facing suspension, discipline, or exclusion related to a disability

• You believe discrimination, retaliation, or harassment has occurred

Early guidance can often prevent problems from escalating and help secure services sooner.

Special education law protects students with disabilities and ensures they receive a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) under federal laws such as:

• The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

• Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act

• The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

These laws require schools to identify, evaluate, and provide appropriate educational services tailored to each student’s needs.

Consultations are free.

Meetings can be conducted:

• By telephone

• Via Zoom

• In person (when appropriate)

The goal of the consultation is to understand your situation and determine whether legal action may help your child.

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An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a legally binding plan that outlines:

• A student’s educational needs

• Required services and supports

• Educational goals

• Accommodations and modifications

If an IEP is inadequate or not followed, legal remedies may be available.

Compensatory education is a remedy awarded when a school fails to provide appropriate services. It provides additional educational support or funding to make up for services a child should have received earlier.

These resources are intended for the child’s educational benefit.

The practice is exclusively focused on education law, including:

• Special education due process hearings

• IEP disputes and implementation failures

• Evaluation and eligibility disputes

• Disability discrimination claims

• Bullying and harassment matters

• School discipline and manifestation issues

• Truancy and attendance-related matters

• Civil rights violations involving students with disabilities

• Retaliation

Cases & Defendants →

Claims may involve:

• Public school districts

• Charter schools

• Intermediate units

• Cyber charter schools

• Educational agencies or state entities

Each case is evaluated individually based on the facts and applicable law.

No. Drew Christian represents students and parents only.

His practice is exclusively dedicated to advocating for children and families seeking appropriate educational services.

Drew Christian has practiced education law since 2000 and has represented thousands of families throughout Pennsylvania for more than two decades, handling thousands of special education matters.

Timelines vary depending on:

• The complexity of the issue

• School cooperation

• Whether litigation is required

Some matters resolve quickly through negotiation, while others proceed through administrative hearings or federal court.

Parents often worry about this. The purpose of special education law is not conflict — it is ensuring children receive legally required services.

Many cases resolve through professional negotiation focused on solutions that benefit the student.

Yes. Drew Christian represents clients statewide across Pennsylvania.

The first step is simple:

• Call (570) 343-1006, or

• Complete the consultation form on the Contact page.

You will receive a prompt response to discuss your situation and determine next steps.