Hello!
The blogging world is a new one for me. I am an attorney in Sacramento, California practicing education law on behalf of students since 1995. I handle a whole gamut of issues, including student discipline matters, expulsions, suspensions and suspension appeals, even protesting inappropriate behavior contracts and other punishments. I also delve into special education, attend IEP (Individualized Education Program) meetings, 504 meetings, and file due process as needed. Help usually begins with a review of documents, and correspondence to the school, school district or college involved. Oftentimes I can resolve matters via phone and email without leaving my office. Sometimes we have to go further as a personal appearance is required (e.g. at an expulsion hearing or board of education meeting) or necessary to move things along. My clients also help determine which way a matter will go.
I get into many other school related issues including bullying matters, sexual harassment of students, retaliation and targeting of students, transfers, charter school issues, sports, discrimination (disability, race, age, national origin, sexual orientation, etc.) and so many other areas. I respond to my clients needs and take it from there. Being a solo, I devote time to what comes my way, which after 15+ years in this field, can be quite interesting and varied!
College matters are a regular portion of my practice. I often address issues involving internships (especially in health industry type of programs) and the failure of a college to follow their own rules. College discipline matters also arise as the penalties can be severe (for example, suspension for two years from the college). Private colleges have their own set of obligations as well. It is all very interesting and I am still learning daily.
Parents and students are very wise to seek legal help, even if just to consult and bounce their matter off an education attorney. It is important.
I am a solo practitioner and do in person and phone consultations after a call to my office at (916) 444-9064 (plus some forms in advance if we will talk via phone). I am licensed in California so can practice statewide, but do not handle matters outside California. As such, this blog will generally focus on California and federal laws which arise in my practice day to day.
I look forward to getting into this more and to hopefully providing a smidgen of helpful advice to parents and students with issues related to their schools- and there are so many! Check out my website at http://www.edlaw4students.com. I look forward to hearing from you.
Michelle Ball
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