Transfers for Special Education Students Achieved- One Parent's Story About How The Law Office of Michelle Ball Helped

By Michelle Ball, California Education Attorney for Students since 1995

What if you cannot get a simple transfer for your special needs children, but believe they will not be appropriately placed otherwise?  My office was hired to assist one family who no matter what they did, could not get a transfer for their special needs children.  When my office became involved, we were able to gather enough information and communicate effectively, thereby persuading the district that the transfers should go through.

Here is what one of the parents involved had to say:

"I highly recommend Michelle Ball!  Michelle Ball is a fantastic education attorney. Our school district wanted to make a school placement within the district that was not in the best interest of our children (IEP, 504, and handicapped). The district was adamant that our request for transfer would not be allowed, seemingly in opposition to the law.  We felt existing law supported our requested placement based on the services available at the schools in the district. In the face of a unified negative response from all levels in the district, she [Michelle Ball] provided legal guidance and support that ultimately drove the district to change their position and grant our request.

While the whole experience was unnerving, we learned not to give in, and pushed for a placement that was in the best interests of our children. The district seemed to believe that time and cost were on their side and that we would eventually accept their decision. With Michelle’s counsel we were able to fight and drive the district to change their position to one that met our children’s needs rather than the needs of the district. The cost of fighting the decision, while not insignificant, pales in comparison to the long term results that the district’s placement would have had on the rest of our children’s lives, and by extension, ours. They now have a much better chance at a quality education and a successful life, as opposed to the prospect of a less successful education experience and the negative impact that would have on the rest of their lives.

Many thanks!
-RJJ"

Thank you RJJ!

Michelle Ball
Education Law Attorney
LAW OFFICE OF MICHELLE BALL
717 K Street, Suite 228
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: 916-444-9064
Fax: 916-444-1209
Email: help@edlaw4students.com

Website: http://www.edlaw4students.com/

Blog: http://edlaw4students.blogspot.com/

Twitter: http://twitter.com/michelleaball

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Please note: This testimonial or endorsement does not constitute a guarantee, warranty, or prediction regarding the outcome of a legal matter.

Please see my disclaimer on the bottom of my blog page. This is legal information, not legal advice and no attorney-client relationship is formed by this posting, etc. etc.!  This blog may not be reproduced without permission from the author and proper attribution of authorship.

Who is writing this blog? California Education Attorney Michelle Ball

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