Parents and students in New York state are often in disputes with school districts and colleges. Such disputes, most of the time, should and could be easily rectified. However, school districts and colleges often “dig their heels in” and refuse to cooperate with parents and students.

Unfortunately, a student’s academic potential and record is at risk because of these disputes and because the school districts and college refuse to budge.

One of the most common types of disputes parents and students face are academic integrity and disciplinary hearings. Parents and students who attend these hearings without the assistance of an experienced and qualified education attorney are at a significant disadvantage.

These hearings are not conducted in ways that you see on TV. There usually is not discovery, the “judge” oftentimes has a bias in favor of the school or college, and you are not presumed “innocent.” The odds are stacked against parents and students in these hearings. While elementary, middle school, and high school students in public schools are afforded some due process rights, there is no legal right to due process in college hearings.

Additionally, each higher education institution must provide students with reasonable accommodations through a 504 Plan. This is required by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. If you or your child is in a higher education institution and has a disability, you may be entitled to receive one.

When is the right time to hire an education attorney?

If you or your child have been adversely affected in an educational setting, it may be time to contact an education attorney. Tully Rinckey attorneys have extensive experience dealing with a variety of education-related matters, included, but not limited to, the following:

• Academic appeals: We represent clients in their academic appeals of grades provided by their college or university.
• Disciplinary investigations: We represent clients in disciplinary investigations initiated by their college or university.
• Appeals of disciplinary actions: Our attorneys have experience filing appeals of a disciplinary action ordered by our clients’ university or college, such as an accusation of cheating, plagiarism, expulsion, suspension, department removal, or other academic dishonesty charge.
• 504 plans: We represent clients in ensuring their college or university provides accommodations for their physical and or non-physical disabilities. Our attorneys will ensure that the 504 plan is complied with by the college or university.

Whatever the education-related issue may be, Tully Rinckey attorneys have experience helping students and parents with their unique education law matters.

Tully Rinckey attorneys understand that issues involving your education or employment can have serious impacts and will handle your legal matter with the attention and tact it deserves. If you have additional questions about when to hire an education lawyer, our team of attorneys is available to assist you today. Please call 8885294543 to schedule a consultation or schedule a consultation online.

Nicholas A. Marricco, Esq. is an associate in Tully Rinckey PLLC’s Manhattan office, where he focuses his practice on federal employment and education law. Prior to joining Tully Rinckey, Nicholas was a prosecutor for a prominent District Attorney in the City of New York, a civil rights attorney for families of disabled students, and an associate attorney for a boutique law firm. He can be reached at info@tullylegal.com or at (888)-529-4543.