Experienced and Committed Westchester County Education Attorneys
With offices across New York State, Tully Rinckey’s team of experienced education lawyers have worked diligently with parents, educators, students, and educational institutions to bring about favorable decisions in their legal matters. Our team of dedicated education law attorneys in White Plains helps clients across Westchester County, representing education law matters from New Rochelle to New Salem.
From fighting conduct violations and Title IX issues to asserting our client’s right to a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) as required by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), our attorneys are well-versed in all educational legal matters and will handle your case with diligence and care to get the results you seek.
Whatever your unique educational matter may be, our education law practice can help. Our attorneys have practiced in school districts throughout Westchester County, including in areas around White Plains, Yonkers, Scarsdale, Harrison, New Rochelle, Eastchester, North Castle, and more. Additionally, Tully Rinckey has experience representing ADA and Title IX violation matters within the private and public university systems throughout New York State.
Dedicated Special Education Attorneys
Tully Rinckey understands how important your child’s education is and what can happen if their unique educational needs are not met. Our attorneys are zealous advocates for children with special needs, assisting parents with:
- Obtaining remedial education and educational placement.
- Attending Individualized Education Plan (IEP) meetings with our parent-clients.
- Structuring IEPs or plans under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (504 plans)
- Arranging speech, occupational, or physical therapies, as well as other special education services.
- Drafting and submitting appeals to state review officers.
- Preparing and filing a Due Process Complaint.
- Providing representation at Due Process Hearings.
Educator and School District Legal Representation
In addition to assisting parents and students, our attorneys have handled numerous matters for school officials, districts, and teachers as well, including:
- Reviewing contracts and agreements.
- Drafting and revising employee handbooks.
- Representing both schools and teachers in employment discrimination cases before federal and state courts, the EEOC, and the NYS Human Rights Commission.
- Advising and counseling on disciplinary matters.
- Handling parent issues with teachers/faculty.
- Communicating with law enforcement on investigations involving teachers.
Misconduct, Discrimination, and Title IX Attorneys
Our attorneys also have experience with discrimination and misconduct matters. We’ve assisted in matters of academic dishonesty, school suspension removal or modification, and investigations into residency. Having provided representation in Superintendent’s Hearings and Manifestation Determination Reviews, our attorneys have a clear understanding of how these processes work and the quick timeframes they operate in. We also have experience with Title IX investigations/hearings.
Do I Need an Education Law Attorney?
The outcome of a school disciplinary hearing can have a dramatic effect on a student’s future. While these types of hearings are held in a manner similar to a court proceeding, they aren’t required to follow the rules of a traditional court proceeding. For one, students are not presumed innocent until proven guilty, and though many schools’ regulations provide for due process for the student, this does not always apply in practice.
School review boards are familiar with the disciplinary hearing process, and they often find themselves at an advantage to students and parents. More often than not, schools tend to dispense justice quickly in an effort to keep their reputations clean, oftentimes before the student even understands what is happening. Having a knowledgeable education attorney by your side will help you navigate the confusing hearing process and ensure that the student’s rights are upheld.
Students who are not facing disciplinary action but have an educational dispute with the school, such as academic progression issues or ADA issues, face similar disadvantages. Without the support of an education attorney, these students and their parents may be unable to mount a successful argument or, worse, may be obliged to accept the situation without even making a complaint.