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It also recommends evaluating support personnel roles, supervision of paraprofessionals, anticipated timelines, and whether the attorney understands the child’s specific 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disability, circumstances may require you to secure assistance in securing services to meet your child’s educational needs. In such circumstances, you may turn to an attorney for assistance. Below are some basic guidelines to assist you in selecting an attorney who can help.  \nSelect an attorney with special education expertise.  \nSpecial education is a complex area of the law, and one not generally taught in law school. Attorneys who assist parents in this field should be well-versed on the various federal and state laws and regulations, as well as the current special education cases coming from the courts.  \nSelect an attorney with experience in special education.  \nThe practice of special education can involve simple negotiations, mediation, administrative hearings (called “due process hearings”), or court hearings. Attorneys who assist parents in this field should have  \nexperience with all of these areas or at least be able to explain the scope of their special education experience.  \nAsk how the attorney charges for his or her work.  \nSpecial education practice can range from public service attorneys who work for free or at low cost to eligible families to those in private practice who charge for their work. Be sure you understand and get in writing a statement of any and all retainers, hourly fees, or flat fees for representation.  \nDiscuss how the attorney will support your role as a parent.  \nAttorneys can advise you on the status of the law and about expected outcomes of your case based upon an analysis of the facts and the law. However, you remain the ultimate decision maker for your child’s educational planning. You should also get regular updates from the attorney (preferably in writing) as to the status of the case. The attorney should be reasonably available to answer your questions and clarify issues.  \nFind out if the attorney has support personnel who will be assisting him/her.  \nAttorneys can be alone in the representation of families (called “solo practice”) or can practice with other attorneys or paraprofessionals. If you are likely to come in contact with or get billed for such other people, you should understand this person’s role in the case. If the attorney is using a paraprofessional as a lay advocate, you should understand how closely the attorney will supervise this paraprofessional.  \nUnderstand how long it may take to resolve the matter.  \nIn some cases, attorneys can negotiate speedy resolutions for their clients; in others, it may take months to reach a resolution. Discuss with your attorney the time frame he or she anticipates in resolving your specific concerns. The attorney should be able to describe the various dispute resolution tactics (negotiation, mediation, due process, or state monitoring) that could apply in your particular case and a reasonable timeframe for each.  \nSelect an attorney who understands your child.  \nEach child with a disability is unique and presents unique educational concerns. Make sure you are confident that your attorney understands the underlying disability and how it manifests itself in your child. If a particular type of disability is new to an attorney, he or she should be willing to gain the knowledge needed to serve your familiy’s interests.  \nTo file a complaint or if you need additional information, please call the Disability Rights Bureau at  \n(217) 524-2660 or visit our website.  \n[www.IllinoisAttorneyGeneral.gov](www.IllinoisAttorneyGeneral.gov)  \nSpringfield  \n500 South Second Street  \nSpringfield, Illinois 62701  \n(217) 524-2660  \nIndividuals with hearing or speech disabilities  \nChicago  \n115 South LaSalle Street Chicago, Illinois 60603  \n(312) 814-5684  \ncan reach us by using the 7-1-1 relay service.","cbCaiggFwtDsOYRu","https://ap.wps.com/l/cbCaiggFwtDsOYRu","pdf",261065,"English","# Guidelines for Choosing an Attorney\n## Special education expertise\n## Relevant experience\n## Fees and retainer terms\n## Support for the parent role\n## Support personnel and supervision\n## Expected timeline and dispute tactics\n## Understanding the child’s disability\n## Contact resources for complaints and information","[{\"question\":\"What should parents prioritize when selecting an attorney for special education representation?\",\"answer\":\"Parents should choose attorneys with special education expertise and experience in areas that may include negotiations, mediation, due process hearings, and court hearings.\"},{\"question\":\"How should attorney costs be handled before representation begins?\",\"answer\":\"Ask how the attorney charges and obtain in writing a statement of all retainers and whether fees are hourly or flat for representation.\"},{\"question\":\"What questions should parents ask about how the case will be handled and updated?\",\"answer\":\"Discuss how the attorney will support the parent’s role, request regular updates (preferably in writing), confirm availability to answer questions, and review the anticipated timeframe and dispute resolution tactics that could apply.\"}]","Guidelines for Choosing an Attorney for Special Education Representation | PDF",1791605160]