Children's Law Clinic

Negotiation and Mediation

"We never go into a case assuming that we will sue a school district. We always try to solve problems through negotiation and mediation. When an Individualized Education Plan process breaks down, it's usually because a relationship has broken down -- oftentimes the relationship between the parent and the school. We try to figure out what the root of the problem is and help mend that relationship, so that when we step out the parent can continue to advocate on the child's behalf."

Brenda Berlin
Supervising Attorney,
Children's Law Clinic

The Children's Law Clinic provides legal advice and representation in the following areas:

Special Education

• The identification of children with disabilities who need special education
• The evaluation and testing of special needs children, including the right of the parents to an independent evaluation
• Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings, concerning services and placement for children with special needs
• Due process hearings and state complaints to resolve disputes with the school system regarding special education services

School Discipline

• Appeals of school suspensions or expulsions
• "Manifestation determination" meetings, to review the discipline imposed on a child with special needs and/or in need of special education

Other school-related issues

• School enrollment
• Government benefits for children with disabilities

The clinic does not handle the following cases: abuse and neglect, juvenile delinquency or other criminal matters, housing, family law, personal injury.

Service Area: The clinic offers its services to low-income clients who live in the following counties: Alamance, Caswell, Chatham, Durham, Granville, Franklin, Orange, Person, Vance, Wake, and Warren.