Business Details
8 Years
experience
Trusted Education Law Advocates in Frederick, MD
Law for Parents is dedicated to empowering families through expert guidance in education law and advocacy. Our team combines deep legal knowledge with hands-on experience in special education to help parents navigate complex school systems and protect their children's rights. Founded by Ashley VanCleef, a former special education attorney and administrator with over two decades of experience, we provide strategic counsel on Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), 504 plans, and dispute resolution. Our approach prioritizes collaborative solutions while maintaining readiness for litigation when necessary. We serve families across Maryland with personalized support tailored to each child's unique needs.Our attorneys hold memberships in prestigious organizations like the Maryland State Bar Association and International Dyslexia Association. We offer training on federal education requirements and maintain active involvement in professional development through partnerships with institutions like Morgan State University. Our track record includes successful advocacy in notable cases against major school districts. We operate from our Frederick, Maryland office with flexible appointment options to accommodate working families.
Services
Educational Advocacy
Special Education Law
IEP Assistance
504 Plan Guidance
Legal Representation
Compliance Training
Details
- Year established: 2018
Highlights and features
- Our attorneys have 20+ years of combined experience in special education law
- We combine legal expertise with hands-on special education teaching background
- Proven success in cases against major Maryland school districts
- Offer flexible evening and weekend appointments for working families
- Active members of Maryland State Bar Association and International Dyslexia Association
What people say
Award-winning attorneys
Experienced in special education
Effective advocacy
Flexible appointments
Proven courtroom success
Services
Educational Advocacy
We provide expert representation for parents navigating special education systems. Our advocates work directly with school districts to secure appropriate services and accommodations. With backgrounds in both education and law, our team ensures compliance with federal and state regulations while prioritizing student success.
IEP Assistance
Our specialists help develop and implement Individualized Education Programs tailored to each child's needs. We review evaluations, attend meetings, and negotiate services to ensure legally compliant and educationally appropriate plans. Our team includes former school administrators familiar with district processes.
Legal Representation
When disputes arise, our experienced litigators represent families in formal proceedings. We handle due process complaints, mediation, and court cases with proven success in Maryland jurisdictions. Our attorneys combine trial experience with deep knowledge of education law to protect parental rights.
504 Plan Guidance
We assist families in securing Section 504 accommodations for students with disabilities. Our team ensures schools comply with anti-discrimination laws and implement effective plans. We provide ongoing support for plan implementation and dispute resolution when necessary.
Compliance Training
We offer professional development on special education requirements for educators and parents. Our training covers IDEA regulations, IEP development, and dispute resolution strategies. Former university faculty members deliver practical insights based on real-world experience in Maryland school systems.
People
Ashley VanCleef
Principal Attorney
Education law attorney with 20+ years experience in special education advocacy. Former special education teacher and administrator with expertise in IEP development and dispute resolution. Holds Orton Gillingham certification and teaches education law at the university level.
Alexandra Benjamin
Paralegal
Specializes in juvenile justice and youth advocacy with background in Maryland's Department of Juvenile Services. Certified in mental health first aid and cognitive behavioral therapy. Provides case management support for families navigating education systems.
Questions
What areas of law do you specialize in?
We focus exclusively on education law with emphasis on special education rights and advocacy for students with disabilities.
Do you handle cases outside Frederick County?
Yes, we represent families throughout Maryland including Howard County, Baltimore City, and Montgomery County school districts.
What is your approach to resolving disputes?
We prioritize collaborative solutions first but maintain readiness for formal litigation when necessary to protect student rights.
Can you help with IEP meetings?
Yes, we attend IEP meetings with you and review all evaluations to ensure appropriate services and legally compliant plans.
Do you offer evening appointments?
Yes, we provide flexible scheduling including evening and weekend appointments to accommodate working families.
What qualifications do your attorneys have?
Our attorneys combine law degrees with special education teaching experience and Orton Gillingham certification for dyslexia support.
