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Special Education Legal Advocacy in Connecticut
Forte Law Group is a dedicated legal practice specializing in special education law, advocating for families across Connecticut. With decades of combined experience, our team prioritizes child-centered advocacy, ensuring every child receives a free appropriate public education tailored to their unique needs. We empower families by leading complex legal processes, from IEP meetings to due process litigation, while fostering collaboration with school districts and professionals.Our approach combines legal expertise with compassionate support, focusing on measurable outcomes that improve educational experiences for children with disabilities. We are committed to systemic change, legislative advocacy, and providing accessible resources to strengthen the special needs community.
Services
Special Education Advocacy
Due Process Mediation
Autism Advocacy
Expulsion Defense
IEP Review
Private School Placement
Civil Protection Orders
Juvenile Defense
Bullying Cases
Title IX Compliance
Highlights and features
- We offer child-centered advocacy prioritizing your child's unique needs
- Our team provides 24/7 personalized legal support for urgent matters
- We implement a collaborative approach combining mediation and litigation
- Our attorneys have decades of specialized experience in education law
- We guarantee transparent communication and no hidden legal fees
What people say
Exceptional support
Successful outcomes
Responsive communication
Thorough understanding
Compassionate representation
Services
Special Education Advocacy
We represent families in securing appropriate special education services through Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). Our attorneys review educational records, attend planning meetings, and negotiate with school districts to ensure compliance with IDEA and state regulations. We help parents understand their rights and obtain necessary accommodations, related services, and placement decisions that meet their child's unique needs.
Due Process Litigation
When negotiations fail, we provide comprehensive legal representation in due process hearings and special education litigation. Our team prepares compelling cases through evidence collection, expert witness coordination, and strategic argumentation. We specialize in enforcing educational rights under IDEA, Section 504, and state laws, with proven success in securing favorable rulings for children with disabilities.
Expulsion Defense
We defend students facing disciplinary actions including suspensions and expulsions. Our attorneys ensure schools follow proper procedures for students with disabilities, challenge inappropriate disciplinary measures, and advocate for alternative interventions. We protect clients' educational rights during manifestation determination reviews and work to maintain appropriate educational placements during disciplinary proceedings.
Private School Placement
We assist families in obtaining court-ordered private school placements at public expense when public schools fail to provide appropriate services. Our attorneys evaluate educational needs, gather supporting documentation, and present compelling cases demonstrating the inadequacy of proposed public placements. We negotiate settlements and litigate when necessary to secure appropriate educational environments.
Bullying Cases
We represent students subjected to bullying, harassment, and discrimination in school settings. Our attorneys work to implement protective measures, address systemic failures in IEP implementation, and pursue legal remedies for emotional harm. We advocate for comprehensive safety plans, staff training, and systemic changes to prevent future incidents while protecting students' educational rights.
People
Jeffrey L. Forte
Founding Member & Partner
Jeffrey Forte is a certified child advocate with extensive experience in special education law. He focuses on IEP development, due process hearings, and private school placements. His practice emphasizes collaborative problem-solving while maintaining litigation readiness. He holds a Juris Doctor degree and actively participates in legal and educational advocacy organizations.
Jill Hornig
Of Counsel
Jill Hornig brings legal expertise to special education cases, focusing on due process compliance and student rights. She provides strategic counsel on complex education law matters, working closely with families and school districts to achieve appropriate educational outcomes through both collaborative and adversarial processes.
Lauren Parlato
Special Education Advocate
Lauren Parlato holds a Master's degree in Special Education and provides expert advocacy for families navigating the special education system. She specializes in IEP development, educational assessments, and implementation monitoring, working closely with families to ensure appropriate service delivery and educational progress.
Jennifer Lewis
Paralegal
Jennifer Lewis supports the legal team with case management, document organization, and client communication. She assists in preparing legal filings, coordinating evaluations, and maintaining organized case records to ensure efficient representation in special education matters.
Estee Boshoff
Special Education Intake Specialist
Estee Boshoff serves as the initial point of contact for new clients, assessing their special education needs and connecting them with appropriate legal resources. She provides guidance on educational rights, intake procedures, and available support services within the firm's practice areas.
Questions
What makes a Connecticut Special Education Lawyer qualified to handle IEPs?
Our attorneys have extensive experience with IDEA and state education laws, regularly attending IEP meetings and advocating for legally compliant, child-centered plans.
How do I request an independent educational evaluation (IEE)?
We handle the process of requesting IEEs from school districts, ensuring proper documentation and legal justification for these critical assessments.
What happens if the school refuses to follow the IEP?
We pursue legal remedies including mediation and due process hearings to enforce IEP compliance and secure appropriate educational services.
Can I change my child's IEP if it's not working?
Yes, we help families request IEP revisions based on progress data and changing educational needs through formal meetings and legal advocacy.
Is mediation required before filing a due process complaint?
While not always mandatory, we often recommend mediation first to resolve disputes collaboratively before pursuing formal litigation.
How can I access my child's school records?
We handle FERPA requests to obtain educational records and ensure parents have complete information for making informed decisions.
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