Special Education Law and Advocacy Field Clinic

Catalog description

The goal of the field clinic is for students to gain understanding of the process of representing families of students with disabilities, while honing basic trial skills. Students will work at Advocates for Children and collaborating organizations which provide free legal services to low-income families. In their fieldwork, students will assist with the representation of families seeking appropriate educational services and placement from the New York City school system. Students will assist with or advocate at the administrative hearings which will determine what educational services and placement are appropriate for a student with a disability. These hearings involve legal research, opening statements, direct and cross examination, and closing statements. Participating organizations include: Advocates for Children, http://www.advocatesforchildren.org/Legal Services NYC Bronx, http://www.bronx.legalservicesnyc.org/index.jsp?npid=134 Manhattan Legal Services, http://www.legalservicesnyc.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=93&Itemid=13