Why This Practice Area
A Personal Commitment to This Work
Special education law is not just a practice area for Brian Gatus — it is personal.
One of the reasons Brian pursued a legal career was to advocate for family members with intellectual disabilities and ensure they have the right support, resources, and opportunities they are entitled to under the law.
That experience — watching loved ones navigate a system that is not always designed to accommodate them — shaped Brian’s understanding of what families in this situation truly need: not just legal knowledge, but someone who genuinely cares about the outcome and will not stop advocating until every right is protected.
When Brian takes on a special education matter, it is never just a case. It is a child’s future.
how we help
Special Education Services
We represent families at every stage of the special education process — from IEP meetings to formal disputes.
IEP Advocacy
Individualized Education Programs should reflect your child’s actual needs. We review IEPs, identify deficiencies, and advocate for meaningful goals, appropriate services, and proper placement.
Due Process Hearings
When a school district denies appropriate services or placement, families have the right to a due process hearing. We represent parents before the Office of Administrative Hearings to enforce your child’s rights.
504 Plan Assistance
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act provides accommodations for students with disabilities who may not qualify for special education. We help families obtain and enforce 504 plans.
School District Disputes
Disputes with school districts over eligibility, assessments, placement, or services can be contentious. We represent families in negotiations and formal proceedings to resolve these conflicts.
Independent Educational Evaluations
If you disagree with a school district’s assessment of your child, you may be entitled to an Independent Educational Evaluation at public expense. We help families assert this right.
Transition Planning
For students approaching adulthood, transition planning is critical. We ensure IEPs include meaningful transition goals for post-secondary education, employment, and independent living.
Your Child’s Rights
What the Law Guarantees
Federal and California law provide strong protections for students with disabilities. Here is what your child is entitled to.
FAPE
Free Appropriate Public Education
Under IDEA, every eligible child is entitled to a free appropriate public education tailored to their unique needs — at no cost to the family.
LRE
Least Restrictive Environment
Students with disabilities must be educated alongside non-disabled peers to the maximum extent appropriate. Unnecessary segregation is a violation of your child’s rights.
IEP
Individualized Education Program
Every eligible student is entitled to a written IEP developed with meaningful parent participation. You have the right to review, question, and challenge the IEP at every step.
The Process
How We Work With Your Family
We approach every special education matter with thoroughness, care, and a commitment to your child’s best outcome.
01
Case Review
We review your child’s records, IEP, assessments, and correspondence with the school district to fully understand the situation and identify violations or deficiencies.
02
Strategy & Options
We explain your legal options clearly — from informal resolution to formal due process — and recommend the most effective path based on your child’s specific circumstances.
03
Advocacy & Negotiation
We engage the school district directly — in IEP meetings, resolution sessions, and negotiations — to secure the services and placement your child is entitled to.
04
Formal Proceedings if Needed
If the district refuses to comply, we file for due process and represent your family before the Office of Administrative Hearings, fighting for your child’s rights every step of the way.
common questions
Special Education FAQs
A child may qualify if they have a disability that adversely affects their educational performance and requires specially designed instruction. Qualifying disabilities include autism, learning disabilities, intellectual disabilities, emotional disturbance, and others. An evaluation by the school district is the first step.
Yes. You are a full member of your child’s IEP team. You have the right to request changes, refuse to sign, request an independent evaluation, and ultimately pursue due process if the district does not provide an appropriate program.
A due process hearing is a formal legal proceeding before an Administrative Law Judge in which parents and the school district present evidence about a dispute over a child’s special education program. It is similar to a trial and having legal representation significantly improves outcomes.
Yes — special education law has strict timelines. Due process complaints must be filed within two years of the alleged violation. Many procedural deadlines apply to the school district as well. Contact us promptly if you believe your child’s rights have been violated.
Under IDEA, a prevailing parent in a due process hearing may be entitled to recover reasonable attorney’s fees from the school district. We discuss fee arrangements and recovery possibilities during the consultation.
Your Child’s Rights Matter. Let’s Protect Them.
Call 818-457-6415 or schedule a consultation today.