We represent families in matters related to special education (IEPs and 504 plans), school discipline (suspensions, expulsions, MDRs), and disability discrimination and retaliation under IDEA, ADA, and Section 504.

Bo Johnson is licensed in Alabama and Washington and accepts cases statewide in both states.

Education records contain the documented history of your child’s school experience — including evaluations, services provided, discipline, grades, and more. These records are essential because they provide the facts needed to understand what has happened, what’s been offered (or denied), and what steps should come next.

Requesting the records early gives you and your attorney time to review the information before making any major decisions or attending meetings. Under federal law (FERPA), schools have up to 45 days to respond — which can be too long to wait in urgent situations like suspensions, placement changes, or IEP disputes. Requesting records early helps you avoid delays and prepares you to act confidently and effectively. Learn More

First, make sure the school has provided reasonable advance written notice of the meeting — this is required under federal law. The notice should give you enough time to prepare and arrange to attend.

If possible, both parents should attend. If only one parent can be present, they should not go alone — bring a friend, advocate, or trusted person who can take notes while you focus on the discussion.

While the school will likely have someone take notes and provide meeting minutes, you are also allowed to record the meeting, as long as you notify the IEP team in advance.

Before the meeting, write down the key issues or concerns you want to raise. After the meeting, take notes on how each issue was addressed or resolved. Always ask for a copy of the IEP. If the school staff say they need to make changes first, request both the draft version and the final version when it’s ready.

For detailed guidance on how to prepare for and participate effectively in IEP meetings, we recommend (click) From Emotions to Advocacy (2nd Edition) by Pete and Pam Wright — an essential manual for parents navigating special education.

An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a legal document that outlines services and accommodations for students with disabilities. Legal support can help ensure the plan is appropriate, legally compliant, and implemented effectively.

A Section 504 plan provides accommodations for students with disabilities so they can access learning on an equal basis. An IEP, on the other hand, includes both accommodations and specialized instruction. IEPs are for students who qualify under IDEA, while 504 plans apply more broadly under civil rights law.

Failure to follow an IEP or 504 plan may be a violation of federal law. We evaluate the situation, gather evidence, and work with families to take appropriate legal action — whether through informal resolution or formal complaint procedures.

Many education-related disputes can be resolved without going to court. Alternatives include informal resolution meetings with the school district, mediation, or facilitated IEP meetings. These options can often lead to quicker, less adversarial outcomes while still protecting your child’s rights.

If services are being denied, plans aren’t being followed, or your child is being disciplined unfairly, it may indicate a legal violation. A consultation can help assess the situation.

Contact an attorney immediately — especially if your child has a disability. Certain protections apply, and quick legal intervention can affect outcomes and ensure fair treatment.

Yes — it’s very serious. An MDR is a legally required meeting used to determine whether a student’s behavior that led to suspension or expulsion is a manifestation of their disability. The outcome of this meeting can affect whether your child remains in their current school placement or is moved to an alternative setting.

Under federal law, you have the right to attend and meaningfully participate in the MDR meeting. You may also bring legal counsel and be accompanied by individuals with special knowledge or training about your child’s disabilities and behavior.

“You, the parent, possess the right to attend and meaningfully participate in the MDR, to be accompanied and advised at the MDR meeting by counsel, and to be accompanied and advised at the MDR meeting by individuals with special knowledge or training regarding your child’s problems and disabilities.” — 34 C.F.R. § 300.512(a)(1) and 34 C.F.R. § 300.530(e)(1)

Because MDR decisions can have significant and immediate consequences — such as long-term removal from school — it’s important to prepare thoroughly and seek guidance if needed.

Learn More About Manifestation Determination Review Meetings

We assist families with the entire special education process — from evaluating eligibility to reviewing and developing IEPs, writing goals, securing proper evaluations, and ensuring services and accommodations are implemented. We also represent clients in due process hearings when disputes with the school district cannot be resolved informally.

We represent students in school discipline matters, especially when behavior may be related to a disability. This includes emergency advocacy, Manifestation Determination Reviews (MDRs), and working with families to ensure that discipline is handled in compliance with federal and state law.

An MDR is a meeting required before a student with a disability can be suspended or expelled for behavior. It determines whether the behavior is linked to the student’s disability. Legal representation can be critical during this process.