Our Approach

At Susan Luger Associates, our approach is rooted in compassion and centered around our clients. We firmly believe that going through any process in special education law doesn't have to be a daunting experience. By providing support and crucial information every step of the way, we aim to alleviate stress for families facing educational challenges. Whether it's understanding Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), 504 Plans, seeking reimbursement for private school tuition, or addressing various learning, mental health, or behavioral issues in school settings, we are here to listen attentively, clarify options thoroughly, and fiercely advocate for your rights.

Rest assured, with us by your side, you have a passionate ally ready to guide you through the educational system and fight tirelessly on behalf of your family.

Phase 1: Advocacy

The “front-end”: build the framework of your case.

In Phase 1, the SLA Parent Support Team will:

• Help you determine appropriate placements and services for your child

• Assist you in obtaining appropriate expert evaluations

• Help you communicate effectively with your local school district

• Accompany you to the CSE Meeting

  • Present your case to the CSE team

  • Act as ‘eyes and ears’, taking contemporaneous notes for later, possible testimony

• Accompany you to visit and evaluate the CSE-recommended programs

• Help you formulate all necessary written communication with the CSE

• Generate and submit a Request for Impartial Hearing to the local school board if needed

Phase 2: Settlement or Litigation

Secure your desired goal.

Settlement

If the school district wishes to settle your case:

• On average, 85% of our cases are settled. No settlement will be accepted without your approval. If you do not want to settle your case, we are always ready to proceed to hearing.

• We expedite and track stipulations of settlement.

• We keep you informed of the status of your settlement through to completion of services and payment.

Impartial Hearing Litigation

If Impartial Hearing litigation is necessary:

• On average 15% of cases went to Impartial Hearing.

• We do not encourage our clients to accept inappropriate settlement offers to avoid litigation.

• When settlement is not possible and litigation is the best option, we can recommend one of our hand-picked affiliated attorneys to prepare and present your case in the legal forum.

• SLA-affiliated attorneys are strong litigators, highly knowledgeable in Special Education law.

• Your SLA-affiliated attorney will prepare and present your case for the Impartial Hearing with the support of the Advocacy Team.

• Our affiliated attorneys’ records of success are the best!!!

Other Litigation

SLA-affiliated attorneys are available for:

• Appeals to the NYS State Review Office.

• Federal Appeals.

Phase 3: Secure Your Award

After settlement or successful litigation, SLA provides unique services to its clients to secure their awards.

Our dedicated staff work tirelessly to secure awards as rapidly as possible.

• We will collect and organize the needed documents.

• We will ensure timely submission of all documents to the school district.

• We will track the processing of your award within the school district.