Bell, Silberblatt & Wood

Administrative hearings do not initially occur in courts of law, but rather are set before administrative law judges, tribunals, or commissions, all with complex procedures. An administrative law case can only move into the civil courts upon appeal of an administrative ruling.

According to dictionary.com: "An attorney or, more correctly, an attorney-at-law, is a member of the legal profession who represents a client in court when pleading or defending a case. In the US, attorney applies to any lawyer."

Civil attorneys who specialize in consumer litigation represent their clients' rights in consumer transactions. Consumer litigation involves matters such as deceptive or unfair trade practices, consumer fraud, auto warranties and Lemon laws, construction defects, and unscrupulous credit collection practices.

So what exactly does an education lawyer do? He or she is poised to help with legal issues that will ultimately hamper a student’s ability to get a quality education. This can involve everything from student rights and discrimination to how a school is governed.

Many wrongful termination and discrimination claims against employers are brought because of actions taken during an employee's pregnancy. It is discriminatory under the law to base hiring, firing and other adverse job-related actions on a woman's pregnancy.

Did you know that any student has the right to peacefully protest a dress code policy? Remember though, that does not mean that the student may violate the policy or engage in other activity that is legitimately banned in the school.

In the legal world, cases typically fall into one of two categories: criminal and civil. This means that civil law can encompass anything from issues with an overzealous agent of the government to a civil rights issue.

Do not worry that your child, who is struggling in school, may be transferred to a special education classroom without notice. An experienced education lawyer can explain the process of evaluating and providing special education services, which requires parental consent before schools take any action.

While you may be used to being treated differently because of your race, gender or sexual orientation, you shouldn’t have to endure it. When you’re ready to set things right, we’re always here to help you evaluate the merits of your case.

Are you a college student receiving financial aid? Remember that you must accept legal responsibility for all agreements that you sign. Also, you must perform the work you have agreed upon if accepting College Work-Study or regular student employment.

In the area of employment laws, Title VII legislation plays a vital role in what and employer can and cannot do in the hiring and treatment of employees. If you believe you have been the victim of job discrimination, let us help you.

When you think of education law, it’s easy to think that it only relates to public schools and issues that involve them. But it can also concern private schools as well, such as ensuring that private schools meet legally established educational standards.

The discovery phase is when most civil actions are resolved. Because it involves the sharing of information between the parties involved, your attorney is able to review what is at hand and make a sound recommendation regarding moving further or settling out of court.

If you suspect that your child has a learning disability, you have the legal right to have him or her assessed. If your school has refused to assess your child or has assessed your child inadequately, then you may have a legal case and need to consult a lawyer.

One of the earliest compilations of laws in North America is routinely referred to as "Dale’s Laws." Printed in 1612, the 88 articles were drafted in England to establish civil standards and define the Lawes Divine, Morall and Martiall for The Colony in Virginea, Britannia.

If you have a child with learning disabilities and special needs, it’s important that you as a parent stay as involved as possible. Under the education laws in the United States, you have a right to play an intrinsic part in the process.

Money is often a key issue when couples decide to get a divorce. However, saving money by not hiring an attorney is a recipe for potential disaster. Experts say divorces are complicated enough to require an attorney, particularly if your spouse has hired one.

Think just any attorney can be expected to protect your child’s rights? Think again! A specialist in educational and civil rights law has all the information and the experience they need to ensure that your child will receive all the protections they deserve.

Are you considering buying a piece of property? There are certain requirements for contracts to purchase real estate, including the proper filing of the document. A civil lawyer can ensure that you have a proper contract that is fair both to you and the other party.

Were you aware that if you are a student receiving financial aid, you have the right to request an explanation of the various awards in your student aid package? Also, if you believe a mistake has been made in determining your eligibility, you have the right to ask that your financial aid application be reconsidered.

An administrative law attorney is trained -- and in some states, certified -- to appear before a diverse set of governmental agencies, such as state insurance boards, Medicaid, Medicare and welfare commissions, liquor and trade licensing commissions, and the public utility commission.

There are several different instances where hiring an education lawyer is going to be beneficial. This includes if your school is refusing to accommodate your special needs child, if your child was discriminated against, or if your school is trying to expel your child.

The simplest and most convincing reasons to write a will is that your assets will only go where you want them to with a will. This is often an issue when an ex-spouse is involved. A civil lawyer can help you to write up and then update your will, so there will be no confusion.

Have a child for whom you are trying to get appropriate and needed special education services? An attorney can help make sure that they get all of the services that they deserve, and enforce all of their other legal rights.

The Federal Fair Housing Act is designed to protect against housing discrimination on the basis of race, religion, sex, national origin, family status, or disability. This includes holding accountable such individuals as landlords, building managers, and real estate agents.

Are you a student applying for financial aid? Remember, you have the right to know how your financial need was determined, and what resources (such as parental contribution, other financial aid, assets, etc.) were considered in the calculation of your financial needs.