In OneLaw’s February newsletter, Legal Assistant Madalyn Caiado reviews the age-old question: “When Do You Need a Special Education Attorney?” We also celebrate Attorney Chiara LaPlume for being recognized as a Top Lawyer in Boston Magazine for 2025. There is also a reminder we represent clients in residential real estate matters, including buying and selling homes, and an employment announcement for a full-time education law attorney position to start immediately.
Read the full February 2026 newsletter HERE.
A text version is below.
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February 2026
Hopefully the endless frigid temperatures and relentless snow are soon coming to an end. There is a (spring) light at the end of the tunnel!
Here at OneLaw, we are hiring for a full-time education law attorney to start immediately. More information is below. In our newsletter this month, Legal Assistant Madalyn Caiado reviews the age-old question: When Do You Need a Special Education Attorney?
We celebrate Attorney Chiara LaPlume for being recognized as a Top Lawyer in Boston Magazine for 2025. There is also a reminder we represent clients in residential real estate matters, including buying and selling homes, as the spring market approaches.
As always, OneLaw is dedicated to serving the personal legal needs of families and individuals across a variety of practice areas. Let us know how we can help you.
Visit our website (https://www.one-law.us) or give us a call at 617-831-4355.
Peter A. Hahn, Esq. Principal Attorney
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Congratulations to Attorney Chiara LaPlume on being named a Boston Magazine Top Lawyer for 2025!
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Do You Need a Special Education Attorney?
by Madalyn Caiado
Do you need a special education attorney? When is it time to get an attorney involved?
Navigating special education issues can be difficult and disputes can arise over IEPs, 504 Plans, or educational placements. While all public schools are supposed to provide a free appropriate public education (“FAPE”) to students with disabilities, parents often feel there is a difference between what their child needs and what services the school is willing to provide. A process that is supposed to benefit the child can sometimes turn into a battle, blurring the ultimate goal of a meaningful education. Schools should be working collaboratively with families, but when communication breaks down, parents may begin to wonder whether legal support is necessary.
What is a special education attorney?
A special education attorney can serve different roles in the process depending on the family’s ultimate goal. They can provide legal advice and a plan of approach, or they can be more actively involved in the IEP process by attending Team meetings and advocating for services and placements that provide FAPE. They can represent you at the Bureau of Special Education Appeals or in court.
A special education attorney has the expertise to interpret legal language and can provide clarity on what your child is entitled to under the law. They can also assess whether procedural violations have occurred, whether the district is meeting its legal obligations, and what strategic options are available moving forward.
Families sometimes work with a special education advocate before consulting a special education attorney. Educational advocates can be extremely helpful in navigating meetings and communicating concerns. However, advocates are not attorneys and cannot provide legal advice. Understanding that distinction can help families decide when it may be time to consult an attorney.
When is it time to get a special education attorney involved?
Parents should consider hiring a special education attorney when they feel that the process has reached a standstill or the school is not providing adequate services.
You may want to consider involving an attorney if:
* The district has involved its own attorney,
* You are preparing for mediation or a due process hearing at the Bureau of Special Education Appeals (BSEA),
* The school has offered you a settlement agreement or violated a settlement agreement,
* You believe your child needs an out of district placement,
* There has been a disciplinary issue,
* Your request for an evaluation has been refused,
* Your child is consistently failing to meet the goals specified in their IEP,
* Services listed in the IEP are not being delivered or are not appropriate, or
* Your request for an evaluation or meeting has been denied.
Not every disagreement requires an attorney. In many situations, communication and collaboration can resolve concerns. The key is recognizing when the process has shifted from problem solving to protecting legal rights. When a disagreement becomes a violation of the law, it is time to consult an attorney. Certainly, any education matter that is at the BSEA or in court requires legal representation.
However, a special education lawyer does not necessarily mean taking the case to a due process hearing or going to court, but it does mean leveling the playing field and ensuring that your child’s legal rights are protected. Early involvement can sometimes prevent disputes from escalating further.
If you find yourself unsure about the next steps, or if your efforts to work with your child’s school are not yielding the necessary results, or if you are at the BSEA or court or thinking it is time to consider it, contact us. OneLaw is committed to helping you understand your rights and navigate these difficult situations.
Madalyn Caiado is a Legal Assistant at OneLaw with a focus in education law.
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EDUCATION LAW ATTORNEY
OneLaw is looking immediately for a full-time education law attorney. This is a salaried position. Ideal candidates have at least 2-3 years experience within education law or litigation experience with a strong interest in education law. You must be a licensed attorney in Massachusetts and a member in good standing of the bar. The attorney is expected to be in our office in Newton most days, however there are opportunities to work virtually at times. Some cases may require travel outside the office. Salary is commensurate with experience. There will be an option for certain benefits. Please send a brief letter of interest and a current resume to Peter Hahn or reach out with any questions. We look forward to hearing from you. Feel free to share this job posting.
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RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE
Whether you are buying or selling a home, with experience or for the first time, contact OneLaw for legal representation throughout the process.
We offer flat fee rates for standard purchase and sale transactions.
We also advise clients regarding condominiums, deeds, drafting legal documents, and other areas within residential real estate.
We are also always looking to connect with real estate agents and home financing professionals.
Reach out to set up a time for us to talk about how we can assist each other.
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OneLaw represents clients in education, estate planning, residential real estate, civil rights, disability, family law, criminal and victim rights, discrimination, special needs planning, guardianship, Juvenile Court, child welfare, probate administration, Title IX, HPO/RO, and related matters.