Law Office of James A. Lester

 WE HAVE A NEW WEBSITE!

Please come visit us at our new website at:

www.jameslesteresq.com

or go directly to the new "Services" page

Thanks, I'll see you there!

- James Lester



Services

Michigan education law attorney James Lester provides legal advice and representation to help families throughout Michigan resolve school and education-related problems, including disputes over special education, student discipline and other matters described below.

Consultation and Advice   A low-cost case review and consultation service is available for parents who just want information and advice about a school-related concern without formal representation. 

Representation   When a problem is more substantive or complex, or when parents would simply prefer not to deal with the school themselves, Mr. Lester provides formal legal representation in IEP meetings, negotiations, mediations, complaints to administrative agencies, student discipline proceedings, manifestation determinations, administrative hearings, and litigation.

Problem Solving   Mr. Lester is diligent in pursuing a favorable outcome in every case. He views each child's education as a "must win" situation.  Equally important, he pursues his client's objectives with appropriate professionalism to avoid making a disagreement with the school unnecessarily hostile or personal.  Avoiding unnecessary hostility increases the likelihood of a prompt and favorable resolution, and helps promote a constructive relationship between the family and the school in the future.



Services

• Case Review and Consultation
• Formal and Informal Negotiations
• IEP Meetings
• Mediation
• Due Process Hearings
• Student Discipline Hearings
• Presentation of Problems or Policy Issues to Administrators/Boards
• Manifestation Determinations
• Administrative Complaints to Government Agencies
• Litigation

Practice Areas

Special Education

• Appropriate educational services
• IEPs
• Least restrictive environment
• Behavior issues and problems
• Behavior intervention plans
• 504 Plans/disability accommodations
• Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
• Graduation and transition planning
• Qualifying for services
• Discipline of students with disabilities
• Manifestation Determinations
• All other special education issues

Student Discipline

• Suspensions and expulsions
• Disqualification from activities
• Zero tolerance policies
• Discipline of students with disabilities
• Manifestation Determinations

 Seclusion and Restraint

• Assault, abuse and neglect by school
• Parent's right to visit the classroom

 Bullying and Harrassment

• Protection of the victim
• Correction of the offender
• Accountability of the school

 Discrimination and Civil Rights