National Special Education Expert to Keynote LRP’s School Attorneys Conference

Sept. 18, 2012 - PRLog -- LRP’s Special Education School Attorneys Conference, designed to provide expert advice on legal and strategic issues facing attorneys representing school districts, announced national expert Julie Weatherly will kick-off the 19th annual event being held January 27 – 29, 2013 at the Hilton Scottsdale Resort & Villas, Scottsdale Arizona. Weatherly will keynote the Opening Session: The Year in Review 2012 (and a Look Ahead to 2013).

“With approximately one out of 10 students receiving assistance under special federal programs, LRP’s Special Education School Attorneys Conference equips attorneys with essential knowledge, expert tips and effective strategies. By featuring sessions keynoted by experienced special education leaders such as Julie Weatherly, attendees learn techniques they can quickly use to protect their districts,” said John Norlin, LRP's Special Education School Attorneys Conference Co-Chair.

Weatherly’s Opening Session will provide a comprehensive overview of important cases decided in 2012 regarding eligibility, evaluation, behavior/discipline, placement, Section 504 and reimbursement. Cases to be discussed include Bryant v. New York State Education Department, Klein Independent School District v. Hovem; and G.J. v. Muscogee County School District. Plus, she plans to provide expert commentary on critical decisions that affect special education attorneys’ everyday practice of the law.

“According to the U.S. Department of Education National Center for Education Statistics, in 2011 more than 13 percent of public school students were being served in programs for children with disabilities. The number of students receiving aide in 2012 is projected to increase, so it’s very important for school attorneys to protect their districts and properly handle special education challenges,” said Norlin.

Weatherly’s highly anticipated session will also examine what will likely be on the horizon for 2013 and beyond, plus she’ll identify key litigation trends districts’ legal representatives should prepare for.

In other sessions, LRP’s Special Education School Attorneys Conference will provide expert advice on top concerns including:

•   Section 504 and students with medical needs
•   Transition services for students with autism
•   Evaluating and serving students with emotional disturbance
•   Transportation issues for students with disabilities
•   Balancing school safety and student confidentiality
•   Independent educational evaluations
•   Legal risks of restraint and seclusion

For more details on the 2013 program, visit: http://www.schoolattorneysconf.com/agenda_SA.html

Special Education attorneys representing school districts are encouraged to register now to save $180.00 off the on-site conference rate. To register, visit http://www.schoolattorneysconf.com/register.html or call toll-free 1-800-727-1227.

To encourage open dialogue and discussion, participation in LRP’s Special Education School Attorneys Conference is limited. Registrants must be attorneys who do not currently represent parties with special education interests adverse to school districts. These criteria apply only to the individual attorney and not to other attorneys in the registrant’s firm or attorneys with whom the registrant may be associated. Hearing officers are also eligible for this conference.