How to Choose a Special Education Lawyer in Massachusetts – Part 2

By the time you decide to hire a special education lawyer, the stakes are often high. You may feel frustrated with your school district and worried about your child’s future. Choosing the wrong attorney can waste valuable time and money—and may even cause lasting harm to your child’s education.

So how do you find the right law firm to represent your family? If you haven’t already, read Part 1 here.

4. Look for a Good Listener

A lawyer’s job is to represent you and your child—but they can’t do that effectively unless they fully understand your situation, concerns, and goals. Pay attention to whether the attorney listens carefully: asking thoughtful questions, taking notes, and clarifying when something isn’t clear. A good listener will make you feel heard and understood.

5. Evaluate Communication Skills

When you hire a lawyer, you are trusting someone to speak and write on your behalf. Clear, confident, and accessible communication is essential. The best special education attorneys can explain complex laws and confusing school records in a way that makes sense to parents. If you walk away from a consultation more confused than when you started, keep looking.

6. Choose a Realist

Special education law is complicated and far from perfect. Be wary of attorneys who promise guaranteed reimbursements, automatic private school placements, or an end to future disputes. A skilled and ethical attorney will set realistic expectations, explain both the strengths and weaknesses of your case, and guide you in developing a practical, strategic plan.

If you are seeking guidance in Massachusetts, contact Noble Education Law in the Boston area. Our attorneys are committed to helping families navigate the special education system with clarity and confidence.

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Massachusetts Special Education Mediation: What Parents Need to Know

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Requesting a Unilateral Placement in Massachusetts Special Education