school law
working for studentsEducation Law
Serving Students of All Ages
For nine years, I was the staff attorney for the Charleston County School District, the second-largest school district in South Carolina. I have experience with all of these challenges and much more. I help students get the educational opportunities they deserve.
School Law Experience:
challenging school expulsions & discipline
When a student is recommended for expulsion, the clock starts ticking and you have to move quickly. Schools have to follow the law and their own policies, and students are entitled to appeal expulsion and suspension, but hearings are sometimes scheduled within days, and the deadline to appeal can come up fast.
helping students with disabilities
Students with disabilities are entitled to protection under federal and state law. Schools are required to identify students that have needs, even if their families don’t know it. And, schools are required to create a plan for services, and provide those services, to ensure that each student has access to a free, appropriate public education.
fighting discrimination in schools
Students of every age are entitled to protection against discrimination. The law guarantees that a student can’t be denied admission to a school or a program, or access to sports, or any other benefit of public education based on qualities such as race, sex, or disability.
“I enthusiastically recommend John Emerson as an attorney. Mr. Emerson assisted with a school harassment issue. His guidance, keen intellect and thorough understanding of the law enabled my family to quickly reach a favorable conclusion. Mr. Emerson was prompt and accessible and his advice was invaluable. I recommend him without reservation.”
– Teresa B.
