I have seen a lot of change over the past 20 years since founding Mayerson & Associates. Reflecting back on the ever-changing socio-political climate, it is essential that we identify and act on new practices and policies so that we may continue to meet the needs of our client families. Not that long ago, most client matters had to be tried and adjudicated following a full-blown due process hearing. We had no choice but to gear up for trial because, in general, the DOE allowed no other options. School chancellors might come and go, but the DOE’s hearing siege continued. It was not at all unusual for our attorneys to have a hearing scheduled every day of the week. In fact, on occasion, some of us would return to the office at the end of the day after attending two or sometimes even three different hearings. We learned to juggle these hearings and, while it was exhausting, we actually became pretty good at it. We won most of those battles, with the DOE having to pay attorneys’ fees in addition to the significant financial and other related relief being awarded to the student’s family. Over time, at least in part due to pressure brought to bear by the current occupant of City Hall, the DOE’s hearing siege shifted gears, with more and more cases being settled. We reorganized and moved into settlement mode. To read this article in full, please visit: https://conta.cc/2QZB9wo
