Powerful Legal Advocates For Complex Educational Concerns
Our attorneys don’t simply stand by while students are mistreated or educators’ rights are trampled on. We believe that everyone should be treated fairly in the classroom and have access to education no matter what kind of special needs or disability they have. With our extensive resources, decades of combined experience in education law, and insight into the finer points of California educational case law, our firm is uniquely equipped to resolve your concerns. We’re not afraid of powerful school systems, colleges, and their teams of lawyers. Our California education lawyer protects your child’s right to education, your place and scholarship at university, or your academic reputation.
At K Altman Law, our attorneys believe in fairness in education at all levels. We’re prepared to defend your rights and we’re not intimidated by powerful school districts and their large teams of lawyers. Please contact us today for a professional consultation.
How Our California Education Lawyer Helps Students
If your child has been discriminated against at school, a victim of a Title IX violation, or if their IEP isn’t being adhered to, we can help you. Or perhaps you’re facing accusations at your college, trade school, or university that could derail your education or even jeopardize your place in the program or your financial aid. Our attorneys are ready to protect your interests and swiftly resolve the matter.
We handle a wide variety of high-stakes educational issues, such as accusations of academic dishonesty, plagiarism, and AI use or allegations of behavior that violate the school’s code of conduct.
For younger students and their families, we can evaluate Title IX violations, bullying (and the school’s failure to do anything about it), or unfair disciplinary proceedings. If you have a child with a disability, special needs, or learning disability, we can help you secure proper accommodations so they can spend as much time as possible in the main classroom.
Too often, school systems are overwhelmed with crowded classrooms, short staffing issues, and ever-changing regulations and laws, leaving the needs of many students unmet. We use all the tools available to us under California law to help you protect your child and ensure they are fairly treated by the school district and administration.
Supporting Students with Mental Health Challenges and Invisible Disabilities
In California’s fast-paced and competitive academic environment, students with mental health needs or non-obvious disabilities—such as ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, or anxiety—are often overlooked. These students frequently struggle without proper accommodations or face unjust disciplinary actions because their challenges are misunderstood by teachers or administrators.
At K Altman Law, we help families ensure that their child’s rights under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act are protected. If your child has an IEP or 504 plan that is not being followed, we can intervene quickly to demand compliance and pursue corrective action. We also help advocate for new assessments and evaluations if your child is not receiving the support they need to succeed in school.
Too often, schools focus on behavior without considering the underlying causes. Our attorneys work to ensure that students are not penalized for manifestations of their disability and that their education plans reflect a comprehensive and individualized approach.
Holding Schools Accountable in Bullying and Harassment Cases
No student should feel unsafe or unwelcome in the classroom. Yet in many California schools, bullying and harassment go unaddressed or are dismissed by school officials as typical childhood behavior. When bullying is based on race, gender identity, disability, religion, or sexual orientation, it may rise to the level of discrimination under federal or California state law.
We represent students who have suffered emotional and academic harm because of bullying or cyberbullying. Our legal team ensures that school officials take the situation seriously and implement corrective measures. If they don’t, we’re prepared to escalate the matter, file complaints, and seek legal remedies, including damages and enforcement of protective measures. Your child’s safety, dignity, and learning environment are non-negotiable—and we make sure schools understand that.
Advocacy for Fair Disciplinary Practices and Due Process
Whether your child is in elementary school or enrolled in a California university, they are entitled to fair treatment during any disciplinary process. Sadly, many students are punished without receiving proper notice, the opportunity to respond, or access to legal representation. This lack of due process can have lifelong consequences.
Our attorneys intervene in suspension, expulsion, and conduct hearing processes to protect your child’s rights. We ensure the school follows its policies, applies consistent standards, and respects your student’s voice. We also assist with appeals and can represent students during administrative hearings or formal litigation when necessary.
If your child has been disproportionately disciplined due to their disability, race, or other protected characteristics, we will investigate thoroughly and hold the school accountable for violations of civil rights.
What to Do Immediately After Facing Disciplinary Action
Facing school discipline can feel overwhelming, especially if it puts your academic record and future opportunities on the line. Our California education lawyer helps students and families understand what to do when disciplinary action strikes.
Taking the right steps in the immediate aftermath of a notice of disciplinary action for academic dishonesty or misconduct can make all the difference in your case. With over a decade of experience, you can trust our firm to help guide you through this process. Contact K Altman Law today.
Stay Calm and Read Everything Carefully
It’s normal to feel upset or defensive, but it’s important to stay calm. Take time to read every letter, email, or notice you receive. Schools often include deadlines for hearings or responses that you can’t afford to miss. If you feel confused, keep the documents in one place so they’re easy to share with our team.
Do Not Make Statements Without Advice
Many students feel pressure to explain themselves right away, but speaking too soon can cause problems. Avoid giving written or recorded statements until you understand your rights. Our California education lawyer can help you prepare any responses so you don’t say something that might be used against you later.
Gather Evidence and Details
Write down your version of what happened as soon as possible while it’s fresh in your mind. Save messages, notes, or anything that might support your side of the story. If other students or staff witnessed the situation, make a list of names. The more details you gather early, the more prepared you’ll be if your case goes to a hearing.
Know the School’s Procedures
Each school has its own process for handling discipline. Take time to read the student handbook or code of conduct. Understanding what rules the school claims you broke and how they investigate can help you see where mistakes might have been made.
Reach Out for Legal Guidance Early
You do not have to deal with school discipline alone. The sooner you talk with our experienced California education lawyer, the better your chances of reaching a fair result. We can help you prepare for meetings, advise you on what to say, and represent you in hearings. Many students and parents feel more confident knowing they have someone in their corner.
Trust Your Support System
Talk to trusted family members about what’s happening. Many students feel embarrassed or want to handle things privately, but having support makes a difference. Family can help gather documents, help you find legal representation, and remind you of important deadlines so nothing slips through the cracks.
If you’re facing school discipline for allegations of cheating, misconduct, or for another reason and want help protecting your future, we’re ready to stand by you. We believe every student deserves a fair chance to respond and be heard. Contact our dedicated team at K Altman Law today to schedule a consultation and discover how we can assist you with your case.
Promoting Equal Access to Educational Opportunities
Educational access isn’t just about being in a classroom—it’s about being given the same opportunity to thrive. We help students who are unfairly excluded from gifted programs, STEM tracks, or extracurricular activities, especially when bias or arbitrary decision-making is involved. If your child is denied enrollment in advanced placement or dual enrollment programs despite qualifying scores or is being systematically overlooked, we’ll investigate and challenge the decision.
Every student deserves a pathway to success. Our legal team is passionate about making sure that no child is held back by a system that favors some while neglecting others.
Types of Education Cases We Can Assist With
Our California education lawyer helps students and families dealing with a wide range of education-related legal matters. Whether the issue involves disciplinary action, discrimination, or access to necessary resources, we approach each case with care and precision. Our experience handling these matters allows us to guide our clients through the most important decisions affecting their educational rights and future.
Attorney Keith Altman built this firm on a desire to prioritize legal fairness and justice for all of his clients. He has witnessed countless students and individuals struggling against powerful institutions without the support that they need and deserve, and he is dedicated to providing passionate and dedicated representation for all of your legal needs. Contact K Altman Law today to discover how we can help you.
Student Defense
When students face disciplinary action from their school or university, the consequences can be serious. These cases often involve allegations such as academic misconduct, behavioral violations, or criminal charges. We work to protect our clients’ rights during school hearings and beyond, focusing on fairness and preserving educational opportunities.
Online Cheating
Allegations of cheating in online courses can carry the same weight as those in traditional classrooms. Schools often rely on digital tools that may misinterpret behavior or fail to consider context. We help students respond to these charges and address due process concerns. Our goal is to help our clients maintain their academic standing and prevent unfair disciplinary records. We will investigate your case and help you gather evidence to present the facts of your case and protect your rights and interests.
Civil Rights
Students of all backgrounds deserve to attend school without facing discrimination based on race, gender, religion, or national origin. When those rights are violated, we step in to pursue fair treatment and equal access. Whether it’s a public school or a higher education institution, our California education lawyer takes these cases seriously and helps clients file the necessary claims.
Special Education
Families often struggle to get the appropriate educational support for children with disabilities. We assist parents in working with schools to create and revise Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), review evaluations, and take action when accommodations are denied. Our focus is on making sure each child has the access and support they are legally entitled to receive.
Title IX
Title IX cases can involve gender-based discrimination or sexual misconduct allegations. These cases are often sensitive, and the stakes are high for everyone involved. Our California education attorney represents both complainants and respondents, working to protect their rights in the campus process while addressing the emotional and legal impacts that come with Title IX proceedings.
Title VII
While Title VII primarily addresses workplace discrimination, it can apply to employees within educational institutions as well. Faculty, staff, and even student workers may experience discrimination based on race, sex, religion, or other protected traits. We assist those who need support in filing claims, addressing retaliation, or pursuing resolution with their employer or school.
Whether you’re a student facing disciplinary action or a parent seeking proper accommodations for your child, we’re here to help. Our work is centered on protecting the rights of students, families, and education professionals across the state. If you are in need of a dedicated and experienced education lawyer, contact K Altman Law today.
Defending the Rights of Educators and Academic Professionals
When educators are mistreated, their rights violated, and their professional reputations and careers are in jeopardy, who protects them? Our California education lawyer does. If you were wrongfully disciplined, are facing allegations of misconduct, including those involving a student, or are facing termination, give us a call. We protect your professional integrity and career.
Our vigorous representation includes helping educators who are facing academic integrity investigations that may harm their career or who need help initiating legal action involving intellectual property theft or misuse of academic work.
We can also help resolve disputes under the Teachers’ Tenure Act or contract disputes. If your professional license is suspended or you’re afraid it may be revoked, we strive to protect its status and everything else you’ve worked so hard to achieve.
We don’t allow school districts and boards to railroad educators responsible for modeling young minds. At K Altman Law, we stand up to discrimination and mistreatment of students. Please contact our California education lawyer today to discuss your concerns.
