Legal Advice For Education Law Matters
Our New Jersey education lawyer advocates for families like yours, ensuring your child receives a quality education and protecting their rights in the classroom. We apply New Jersey and federal laws to help children with disabilities and special needs, ensure IEP and other educational plans are properly enacted, and explore options to make sure your child receives the best education possible. We also stand up for the rights of students, educators, and school staff facing disciplinary issues or discrimination. School districts, boards, and the state education department have teams of powerful lawyers. Our skilled, experienced attorneys level the playing field in your favor.
At K Altman Law, we also support educators in many ways. We can defend you in a disciplinary hearing, draft and file a complaint, or answer your questions and outline your legal options if you are unsure of what steps to take to preserve your license and position. We deliver the provide the clear, informed guidance you need. We do not represent the interests of schools or boards. We represent educators and families like you. Contact us today to speak with a member of our legal team.
How Our New Jersey Education Lawyer Helps Students
Our firm represents students attending all types of educational institutions throughout the state, including public, charter, and private schools, universities, community colleges, and vocational programs. We know that one simple mistake could derail your future and even jeopardize your career potential.
If you are a college or university student, we can help defend you if you are accused of criminal offenses on campus and violations of your school’s code of conduct. We attend hearings with you and can appeal decisions made by school authorities. We also defend you against academic misconduct allegations, such as plagiarism or cheating.
Our attorneys believe that everyone has the right to be safe on campus. We support the rights of victims of sexual harassment or assault and help them understand their options under Title IX and state law.
For our younger students, we can help families address bullying and discrimination in school or special education and disability access challenges. We advocate for your child’s personalized education plan and ensure compliance with all educators involved.
These are just a few of the student-centered issues we handle. We partner with you to determine the best approach to resolve the issue. If you’re not sure if you should initiate legal action, we can begin by explaining your rights and the options open to you. Our attorneys are well-versed in New Jersey and federal laws protecting students, and we are prepared to take action to preserve those rights.
Support for Students with Mental Health Needs and Invisible Disabilities
In New Jersey, many students with mental health challenges or non-visible disabilities—such as anxiety disorders, ADHD, depression, and learning disabilities—face barriers to accessing the accommodations and understanding they deserve. Often, these students are mischaracterized as disruptive or underperforming when in reality, they need a structured support system and legally mandated accommodations to thrive.
At K Altman Law, we ensure your child is evaluated appropriately and receives the services required under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Our attorneys assist families in preparing for IEP or 504 plan meetings, identifying violations, and taking legal action when necessary. If a school district fails to meet its obligations, we are ready to act swiftly and strategically to protect your child’s right to a fair and inclusive education.
We also handle disputes when a school disciplines a student without properly considering their disability or mental health status—a situation that may violate state and federal laws. Your child deserves support, not punishment, and we’re here to make sure their needs are respected and their rights are enforced.
Taking Action in Cases of Bullying, Harassment, and Unsafe School Environments
Every student has the right to feel safe and respected in school. Unfortunately, bullying and harassment remain persistent problems in classrooms, hallways, and online. Whether your child is being targeted due to their race, gender identity, religion, disability, or another personal characteristic, our attorneys will step in and demand accountability from the school system.
We investigate claims of bullying and harassment, ensure that proper procedures are followed, and file legal complaints when necessary. Additionally, if a school fails to respond adequately or tries to downplay the situation, we hold them accountable for violating their legal and ethical responsibilities. We also represent students wrongfully accused of bullying, ensuring their side of the story is heard and that disciplinary actions are fairly applied.
Protecting Student Rights During Disciplinary Hearings
Many families are unaware of the rights that students have during school disciplinary proceedings. Whether the issue involves suspension, expulsion, or removal from extracurricular activities, your child is entitled to due process. This includes proper notice, an opportunity to be heard, and a fair and unbiased review.
Our attorneys regularly represent students in disciplinary hearings across New Jersey and provide clear, experienced guidance throughout the process. We ensure that schools follow both New Jersey state education regulations and federal constitutional protections. For college and university students, we also provide legal defense during conduct board hearings and appeals, where internal policies can be confusing and consequences life-altering.
We also help students who have been unfairly denied access to educational programs, leadership roles, or extracurricular opportunities due to discrimination or bias. This includes cases where students are excluded from gifted programs, advanced coursework, or sports teams because of disability, race, gender, or socioeconomic status.
Education should be an equal opportunity for all students—no matter their background. If your child has been denied the chance to participate or achieve their full academic potential, we’ll advocate aggressively to correct the injustice and ensure fair treatment moving forward.
Types of Education Cases We Can Assist With
At K Altman Law, we’re committed to standing by students, families, and educators through a wide range of education-related legal matters. From academic misconduct to discrimination and disability accommodations, we know how impactful these issues can be on a person’s future. We approach each case with the attention it deserves and work to resolve matters with clarity and care.
Attorney Keith Altman is dedicated to providing passionate and dedicated representation for all of your legal needs, and he built our firm on a desire to prioritize legal fairness and justice for all of his clients. Contact our New Jersey education lawyer today to discuss how we can assist you with your case.
Student Defense
We represent students facing suspension, expulsion, or other disciplinary actions at the K–12 and college levels. These cases often involve accusations of behavioral misconduct, academic dishonesty, or violations of school policies. Our job is to help clients understand the process, prepare for hearings, and respond effectively to the charges brought against them. Whether it’s a public school or private institution, we aim to protect the student’s rights and help them move forward with their education intact and the consequences mitigated.
Online Cheating
With the growth of virtual classrooms and digital testing tools, schools are paying closer attention to online conduct. Accusations of cheating or plagiarism in an online setting can carry serious academic consequences. We’ve worked with students accused of using unauthorized materials, collaborating improperly, or violating honor codes in virtual environments. Our focus is on presenting clear, accurate facts and advocating for a fair outcome that reflects the context of the situation while protecting your rights and interests throughout the entire process.
Civil Rights
Education law often intersects with civil rights protections, especially in cases involving race, gender, religion, national origin, or disability. If a student or faculty member experiences discrimination, retaliation, or other unequal treatment, there are legal pathways to seek accountability. We assist clients in filing complaints, engaging with school investigations, and, when necessary, pursuing claims through the legal system. Each case is unique, but the core issue remains equal access and fair treatment, and our New Jersey education attorney will fight to help you achieve justice.
Special Education
We help families obtain the support and accommodations their children are entitled to under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504. This includes IEP development, disputes over placement or services, and disciplinary actions involving students with disabilities. Our goal is to make sure each child receives the educational support they need in an appropriate learning environment and that their rights are respected every step of the way.
Title IX
Allegations involving sexual misconduct or gender-based discrimination on campus are often handled through Title IX procedures. These cases can involve students accused of misconduct, as well as those who file complaints. Our New Jersey education lawyer represents clients on both sides of Title IX matters and help them through interviews, hearings, and appeals. These are high-stakes cases that require careful handling and respectful advocacy.
Title VII
In the education setting, Title VII often comes into play when school employees report workplace discrimination or harassment. Whether the issue involves hiring practices, workplace retaliation, or misconduct by school leadership, we support our clients in bringing forward valid claims and protecting their employment rights. Educators deserve a safe and fair workplace just as much as students do.
If you or your family are facing an issue related to education law, we encourage you to reach out to our education lawyer today. At K Altman Law, we’re ready to discuss your situation and provide direction based on your specific needs.
Legal Defense for Educators and Academic Professionals
We are proud to support the educators and professionals responsible for shaping young minds. Our firm represents education-related legal matters for teachers, faculty members, administrators, and school employees. We respect your passion and devotion to teaching and how overwhelming and frightening it can be when you’re faced with disciplinary actions or threats to your employment. We work hard to preserve your professional reputation, licensure, and employment.
Our New Jersey education lawyer provides legal representation in cases involving disciplinary actions or alleged violations of professional codes of conduct, including those that may involve a student or students. For higher-education professionals, we can protect you in investigations related to academic integrity or misconduct and represent your interests in disputes involving intellectual property or academic ownership. You’ve worked hard for your students. Let us work hard for you.
At K Altman Law, our backgrounds in education, administration, and law make us uniquely equipped to handle student defense and civil rights cases. Don’t fight alone. Call us today to discuss your case with our New Jersey education lawyer.
