These testimonials or endorsements do not constitute a guarantee, warranty, or prediction regarding the outcome of a legal matter.
When my son, who has a disability, was suspended from school for bringing a small amount of medical marijuana onto his high school campus, the vice principal threatened to expel him from our district. It was his third suspension, more than halfway through his senior year. Our special ed attorney said we should just wait and see. Fortunately I Googled, “expulsion attorney” and found Michelle Ball!
We live near L.A. and Michelle is in Sacramento California, but she offered to clear her schedule for the hearing that was a couple of days away, and participate by phone. I am so glad she did. Michelle fired off a letter to the district, read through a mountain of special ed records, and asked me to get a letter from my son’s psychologist explaining how my son’s disability related to his behavior. We attended the hearing well prepared. The district backed down and admitted that my son’s behavior had been a manifestation of his disability, and that they had not provided the free, appropriate, public education that my son was entitled to by law.
Instead of being expelled, my son was transferred to a private school, where he was allowed to quickly complete the requirements for graduation. Michelle worked with us over the course of three months, as my son got into more trouble and we had to schedule more IEP meetings.
Michelle was always positive, professional, and quick to respond. In our first conversation, she explained to me the ins and outs of the laws regarding expulsion, and how those laws relate to kids with special needs. What a relief, after dealing with other attorneys! My son now has his high school diploma and we couldn’t be happier!
Signed,
K.G.
