Services

Education rights attorney Alexis Casillas provides critical guidance and representation to families navigating their rights within various educational settings, processes, and situations. Her practice encompasses a range of services that support students’ legal rights from general support and informal representation to direct representation and litigation surrounding complex cases in federal court.

Alexis’ services are designed to empower students, help families, and hold schools and institutions accountable when they fail to provide students with the educational opportunities to which they are entitled under law, or when they are denied services and accommodations required by law. Alexis engages in this direct work while also driving litigation and policy work solutions to address long-standing systemic issues.

“Alexis Casillas is dedicated to providing personalized support and guidance to families navigating and overcoming the systemic obstacles
of school-based special education. She works to ensure that all students are treated fairly and kept safe in their learning environments.
”

Effective representation in special education law requires a tailored approach that balances legal knowledge with innovative thinking. Alexis works closely with families to develop individualized strategies and solutions that address each family’s unique needs and goals. From navigating the IEP process to advocating for students' rights in administrative hearings to drafting briefs before the United States Supreme Court, Alexis provides dedicated support and advocacy to help families achieve the best possible outcomes for their children.

“Alexis is committed to making parents key partners in their child’s education, ensuring that the law is fully considered, and that students and families are empowered to advocate for themselves when issues arise.”

Direct Litigation

Special education laws protect students with disabilities and ensure they receive the assessments, placements, services, accommodations, and support contemplated by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Similarly, there are many antidiscrimination laws (such as Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and comparable state laws) that seek to protect our students’ rights to access the same high-quality education contemplated for all students. 

Through direct litigation, Alexis supports families in taking legal action on behalf of a student with a disability to resolve disputes or challenges directly related to their education, either through state or federal complaint procedures, administrative hearings, or civil action in state or federal courts.

  • Informal Dispute Resolution and/or Mediation Representation 

  • IEP / Section 504 Complaint Representation 

  • IEP / Section 504 Administrative Hearing Representation 

  • Appeals of Complaint / Hearing Decisions in state or federal courts

  • Appeals of civil actions filed in state or federal court

Alexis also offers comprehensive legal representation for families whose students do not necessarily fall under the umbrella of disability. She provides individual representation on behalf of students and their families against educational entities and is dedicated to delivering personalized and effective legal solutions to uphold rights in litigation, including:

  • General representation

  • Grade appeals

Learn more about Direct Litigation services here.

Case Management

Alexis works with families to ensure compliance with educational services for students with disabilities and to uphold procedural requirements for student needs. Case management services can range from providing consultation for students involved in family court proceedings, dependency, and juvenile justice systems to advocating for parents in annual Individualized Education Plan (IEP) meetings or Section 504 meetings. 

Navigating special education laws without legal guidance can be daunting and overwhelming for parents and guardians. Alexis supports families through the challenging nuances of special education law and helps them make informed decisions that positively impact their child's future through:

  • Special education assessment, consultation, and planning 

  • IEP/504 planning 

  • IEP/504 meeting involvement

  • Educational progress monitoring 

  • Communication with school district parties

Learn more about Case Management services here.

Behavior & Discipline

Many students (with or without disabling conditions) face behavioral challenges at school. Oftentimes, these behaviors (in or out of school) can lead to suspension and/or expulsion. All students have due process protections when facing expulsion and are also entitled to have schools adhere to proper procedures when facing suspensions. 

Students with disability (identified or not) have additional protections in these situations. In most cases where a student with a known (or should have been identified) disability faces more than 10 days of suspension, the school must determine if the disability was related to the behavior triggering the removal, and/or whether a failure to provide IEP services contributed to the behavior triggering the removal. 

Alexis and her team ensure that schools comply with the law, not only providing students with a fair evaluation of their behaviors and subsequent consequences, but also offering support services that emphasize positive, proactive strategies and foster a collaborative partnership between families and school administration to help students overcome behavior and discipline difficulties. Often, after a significant behavioral incident has occurred, students are faced with the option of accepting a stipulated expulsion or proceeding to an expulsion hearing. It is essential that families understand the implications of these options and make a choice that aligns most closely with their child’s needs, particularly when there may be concurrent criminal or other liability related to the same conduct.

  • Review of discipline documentation 

  • Negotiating stipulated expulsions

  • Consulting with criminal attorneys regarding educational and/or disability-related aspects of behavior and proposed discipline 

  • Negotiating educational relief for false allegations 

  • Representing students in expulsion hearings 

Learn more about Behavior & Discipline services here.

Academic Appeals

The academic appeals process can be complex, time-sensitive, and emotionally challenging for students and their families. Working with a trusted education rights attorney, such as Alexis Casillas, ensures that families receive guidance and representation throughout the entire appeal process. 

Alexis has a deep understanding of school policies and procedures, and she is committed to advocating for fair treatment and meaningful opportunities for students to be heard. Her approach empowers families to fully understand their rights, craft a well-supported appeal, and make informed legal decisions that serve the student’s best interests. Alexis provides essential support in a wide range of academic appeals, including:

  • Dismissals

  • Grade disputes 

  • Transcript issues 

Learn more about Academic Appeals services here.

Interdistrict Transfer Agreements

Alexis offers experienced legal support to families navigating interdistrict transfers and reciprocal agreements for their child’s education. Her firm handles the complexities of both initial applications and responses to denied requests, ensuring clear case presentation, adherence to deadlines, and a focus on the child's best interests.

In the event of a transfer denial, the firm can assist with appeals to the county education office, providing advocacy throughout the process. Alexis's guidance provides families with valuable knowledge and support in navigating complex district procedures, ultimately safeguarding their child's educational opportunities.

  • Interdistrict transfers

  • Reciprocal agreements

  • Decision appeals

Learn more about Interdistrict Transfer Agreement services here.

Impact Litigation

Passionate about fueling policy changes that benefit students with disabilities, Alexis takes on complex cases, including appellate work at the district court level and impactful testimony at federal court hearings to address widespread problems affecting students with disabilities. Her advocacy and practice extend to writing briefs for most of the Circuit Courts of Appeals and the Supreme Court to address specific issues related to educational matters.  

  • Serving as co-counsel 

  • Advising counsel on potential legal issues 

  • Handling appeals of administrative hearing decisions for or with counsel less comfortable in state or federal court

  • Handling appeals to the Circuit Courts of Appeals 

  • Drafting Amicus briefs in the United States Supreme Court 

Learn more about Impact Litigation services here.

Leadership & Education

Beyond her legal practice, Alexis believes all parents of students with disabilities should be empowered with information regarding their child’s rights and the legal pathways for special education advocacy. She is an active speaker and publisher, covering topics related to common and complex issues within special education law. Additionally, Alexis has developed several programs to educate attorneys and advocates nationwide about the Regional Center and education-related issues. She is available to provide her insights and expertise through:

  • Speaking events

  • Publishing

  • Podcast appearances

  • Attorney training

Learn more about Leadership & Education services here.