Building brighter futures: Legal support for vulnerable youth

When a third-grade student was struggling academically – even after transferring into a specialized school – the student’s parents called Equip for Equality, a nonprofit that advocates for children with special education needs.

As part of his work alongside Equip for Equality, Associate Robert Groselak (Chicago) reviewed the student's Individualized Education Plan (IEP) and determined the plan had likely been based on an improper diagnosis. He retained expert consultants and developed a comprehensive report outlining recommended adjustments to the IEP. The school adopted those recommendations, allowing the student to access the specialized support they needed.

Systemic efforts

Across the United States, DLA Piper has handled litigation on behalf of foster children and children with disabilities, contributing to increased services for thousands of students.

In California, Partner Andrew Brady (Los Angeles) works with the Education Civil Rights Foundation (ECRF) to advance policies supporting access to high-quality public education across the state.

Supporting immigrant children

Despite facing a complex legal system, children in immigration proceedings are not guaranteed free legal representation.

Among our work in support of immigrant children, Stephen H. Barrett (Philadelphia/Wilmington) secured Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) for a young client who had arrived in the United States alone, helping secure a more stable foundation within the country.

Guardianship and adoption

Associate Payvand Coyle (Los Angeles) advises the Alliance for Children's Rights on guardianship and adoption cases, helping children in foster care find permanent, supportive homes.