Our goal is to advocate for an appropriate education for Children with Special Needs, allowing them to reach their full potential and make meaningful contributions to society. We are committed to empowering families through education and enforcement of their child’s special education rights. We also represent Regular Education Students facing expulsion proceedings. Offices are located in San Diego & Temecula.

Thomas S. Nelson

            Mr. Nelson is a Special Education Attorney with over 22 years of Litigation experience who has prosecuted over 125 cases in State, Federal, and Administrative Proceedings.  Mr. Nelson is a two-time recipient of a State Bar Award for his Pro Bono Legal Services on behalf of Special Needs Children. Mr. Nelson represents children ages 3 through 21 with Special Needs as well as Regular Education Students facing expulsion throughout San Diego, Riverside and San Bernadino Counties. Offices are located in San Diego & Temecula. 

            Mr. Nelson also presents free Special Education Law Training Seminars to Parent Groups and Professional Organizations throughout San Diego, Riverside and San Bernadino Counties.  He has presented these seminars to the Learning Disabilities Association, CHAAD, San Diego Volunteer Lawyer's Association, San Diego Foster Family Program, Walden Family Services, and the Center for Parent Involvement in Education.    

Special Education Law:

          If your child's disability is affecting their education, they may be eligible to receive services under the IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
          The IDEA requires public schools to locate and identify children with disabilities who may need specialized education. These children must "have available to them a free appropriate public education (FAPE) that emphasizes special education and related services designed to meet their unique needs and prepare them for further education, employment, and independent living " 20 U.S.C. 1401(d). Children with disabilities must "to the maximum extent appropriate [be] educated with children who are not disabled." 20 U.S.C.1412(a)(5).

Need for Representation- A few examples:

• You have Requested an Assessment of your Child to test for Disabilities, but the school district has ignored your Request.
• You or Your Private Assessor disagree with the Placement/Services called for in your Child’s IEP.
• Your Child has not been receiving the Services called for in his/her IEP.
• Your Child has not made adequate progress on his/her goals and objectives.
• You are seeking Reimbursement for the Placement/Services you provided for your Child at your own expense.
• Your Child’s behavior interferes with his/her ability to learn.
• Your Child has been suspended or expelled from school, or has been sent home for an extended period of time without a school placement.

 Fee Structure:

• Unlike most areas of the Law, Parents of a disabled child may recover Attorneys Fees from the school district if they are determined to be the "Prevailing Party."
• Although the Fee Structure in each case is determined by Agreement, your Child’s case may be appropriate for a Full or Partial Contingency Fee Agreement, whereby the attorney fee is paid fully or partially through federal IDEA funding through the local school district, not by you.

Phone Consultations with Attorney Are Free of Charge
Call 858-945-6621