A Civil Rights Lawyer Focusing Exclusively on the Rights of Students with Disabilities in New York City

Our Singular Mission — Ensuring that our most vulnerable students receive the educational programs to which they are entitled under the law.

All children deserve an education that enables them to make educational progress. For many students, a general education classroom is simply not sufficient to address their unique constellation of needs. Fortunately, there are numerous options for schooling in New York City — both public and nonpublic — that specialize in the education of students with a variety of special needs. The process of securing an appropriate placement and/or appropriate special services to target each student’s needs can be a lengthy journey. Killian Law will be with you every step of the way.

From the moment we begin working together, the focus will be on addressing the precise nature of the challenges facing your child. We will determine together whether your child is able to progress in a public-school setting. If your student is in need of placement in one of the many excellent nonpublic schools in New York City that serve the special needs population, we will collaborate to locate the appropriate placement for your child and work to secure funding for that placement.

My promise to you is simple: I will be handling every aspect of your child’s case personally and will respond in a timely manner to all inquiries. I understand that securing the best educational placement and services for your child is the single most pressing issue that your family is facing. I maintain a small roster of clients so that I can deliver service that assures you that your needs are foremost in my mind.

I realize that for a parent struggling to provide for your uniquely gifted child, this is quite a bit to take in. Therefore, I encourage you to reach out and schedule a free consultation to discuss your child and your goals.

 

447 E 65 St, Suite 2D
New York, NY 10065

Justin@jpkillianlaw.com
646-387-2643

WHO I AM

I am Justin Killian. I have over two decades of litigation experience, the last eight years of which have been spent in special education.

I have spent the last four years working on behalf of parents of children with special needs. Prior to that, I represented the City of New York in special education proceedings ranging from impartial hearings to federal court. I have seen the process from all sides and my most rewarding work — bar none — has been in the service of students with special needs.

 

Some Examples of Our Practice


Guidance with Special Needs Identification

 

A clear understanding of your child’s needs begins with a detailed understanding of their areas of strengths and weaknesses. I will ensure that your documentation is current and detailed and, if needed, refer you to a capable specialist to obtain a neuropsychological, psychoeducational, or psychological evaluation.


IEP Meeting Preparation

 

The NYC Department of Education is obligated to hold a meeting to develop an Individualized Educational Program (“IEP”) upon request from a parent or current teacher. If the DOE classifies a student as eligible for special education programming, then the DOE must then conduct IEP meeting on an annual basis. I will guide you through the IEP process each year.


Seeking Funding for An Alternate Placement or Program

 

The annual IEP is not an edict. Parents frequently disagree with the recommended classroom sizes, the recommended school site itself, and the recommended additional services prescribed by the IEP. When that happens, parents are free to enroll their children in a private, specialized school or program and seek funding/reimbursement for the cost of that placement from the school district. I will work with you at every step of the way in an effort to secure that funding, up to and including representation at an administrative hearing that will provide a legal determination of your rights