Higher Education

Who Do We Represent?

Our clients (students and parents of minor-aged students) are those who:

• Discover that the education offered does not meet the advertised or accepted standards
• Are having academic or legal difficulties due to participation in student athletics
• Face accusations of academic fraud
• Are facing an administrative hearing for expulsion for academic or disciplinary issues
• Are scheduled for an administrative hearing related to expulsion or suspension from school
• Are concerned they are not being accommodated due to a disability covered by federal and state law
• Are needing representation for Title VI and Title IX cases
• Are needing representation plaintiff's in higher education cases involving disciplinary actions.
  

Higher Education Attorneys Enforcing Reasonable Accommodation

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act mandate that colleges, universities and other institutes of higher education make reasonable accommodation for students with disabilities. This means more than just putting in elevators and wheelchair ramps. Schools must also make reasonable accommodations for students taking online classes, including special considerations for the hearing and visually impaired, if necessary.

Higher education law can prove exceedingly complex, especially because the college or university holds so much power. These are a few of the questions that we hear most often from our clients.

My college did not provide me with a quality education, and I am now in debt with nontransferrable credits. Is there anything I can do?

Throughout California and the United States, some for-profit colleges have taken advantage of students who are looking to improve their lives. Many of these institutions do not have accreditation. Others claim to be accredited but do not meet or exceed California’s standards of educational quality.

If you have found yourself a victim of deceptive educational practices, you have legal options. We stand up for students who have gone into debt and now have nontransferrable credits from fraudulent places like these. Our lawyers can explore your options, including getting back your money.

What does a disciplinary hearing entail?

Before a suspension, expulsion or other disciplinary proceeding, you have the right to attend a hearing. There, the school will also present its case for the breach of its rules and the disciplinary measures to implement. Students, their parents and an attorney also have the chance to present their case in defense of the student’s conduct. At the end of the hearing, the college will make its decision. You may still have the chance to appeal this ruling, if necessary.

Can my school expel me without evidence?

Colleges and universities have a great deal of power – sometimes an unfair amount of power – in the expulsion process. However, schools do not have to meet the same standard of proof that public prosecutors do. Sometimes, the evidence can seem flimsy at best. You have the right to work with an attorney to question the validity of the school’s evidence.

Do you have more questions about higher ed that need answers? Contact us and we can assist you.

You Need And Deserve Legal Representation

If you are a student of higher education or the parent of a minor-aged student, get the legal help you need to protect your rights. Call a lawyer at Leigh Law Group in San Francisco toll-free at 415-399-9155 or use our convenient email contact form to arrange an initial consultation.

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