
Protecting Your Child’s Education & Future Starts Today
Let Connell Michael, LLP Fight for Your Child’s Rights in School
Your child deserves more than just an education. They deserve to feel safe, supported, and understood every single day they walk through the school doors. At Connell Michael, LLP, we understand how heartbreaking and frustrating it can be when the educational system fails to meet your child’s needs. Whether your child has special needs, is being bullied, has been wrongfully disciplined, or is suffering from neglect in school, we are here to help you take action and take back your child’s future.
Our nationally recognized education law team stands alongside families in Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio and beyond to ensure every child receives the services, support, and protection they are entitled to under state and federal law. When you retain our firm, you gain a team of fierce, compassionate advocates who will ensure you fully understand both your child’s rights and your own and who will not back down when those rights are being violated.
Understanding Special Education and the Power of Due Process
Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), students with disabilities have a legal right to a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) through an Individualized Education Program (IEP). That IEP must be tailored to your child’s needs, not based on school staffing, cost, or convenience.
When schools fall short, we step in. Whether the IEP is insufficient, the services are missing, or the goals are inappropriate, we work with independent experts and specialists to expose violations and fight for the program your child needs to succeed.
Facing a Disciplinary Action? Your Child Still Has Rights
Students, especially those with disabilities, have legal protections in school disciplinary proceedings. We provide immediate and strategic legal representation for students facing:
- Suspensions and expulsions
- Manifestation determination reviews (MDRs)
- Behavior intervention plans and contracts
- Involuntary transfers
- Restraint and seclusion incidents
Even if the school tries to rush you through the process or make you feel powerless, we make sure your child’s voice is heard and their rights are enforced.

Why Call an Education Attorney?
Every child has the right to a meaningful education—one that supports their unique learning needs and prepares them for further education, employment, and independent living. When schools fail to provide the services and support a child requires, parents often feel powerless, frustrated, and isolated. But you are not alone, and you do not have to accept less than what the law promises your child.
At Connell Michael, LLP, we help families enforce those rights through the special education due process system. Due process is a formal legal procedure under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) that allows parents to challenge a school district’s failure to provide a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE). It is often necessary when schools ignore or delay evaluations, deny eligibility, offer inappropriate IEPs, or refuse critical services.



We Handle More Than Special Education. We Handle School Misconduct and Injury Too
Public schools have a legal duty to protect children. When they fail, the consequences can be devastating. If your child has been seriously harmed or mistreated at school, we may be able to pursue legal action. Contact us if your child has experienced:
- Sexual harassment or assault
- Bullying or targeting based on disability, race, or gender
- Physical injury due to negligence or lack of supervision
- Failure to accommodate under Section 504 or the ADA
- Violations of privacy or access to records
- Misconduct by school staff, coaches, or resource officers
- Unlawful seclusion or restraint
- Denied graduation or course credits
- Constitutional violations under Section 1983
We also represent families in school-related personal injury claims, including those involving serious abuse, neglect, or trauma. Many of these cases must be filed within 180 days in Indiana due to the tort claims notice, so do not wait.
You Don’t Have to Face the School Alone. We’ll Stand Beside You
At Connell Michael, LLP, we don’t just practice education law. We live it. Our attorneys have spent decades fighting for children and families across the country. We understand how deeply personal and urgent these cases are, and we’re here to help you take back control with confidence and clarity.
Our main office is located in Carmel, Indiana, and we proudly serve families throughout Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio. Let us help you protect your child’s rights and their future.
Whether you need urgent action or long-term advocacy, call us today at (317) 434-1061 or email us to schedule your consultation.



Why Choose Connell Michael, LLP?
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With compassion and understanding, our team supports you each step of your case.
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Work with knowledgeable & dedicated attorneys backed by years of experience.
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We prepare each and every case as if it's headed for trial.
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Meet with your lawyer during a virtual or in-office consultation!