Special Education Law Clinic launched to support families of children with disabilities

Notre Dame Law School has launched a new Special Education Law Clinic aimed at helping parents advocate for children with disabilities. The Clinic serves as both a vital resource for families and an enriching educational opportunity for law students, who gain hands-on experience in special education law while making a meaningful impact on their community. The Clinic embodies Notre Dame’s commitment to service and justice, ensuring that these children are treated with dignity and respect.

Professor Christina Jones, a 2016 ND Law graduate, returned to the Law School to direct the Clinic. The new Special Education Clinic holds personal significance for Jones. Her journey into disability advocacy began when she was a child, organizing a walk-a-thon to raise funds for her autistic cousin’s school. Through this experience, she learned firsthand the importance of fighting for the rights of individuals with disabilities. An attorney with extensive experience in disability advocacy, Jones leads the Clinic in providing pro bono legal services to families navigating the complexities of special education law.

Law students, under the supervision of the Clinic, assist parents and children with a wide range of physical and mental disabilities. Their work spans the entire special education process—from advocating for eligibility for services to addressing disputes over Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), behavioral issues, and school accommodations. Veronica Webb, a 2023 graduate of Notre Dame Law School, is the Clinic's legal fellow. A licensed attorney and an occupational therapist, Webb works closely with Jones and Clinic students to serve the community.

“The Clinic empowers parents to advocate for their children, offering support in meetings with school officials, mediations, and even in filing complaints when necessary,” said Jones. “We want to help families ensure that their children receive the services, support, and education they deserve under the law.”

One of the key elements of the Clinic is its emphasis on hands-on learning for law students. Students not only assist with legal research and case preparation, but they also represent families directly in meetings with school administrators and in IEP negotiations. They gain invaluable experience dealing with the often complex intersection of law, education, and disability.

Third-year law student Tim Wieckowski has gained a better understanding of the complex education law while working with the Clinic. “As a parent myself, I understand that innate drive and desire to do everything feasible to ensure one's child is set up to live the best life possible,” said Wieckowski. “The Clinic has allowed me to tap into that understanding and experience the fulfillment of harnessing the skills provided by the Law School and the Clinic to guide families through the intricacies of special education law, making meaningful, real-world impacts on their lives.”

The Clinic also focuses on military families, many of whom face unique challenges in accessing special education services due to frequent relocations. Through Jones’ previous work with the Marine Corps’ Exceptional Family Member Program, the Clinic is well-positioned to assist military families, providing a rare but critical service to this often-overlooked group.

“Disability rights and education advocacy are core to Notre Dame’s mission of service to others,” said Jones. “Our Clinic is an opportunity for students to use their legal training to make a real difference in the lives of children and families, while also learning about the broader societal issues that affect children with disabilities.”

The Special Education Clinic received a favorable ruling in its first administrative claim at the beginning of 2025. The Indiana Department of Education determined that a local school district was imposing illegal timelines for independent educational evaluations. These evaluations, which schools must pay for upon parent request, were being delayed. The Indiana Department of Education is requiring the district to revise its approval process and submit the updated language to the state for compliance.

“This procedural violation has affected multiple clients. Independent evaluations are crucial tools in challenging a school district's findings on eligibility for special education services or the adequacy of services. This ruling will impact families district-wide seeking second opinions and we hope will improve services for students,” said Jones.

As the Clinic grows, Jones hopes to expand its reach and continue to partner with other initiatives at Notre Dame, including the Alliance for Catholic Education’s focus on inclusive education. By doing so, the Clinic aims to ensure that children with disabilities are not only integrated into the educational system but also welcomed and supported by schools, faith-based communities, and society at large.

There are only a handful of special education-related clinics at law schools around the country. Notre Dame’s Special Education Law Clinic hopes to be a forerunner in helping bridge the gap for families, students, and schools, while also preparing the next generation of lawyers to advocate for justice and equity in the classroom and beyond.