Graduation Requirements for Students during COVID-19

Elise Harmening April 27, 2020

Governor J.B. Pritzker updated the School Code by Executive Order on April 24, 2020, modifying, in part, the requirements for High School Graduation. This is not a substitute for legal advice. This is legal information. This does not create an attorney-client relationship. The relevant sections include: Section 8. The following provisions of the Illinois School Code, 105 ILCS 5/1-1 et seq., requiring certain assessments and courses for twelfth grade students, are suspended: 105 ILCS 5/2-3.64a-5(c)

Education Law, Family Law, Miscellaneous
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IEPs vs 504: What’s the Difference?

Elise Harmening October 9, 2019

If you have a student, then you already know that there are a lot of important academic decisions that must be made, like which classes to take, which extra-curricular activities to join, and, if your student has a disability or special needs, you may be wondering which specialized education plan is right for them. When working with a school to create a special education plan, there are two documents you can choose from: an IEP

Education Law
504, advocate, child, disability, education, eligibility, IEP, illinois, illinois school code, learning, parent, school, school code, special education, student, teacher

Pitfalls in Filing for Divorce

Elise Harmening September 1, 2019

There are many nuances in any court case. A divorce is no different and I have recently run into a few pitfalls from clients who begin their case on their own (aka “Pro Se”). Check out the following for a short list of some major pitfalls so you can learn from those who filed before you! This is not a substitute for legal advice. This is legal information. This does not create an attorney-client relationship.

Family Law
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Undocumented Student Resources

Elise Harmening August 5, 2019

A college education can unlock many doors and offer a bright, secure future to those seeking a degree. However, many undocumented students face unique challenges when applying for college and seeking financial aid. Some undocumented students may even assume that, due to their citizenship status, they are unable to attend college. However, that could not be further from the truth. There are many resources, organizations, and laws that exist for undocumented students seeking a higher education. Earning a college

Transgender Students’ Rights

Elise Harmening July 5, 2019

School can be tough; friends, homework, and pop quizzes can all be sources of stress in a student’s life, but worrying about whether a school will respect gender identity should never be one of them. Transgender students, like all students, have legal protections when it comes to their rights in school. If you have a child in your life who is transgender, familiarizing yourself with these rights can help you and your student make the most out