NJ Supreme Court Adjusts Stance on Non-Attorney Advocates

Earlier this month, the New Jersey Supreme Court’s Committee on the Unauthorized Practice of Law issued a new opinion, “Opinion 57,” softening its earlier position (“Opinion 56”) that made it more difficult for non-attorney advocates to advise special education students’ parents.  Last fall, Opinion 56 was suspended after it sparked widespread opposition in the state’s special needs community.

This new opinion affirms that educational advocates can legally represent parents at IEP meetings and mediation.

For a more detailed explanation of the opinion and what affect it has on IEP meetings, mediation proceedings, or due process hearings, please read the analysis from Autism New Jersey’s Director of Information Services, Jon Gottlieb, Esq.

If you are a parent looking for an advocate, read our article How to Find a Special Education Advocate That’s Right for You.

If you have any questions about your special education rights or need additional assistance, contact us at 800.4.AUTISM or information@autismnj.org or send us a message/chat with us via the link at the bottom of this page.