Boston Special Education Attorney: Eileen M. Hagerty

Eileen M. Hagerty Introduce

For parents in Massachusetts, ensuring that a child with disabilities receives a free and appropriate public education can be a complex and often challenging journey. Navigating the world of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), eligibility determinations, and due process hearings requires a legal advocate with not only deep knowledge of state and federal education law but also a compassionate understanding of the unique needs of special needs families. Eileen M. Hagerty is a highly respected attorney in Boston who has dedicated her career to this specialized field. As a partner at the distinguished firm Kotin, Crabtree & Strong, LLP, she provides expert legal counsel to parents and students, ensuring their rights are protected and their educational needs are met. This article will provide an in-depth overview of her practice, her location, and the features that make her a leading attorney in special education law in the Commonwealth.

Eileen M. Hagerty's professional background is extensive and impressive. She is a graduate of Harvard Law School and has been practicing law in Massachusetts since 1983. Her career has included roles as an Assistant United States Attorney and a Special Assistant District Attorney, providing her with a robust foundation in litigation. However, her true calling and area of specialization is special education law. Her dedication to this field is deeply personal, as she is also a parent of children with disabilities. This lived experience gives her a unique perspective, allowing her to approach each case with both a professional understanding of the law and a personal empathy for the families she represents. She is a recognized authority in her field, evidenced by her numerous accolades, including being named a Massachusetts Super Lawyer in education law for multiple years and receiving a Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent rating, the highest possible peer-review rating for legal ability and ethical standards. She frequently writes and lectures on special education law for both legal and lay audiences, and she serves as the chair of the Board of Directors of Massachusetts Advocates for Children (MAC), a non-profit advocacy organization. Her involvement in these activities highlights her commitment to both her clients and the broader special needs community.

The office of Eileen M. Hagerty, as part of the firm Kotin, Crabtree & Strong, LLP, is located at 1 Bowdoin St, Boston, MA 02114. This address places her practice in a very convenient and highly accessible part of the city. Situated in downtown Boston, the office is a short distance from major government and legal buildings and is easily reachable for clients from all over Massachusetts. The location is in a prime area for public transportation, with several MBTA stations nearby, including Government Center, Haymarket, and North Station. This makes it a practical choice for clients who prefer to use public transit, saving them the stress of navigating city traffic and parking.

The firm is also committed to ensuring its services are accessible to everyone. The building features a wheelchair accessible entrance and a wheelchair accessible restroom, demonstrating a thoughtful approach to client care. The presence of a clean and well-maintained restroom for clients is an added amenity that contributes to a comfortable and professional environment. While the information does not explicitly state an appointments policy, it is standard practice for a firm of this caliber to operate on a scheduled basis to ensure each client receives the focused, one-on-one attention their case requires.

Eileen M. Hagerty specializes exclusively in special education law. Her services are tailored to help parents and students navigate every step of the special education process.

Representation in Disputes: She represents clients in all aspects of special education disputes with school districts, including the TEAM meeting process (evaluations, eligibility determinations, and IEP development), suspension and expulsion hearings, and mediation.
Due Process Proceedings: She is a skilled advocate in formal due process proceedings before the Bureau of Special Education Appeals (BSEA) and handles federal district court cases. This is a critical service for parents who cannot reach a resolution with the school district.
Advocacy for Diverse Disabilities: She represents students with a wide range of disabilities, including autism spectrum disorders, dyslexia and other learning disabilities, attention deficit disorders, and mental health issues.
Legal Advice: She provides expert advice to parents on their rights, helping them understand their legal options and develop a strategic approach to their child’s education.

Her specialized focus ensures a deep and current understanding of the evolving landscape of special education law.

Several key features and highlights distinguish Eileen M. Hagerty as a professional in the Massachusetts legal community.

Specialized Expertise: Her singular focus on special education law makes her a true expert in the field. This specialization means she has a comprehensive and up-to-date understanding of the relevant laws, which is crucial for achieving a successful outcome in complex cases.
Industry Recognition: Her awards and recognitions as a Massachusetts Super Lawyer and her Martindale-Hubbell rating are a testament to her high level of professional competence and ethical standards, as judged by her peers.
Active in the Community: Her involvement with organizations like Massachusetts Advocates for Children and her role as a frequent lecturer and writer show her commitment to the broader special needs community. She is a respected leader and an influential voice in her field.
Personal Connection: As a parent of children with disabilities herself, she brings a personal level of empathy and understanding to her practice that many attorneys cannot. This personal connection helps build trust and makes her a more effective advocate for her clients.

These features collectively make her a highly respected and effective attorney.

For those in Massachusetts seeking a lawyer for a special education matter, here is the contact information for Eileen M. Hagerty:

Address: 1 Bowdoin St, Boston, MA 02114, USA

Phone: (617) 227-7031

Mobile Phone: +1 617-227-7031

What is worth choosing

When it comes to a child's education, the stakes are incredibly high, and choosing the right legal representation is a critical decision. For parents in Massachusetts, Eileen M. Hagerty is an attorney who is worth choosing for several compelling reasons. Her decades of experience are exclusively focused on special education law, meaning she brings a level of expertise and insight that is unmatched by general practitioners. She is not just familiar with the law; she is a recognized authority who is shaping it through her advocacy and educational work. Her background as a litigator provides her with the skills necessary to fight for her clients in a courtroom or in due process hearings.

Furthermore, her personal connection as a parent of children with disabilities is a powerful asset. She understands the emotional and practical challenges that families face and can provide legal counsel that is not only strategic but also deeply empathetic. Her reputation for professionalism and her commitment to the community underscore her integrity and dedication. For any Massachusetts parent who feels overwhelmed by the special education system or believes their child is not receiving the services they need, Eileen M. Hagerty offers the perfect blend of professional expertise and personal advocacy. Choosing her means choosing a lawyer who truly understands your situation and is uniquely equipped to fight for your child's right to a quality education.