201 North Charles Street, Suite 1400
Baltimore, MD 21201
410-539-6800 (admin)
443-451-4081 (fax)
info@mvlslaw.org

Phone Intake
Mon-Thurs 9 am to 12 pm
410-547-6537 or
800-510-0050

Navigating the special education process can be overwhelming for students and their families, especially those who face systemic barriers and legal inequities. A qualified special education professional can help families not only understand this process but also ensure that students with disabilities have the appropriate special education and behavioral supports to make educational progress.  The Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service (MVLS), a nonprofit, matches eligible students with disabilities with a panel of qualified attorneys, advocates, and consultants who are able to assist them with their special education and school discipline matters. Panel members may provide support at IEP meetings or hearings, review educational records and make recommendations, and advocate for appropriate services or placement for the student.

In 2024, the Maryland General Assembly passed House Bill 903, creating the Access to Attorneys, Advocates, and Consultants for Special Education (AAACSE) Program to provide legal and advocacy services to families with students with disabilities. The program is administered by the Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service (MVLS) and funded through a special fund. MVLS launched the Special Education Project to connect families with experienced attorneys, advocates, and consultants for matters such as IEPs and school discipline. The initiative aims to remove systemic barriers and ensure that a lack of resources does not influence the educational opportunities a child receives.