The St. Mary’s University School of Law is presenting the Special Education Advocacy Summit (SEAS), a two and one-half day training program hosted by the Center for Legal and Social Justice and co-sponsored by Wrightslaw and Connell Michael, LLP.

The training program takes place in San Antonio, TX from July 23, 2025 to July 26, 2025.

The purpose of the Special Education Advocacy Summit (SEAS) is to provide training in special education law and advocacy for experienced advocates, law students, new attorneys, and attorneys who are new to special education law. Proceeds from the summit will support the Center for Legal and Social Justice, which provides free legal services from attorneys and second and third year law students to income-qualified clients in San Antonio and South Texas. Students enjoy hands-on experience in all aspects of case handling under the direct supervision of a faculty member of St. Mary’s University School of Law.

The 2025 Special Education Advocacy Summit (SEAS) will include approximately thirteen sessions on applicable laws, ethics, best practices in advocacy, strategies in working with parents and schools, and dispute resolution procedures, taught by national leaders in the field.

The Summit will begin with Orientation and Registration on Wednesday evening, July 23, 2025. Sessions will end on Saturday afternoon, July 26, 2025.

Topics include:
History and Applicable Laws
Ethics in Special Education Advocacy
Caselaw Review
Understanding Evaluations, Tests and Measurements
Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)
Section 504
Eligibility
Behavioral Issues at School
Discipline
Juvenile Justice
Dispute Resolution and State Complaints
Preparing a Case for Trial/Due Process
Using Evaluations, Tests and Measurements as Evidence
Evidence Strategies
Legal Claims and Remedies
Creating Systemic Change in Your State

Application Process:

Attendees will be selected via an application process. Applications will be reviewed on a bi-weekly rolling basis until the class is full. Early applications are recommended as the class size is limited.

The application form includes all registration details, costs, applicant questionnaire, and required pre-conference assignments. All registrants must go through the application process. If accepted, participants agree to complete all pre-conference assigned reading and course work, attend and participate in all sessions, and complete all homework and class assignment. Click to register.

Check out wrightslaw.com for additional details. Click here!

Questions? Email seasquestions |at| gmail.com.