When School Isn’t Working, We Step In
We guide families through special education and school challenges with decades of legal expertise, strategic insight, and unwavering support so every student receives the education they deserve.
Focused Exclusively on Education Law.
Committed to Every Student’s Success.
Who We Are
An education law firm dedicated solely to representing families and students facing education-related challenges.
We focus on special education, school discipline, and accommodations for students from Pre-K through university. Our attorneys bring deep, highly specialized knowledge developed over years of advocating for students. Representing students and families – it’s all we do.
Practice Areas
Special Education Law
We provide assistance and support to establish eligibility and develop the best IEP for each student, not just the minimum the school offers.
School Discipline
We protect students from unfair suspension, expulsion, and other disciplinary consequences, and ensure that discipline records are fair and accurate.
Accommodations and 504 Plans
We help families secure the school accommodations their children need—whether through a 504 Plan or IEP—so students with disabilities can thrive academically and fully participate in their education.
Education Advocacy
Our trained education advocates guide parents through IEP and 504 meetings, helping families navigate special education challenges and disputes without attorney involvement.
Parent Coaching
Our education attorneys guide families through the special education or accommodation process so that parents and students feel confident they can secure needed services on their own.
University Appeals and Higher Education Accommodations
We help college and graduate students navigate disciplinary actions and secure disability accommodations to stay on track for graduation and career success.
Testimonials
What Our Clients Are Saying
“Ms. LeWinter is a highly effective attorney whose compassion and professionalism make her an exceptional advocate, especially in sensitive matters. She has a remarkable ability to communicate clearly and concisely. Throughout our case, she was always punctual, responsive, and respectful of our time. Her collaborative approach and attentiveness allowed our family to navigate a challenging situation and achieve our goals within a tight timeline. Our family looks forward to continuing to work with Ms. LeWinter in the future!”
Damia S.
“We could not have asked for a better team to work with! We had the pleasure of meeting both Nicole and Kate, and then working with Kate for both of our sons. Kate was patient, knowledgeable, passionate, and such an integral member of their teams. Her dedication and professionalism were noted repeatedly by the schools we met with, and we could not agree more. Kate was willing to talk through anything we needed, and her advice and guidance were spot on. Truly, our sons are getting what they need educationally because of Kate’s dedication and ability to articulate and fight for their needs. We are so grateful!”
Sara S.
“We really appreciated Nicole’s help when dealing with a few difficult situations related to our child’s education. She was always supportive and provided practical advice to get what we needed.”
Stephanie F.
“We sought assistance when our child was not afforded FAPE in public school, and our requests for an IEP were disregarded. Kate Rabb quickly became an invaluable ally, collaborating with specialists and our local advocate to educate the school on the needs of 2e, low-support-need, ADHD/ASD children. Kate guided us through the complexities of IEP qualifications and FAPE, ensuring we could effectively advocate for our child’s rights and needs. Her dedication and willingness to work with various resources led to meaningful accommodations. Kate’s expertise and commitment made all the difference in securing the essential support our child needed.”
Sarah M.
“Nicole has been a blessing for our family from the start. Her representation has been stellar in helping us navigate the public educational system for our children. She is extremely knowledgeable, patient and always available when needed. She has always been so timely in getting back to us when we reach out to her with questions or concerns. This is SO very important when selecting an attorney! Nicole knows the system, she excels in special education law and mostly she is strong and passionate about what she does. We recommend Nicole over and over again to be the one to have by your side advocating for your child(ren).”
Tara T.
“I am incredibly grateful for Kate’s expertise, professionalism, kindness, and positivity as we’ve worked toward securing our son an appropriate school placement. She is an excellent communicator and patient advisor. Kate considers all questions and concerns and honestly addresses any issues that come up. Kate is calm, articulate, and brilliant in official meetings, and caring and compassionate in helping me prepare for interactions with the public school and central office. I can’t imagine a better person to represent us, and I always know we are in the most capable hands. Our son will get the education he deserves because of Kate’s hard work and dedication.”
S.R.
“Nicole did a phenomenal job presenting on kindergarten transition and parent rights during our recent parent training event. She was incredibly knowledgeable, engaging, and made complex legal topics easy to understand for all attendees. Her expertise in special education law was evident, and she provided valuable insights that empowered parents to advocate effectively for their children. She is a true asset to families navigating this process!”
Diana W.
“We’ve been working with Nicole Joseph for the past four years and can’t recommend her highly enough. She is honest, thorough, and truly an expert in education law. Nicole communicates clearly and consistently, making a complex and often emotional process much easier to navigate. We’ve always felt confident having her in our corner—she’s professional, compassionate, and incredibly knowledgeable. If you’re looking for someone who truly cares and knows how to get results, Nicole is the one.”
Caroline B.
“Nicole Joseph saved my son and me as we navigated “the system.” Her relationships in and credibility with the District allow her to proactively develop winning strategies and secure the best possible outcomes under the law. As an anxious, overly emotional mother, Nicole did an amazing job managing me and my expectations throughout the process. She – partnered with our advocate – twice delivered absolutely best case outcomes for my son and our family.”
AnnMarie M.
“Nicole and Rosemary have been absolutely amazing in helping me to navigate through the IEP process. They are both knowledgeable, and were able to explain the Iep process and what I should expect at each meeting. Having them in my corner helped ease a lot of my anxiety. They were able to manage the Team during each meeting to ensure that the best plan be developed and implemented with measures to keep the the school staff accountable. Most importantly, my son is finally receiving the appropriate services and I know that I wouldn’t have gotten this far on my own.”
N.R.
“Working with Nicole Joseph and her team has been nothing short of life-changing for our family. From the very beginning, Nicole brought not only a deep knowledge of education law, but a sense of calm, confidence, and fierce advocacy during one of the most overwhelming chapters of our parenting journey.”
Roxana P.
“Extremely grateful for the assistance of this firm while working out an issue with my daughter’s school. They gave excellent advice and prevented a small problem from becoming much bigger.”
Diane H.
“Working with Nicole was a very satisfying experience from start to finish. She was always prepared, organized, thoughtful, and responsive. Her expertise and straightforward advice was demonstrated at every step. And best of all she delivered great results!”
Robin M.
“We cannot stop sharing how wonderful our experience was with Kate! She was very professional and respectful and worked with us to help advocate for our child! She worked tirelessly to help our son. Nicole was very compassionate and understanding. The entire practice is fantastic!”
Maureen P.
“We are incredibly grateful for Andrea Lewinter and the entire team at Joseph & Rabb. From day one, they brought both deep legal expertise and a level of compassion that comes from having gone through this process themselves with their own children. That personal experience drives the work they do, and it shows in every interaction.
They were responsive, knowledgeable, and truly invested in our child’s case. Andrea and Nicole understood the challenges we faced, helped us cut through the district’s roadblocks, and made sure our daughter’s needs were front and center.”
Sierra
“From the very first phone call I made to Joseph & Rabb LL.C, I was treated with kindness and respect. My consultation with Nicole Joseph, Esq. gave me so much confidence, and when Attorney Andrea Lewinter was assigned to my case, everything just felt smooth and easy. Attorney Andrea has been an absolute pleasure to work with. She’s professional, knowledgeable, and truly cares.”
Onose Amadi-Emina
“Nicole and her team were very helpful to us. They are smart with advice, efficient, and compassionate of the challenges we were navigating. I would highly refer her to anyone seeking advice. Thank you very much.”
Karli Libertini
“Thank you Kate Rabb! Your extensive knowledge of the laws involving FAPE and IDEA, familiarity with how the public schools work (or in our case, don’t work!) and how you truly care about your clients, make you an amazing lawyer! Thank you for helping us get our son what he needs and where he needs to be so he can grow and thrive in the appropriate learning environment!”
Elainalee Davis
“Wonderful experience! They truly to care about the well being of the student. Highly recommend!”
Becky
“Nicole was incredibly helpful, even when she thought she wasn’t the right person to take my case forward. She was clear, honest, thoughtful, and provided a referral right away, along with a bunch of other resources. She would be a great advocate to have in your corner.”
Lisa Gans
“Nicole Joseph has been the consummate professional advocating for the needs of my child resulting in a positive mediation. Nicole was able to successfully demonstrate the county’s inability to provide adequate services to meet my daughter’s needs. Nicole’s mastery of the law and the education system proved invaluable. Nicole anticipated potential obstacles and addressed them proactively. She was available during the entire process identifying alternative platforms to communicate during the pandemic. I highly recommend anyone attempting to request a change in your child’s IEP and related services retain Nicole Joseph as an advocate.”
Eric Brown
“Nicole Joseph was a beacon of hope to me and my child at a time when ours options were limited and a likelihood of satisfactory resolution nearly impossible. Not only was she able to defend my child from unfair situation, she was patient, compassionate, very respectful and I was very comfortable communicating with her and emotionally at peace throughout the whole process. My child and I are eternally grateful for her service and I am here to recommend Ms. Joseph without a doubt.”
Mariam Arrington
“Nicole is extremely knowledgeable, skillful, efficient, assertive, and encouraging. She guided me through the whole process of getting my second grade son tested and started on an Individualized Education Program in MCPS. I could not have done it without her. She is truly an expert in her field and I recommend her to everyone I encounter who needs help advocating for their child.”
Lauren Dougherty
“Nicole is a skilled and aggressive advocate. Not only does she have a deep knowledge of special education and school discipline law, she is familiar with multiple school districts and key decision makers across the state of Maryland, and will fight vigorously to ensure that your child’s rights are protected. I have been fortunate to attend Nicole’s trainings and collaborate with her.”
Nabanita Pal
“Nicole was a great help in navigating a difficult IEP process. She is compassionate and professional, and her expertise made our lives a great deal easier and our outcome more positive. I am grateful to have found her.”
Lisa Jones
“Nicole was patient and transparent. Two things I can absolutely appreciate. She listened as I shared (and probably overshared) and then she took her time to explain and even provided samples that I could reference later. This process is very overwhelming and once an attorney gets involved you really see how you’ve “missed the ball” as a parent. Data, data, data….How do you tell a parent that they did a GREAT job advocating for their child, yet although we know the school system failed them, you don’t have a case?! That’s not an easy conversation and I know some attorney’s will continue to take your money and “represent” you when the odds are against you. I appreciate Nicole and am forever grateful for her counsel.”
Winifred Winston
“Nicole represented my special needs son through the IEP process with Baltimore City Schools. I had struggled horribly with the City to give my son all the services he so desperately needed, but was also entitled to being a young boy with autism. When Nicole took our case things began to happen. She was always there to answer my questions and explain the legalities of the process. I would highly recommend Nicole to anyone who needs representation in the field of disability law and the rights our children are entitled to under them! She made sure his IEP was accurately written and implemented down to every detail. Thank you Nicole!”
Shirl Struck
“Extremely knowledgeable in IEPs. Great professionals. Goes the extra mile and supportive of families throughout education process.”
Tonya Gilchrist
“Nicole is always available to answer any questions I have. She’s very knowledgeable about the issues we face. I highly recommend her!!!”
Lisa McDermott
“We have worked with Nicole for a few years now and could not have navigated this process without her incredible help.”
Shannon Engel
“If you are a parent feeling frustration, self-doubt, and struggling to correctly advocate for your child in a system that feels unclear and is still failing them, then I would recommend working with Nicole Joseph and her team.
Within a few minutes of sitting down with Nicole Joseph, you understand why her firm exists. She and her team lead with genuine empathy toward developing a deep understanding of your family’s experience, backed by unwavering advocacy for your child’s rights. They immediately fill that huge knowledge gap, bringing both legal expertise and a sharp focus on navigating the system. You instantly recognize the value of having a partner who truly understands the heart of the matter.”
Michael J Charles
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Let Us Help
Let us take the weight of the education system off your shoulders. Schedule a call to discuss how we can help you.