PP makes a good point. There's actually a kind of script the districts have to try to discredit these advocates, some of whom are named on this thread, and it involves bringing up their credentials or lack thereof and other facts about their background. If you want to do deep research before hiring an advocate the transcripts from some of these cases are interesting reading.

Just my two cents, because I have not gone through due process, but I've read through a lot of cases where the same 3 or 4 advocates testified and the judges apparently knew them well.

People like Rich Weinfeld are essentially hired guns to guide you through IEP development and implementation. While they often participate in due process, I think their reputation as hired guns makes their testimony less credible because the judges know they will say whatever will help their client.

If I ever did go through due process, unless it was a slam dunk case, I'd probably use someone who does little or no advocacy and is more involved in testing and educational program planning. Along with a good lawyer, of course.

I was incredibly unimpressed with the weinfeld group. Had I not know the law, I would have been impressed, but I do know the law and I was not. I hired an advocate to gear up for due process. They are essentially necessary to win a case. Weinfeld seems more concerned about growing his empire then he does the client. He often over spoke on the law and was incorrect. I did appreciate his optimism. He also missed the mark quite a few times on things that seemed blatantly obvious.

That was just my experience. Obviously for some clients his team will do a good job. I certainly would be more inclined to hire him based on his background if I lived in Marlyand. DC you have better options.

We are working with Jennifer Fisher about placement and a new IEP. She is excellent. Very broad and in depth knowledge about schools in MoCo. Broad knowledge of experts if you need consultations about your child. Great observation reports.