special education attorney, appellate attorney, family law attorney

Special Education Attorney in Guntersville, Alabama

By Paul A. Seckel, JD, MBA | Updated 2025 | Guntersville Law, LLC

Every child deserves access to a quality education tailored to their unique needs. Unfortunately, parents often find themselves fighting uphill battles against school systems that fail to meet their obligations under federal and state law.

At Guntersville Law, LLC, we proudly stand up for children with disabilities and their families throughout North Alabama. Whether your case involves violations of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, our firm has the experience and insight to help you ensure your child receives the education they are entitled to under the law.

📞 Call (256) 571-1529 today to schedule your $100, 30-minute consultation with an experienced education law attorney.

We serve Guntersville, Albertville, Arab, Boaz, Huntsville, Scottsboro, and surrounding North Alabama communities.

Understanding IDEA — The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) guarantees that children with disabilities receive a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) designed to meet their individual needs.

IDEA has two main parts:

Part C — Early Intervention (Birth to Age 2)

Part C focuses on early intervention for infants and toddlers who show developmental delays or have medical conditions likely to cause delays. Typically, a pediatrician or early childhood professional identifies a potential delay and refers the family for evaluation. These services are designed to give children the best possible foundation for future learning.

Part B — Students Ages 3 to 21

Part B ensures that students with disabilities receive specialized instruction, services, and accommodations through an Individualized Education Program (IEP). This plan outlines educational goals, services, and supports tailored to each child’s unique needs.

If you believe your child’s school has violated IDEA, the law outlines a specific process:

  1. Request an IEP meeting to raise your concerns with the school.

  2. File a Due Process Complaint if the issue is not resolved.

  3. Participate in a Resolution Meeting with the school district.

  4. Attend a Due Process Hearing if no agreement is reached.

  5. Appeal in Federal Court, if necessary, for enforcement.

Our firm assists parents at every step — from initial IEP reviews to representing them at due process hearings and, if needed, in federal court.

Section 504 — Equal Access to Education

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination based on disability in any program or activity receiving federal funds — including schools.

Who Qualifies?

A student qualifies for Section 504 protections if they:

  • Have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, or

  • Are perceived as having such an impairment.

Schools Must:

  • Provide equal access to programs and services.

  • Avoid exclusion, segregation, or unequal treatment.

  • Offer reasonable accommodations such as extended testing time, specialized instruction, or modified assignments.

  • Maintain accessible facilities and grievance procedures for disability discrimination complaints.

Section 504 ensures that all students — regardless of disability — receive an equal opportunity to succeed.

FAPE — Free Appropriate Public Education

The term FAPE (Free Appropriate Public Education) is central to both IDEA and Section 504.

  • Under IDEA, FAPE requires that schools provide individualized special education and related services at no cost to the parents, through a formal IEP process.

  • Under Section 504, FAPE ensures that students with disabilities have access to an education comparable to that of their peers without disabilities.

If your child’s school fails to provide necessary services, accommodations, or modifications, it may be violating their right to a FAPE. Our attorneys can help you challenge these violations and ensure your child’s rights are enforced.

IEP — Individualized Education Program

An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a legally binding document that defines a child’s learning needs, goals, and required support services.

To qualify, your child must:

  1. Be evaluated and found eligible under IDEA, and

  2. Require specialized instruction to meet educational needs.

Parents play a vital role in the IEP process and must receive written notice before any changes are made. Our firm helps parents prepare for IEP meetings, review documentation, and advocate effectively to secure proper services and placements.

Meet Attorney Emily Jolley Seckel

Attorney Emily Jolley Seckel brings unmatched experience to Alabama’s special education legal field. Before becoming an attorney, Emily spent more than 20 years in public education, serving in nearly every capacity — from classroom to district leadership.

  • Former Principal: Emily served as Principal of an elementary school in Mississippi, where she developed a deep understanding of school operations, administrative policies, and the challenges educators face.

  • Former Special Education Coordinator: Before entering private practice, she worked as the Special Education Coordinator for Albertville City Schools, managing IEP compliance and special education services across the district.

  • Educator and Advocate: Emily has also served as a general education teacher, special education teacher, and assistant principal, giving her unique insight into the daily realities families face when navigating special education systems.

Her deep background in education — combined with her Juris Doctor degree from Birmingham School of Law — enables her to bridge the gap between classroom practice and legal advocacy. Emily also serves as an expert witness in IDEA violation cases across Alabama.

At Guntersville Law, she partners with Attorney Paul A. Seckel, JD, MBA, to deliver powerful, informed advocacy for children and families.

Why Choose Guntersville Law, LLC

  • Education Meets Law: We bring together a rare combination of legal and educational experience.

  • Personalized Strategies: Every child’s needs are unique — we develop legal approaches tailored to your family’s goals.

  • Proven Advocacy: From IEP meetings to federal court hearings, we fight tirelessly to secure the services your child deserves.

  • Local Experience: We understand Alabama’s school systems and how to navigate them effectively.

📞 Call (256) 571-1529 to schedule your $100, 30-minute consultation and take the first step toward protecting your child’s educational future.

Areas We Serve

Guntersville Law, LLC proudly serves:

  • Guntersville, Alabama

  • Albertville, Alabama

  • Arab, Alabama

  • Boaz, Alabama

  • Scottsboro, Alabama

  • Huntsville, Alabama

  • Marshall County and surrounding communities

Protecting the Rights of Children with Disabilities

You don’t have to face the school system alone. If your child’s rights under IDEA or Section 504 are being violated, our firm will stand beside you every step of the way — from meetings to mediation to court, if necessary.

Let us help ensure your child receives the education, services, and respect they deserve.

📞 Call (256) 571-1529 today to schedule your $100, 30-minute consultation with Guntersville Law, LLC.

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