Of Counsel
Heather is a highly experienced attorney who collaborates with educational institutions to navigate the complex regulatory landscape of federal and state education laws, including developing proactive strategies to prevent or reduce disputes.
When dispute resolution is not possible, Heather skillfully guides her clients through the litigation process with expertise in many areas, including but not limited to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), as well as Pennsylvania codes and regulations. She routinely advises superintendents, directors, and other school administrators on best practices for students requiring special education and student discipline. She counsels clients on Individual Education Plan (IEP) development and meetings, Section 504 plan drafting, Chapter 16/gifted matters, manifestation determinations, the intersection of discipline with special education protections, and due process hearings.
Heather further assists clients with developing the policies and procedures they need to maintain legal compliance and to reduce the risk of litigation. She frequently reviews and advises school district clients on contracts related to educational services.
Heather has experience on both sides of education law. Prior to joining the firm, Heather practiced education law with several Philadelphia and Southeastern Pennsylvania-based firms, where she represented schools, worked with families, and advised on a variety of education matters. She also served as assistant general counsel for the School District of Philadelphia, where she managed legal issues affecting one of the nation’s largest urban districts, and as an assistant city solicitor in the Child Welfare Unit of the City of Philadelphia Law Department, giving her an informed perspective on the intersection of child welfare and education law.
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HARRISBURG, Pa. (April 1, 2026) – Growing its footprint in southeastern Pennsylvania, McNees Wallace & Nurick has welcomed the former 24-person education law group of Fox Rothschild, including 18 attorneys, to the firm – making it the largest number of new team members to join McNees at once in the firm’s history. Anchoring the firm’s […]
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