Finding a lawyer in a city like Chicago usually involves a lot of scrolling through generic websites that all look the same. But if you’re looking for Matthew Cohen attorney Chicago, you’re probably not just looking for any lawyer. You’re likely a parent, a provider, or someone navigating the absolute maze of disability rights. Honestly, it’s a mess out there. The system is designed to be confusing.
Matt Cohen has been doing this since 1981. That’s a long time. He’s not just a "schools and education" attorney; he’s basically one of the architects of the modern special education landscape in Illinois. He was even at the White House in 1997 when the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) was being signed.
Who exactly is Matthew Cohen?
Basically, he’s the founder of Matt Cohen & Associates, a boutique firm in downtown Chicago. While some lawyers try to be everything to everyone, his firm is incredibly niche. They focus on special education, school discipline, and the rights of people with disabilities.
You’ve probably seen his name pop up if you’ve ever looked into CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) or the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA). He didn't just join these groups; he helped lead them. He served as the President of national CHADD and was a founding board member of COPAA.
Matthew Cohen Attorney Chicago: The Special Education Reality
If your kid has an IEP (Individualized Education Program) or a 504 plan, you know the "IEP Meeting" can feel like a trial where you’re the one being judged. Schools often tell parents things like, "We don't do that here," or "We’ve already reached our budget for that service."
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That's where a guy like Matt Cohen comes in. He’s written the book on this—literally. It’s called A Guide to Special Education Advocacy. He knows the tricks schools use because he’s spent decades calling them out on it.
It’s not just about IEPs
People often think special education law stops at high school graduation. It doesn't. Matthew Cohen’s practice covers a massive range of issues that most people don't even realize are legal matters:
- College Accommodations: Getting the ACT or SAT to give your kid extra time or a quiet room is a legal battle in itself.
- School Discipline: When a student with a disability gets suspended or expelled, there’s a specific process called a "Manifestation Determination" to see if the behavior was caused by the disability. Schools mess this up all the time.
- Adult Disability Services: What happens when the school bus stops coming at age 22? Securing funding for adult residential placement or day programs is a huge part of what his firm handles.
- Mental Health Law: He represents human service providers, hospitals, and agencies, helping them navigate confidentiality and ethics.
Why Experience Matters (and Why It’s Not Always Easy)
The legal world in Chicago is small. If you walk into a due process hearing with a lawyer the school district recognizes, the vibe changes. Cohen has chaired the Illinois Attorney General’s Special Education Committee for over 25 years. He’s taught at Loyola and Northwestern. He’s been a "Super Lawyer" since 2005.
But here’s the thing: being a top-tier attorney doesn't mean every single interaction is perfect. If you look at reviews, you might see some frustration. Law is expensive. People are often at their breaking point when they call a lawyer. Sometimes, the legal reality doesn't match the emotional need.
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For instance, one client mentioned a rough consultation where fees were discussed and they felt rushed. Honestly, that’s a common complaint in high-stakes law. These firms handle hundreds of cases a year. While Cohen’s firm aims for empathy, it’s still a business operating in a very technical, high-pressure field.
The SPEACC Connection
One of the coolest things Cohen has done recently—at least from a systemic change perspective—is his work with the Special Education Advocacy Coalition of Chicago (SPEACC). They took on Chicago Public Schools (CPS) for systemic violations. We’re talking about big-picture stuff that affects thousands of kids, not just one.
What to Expect if You Call
If you're thinking about reaching out to Matthew Cohen attorney Chicago, don't expect a quick, free fix. Special education law is dense.
- Documentation is everything. He’s going to want to see every IEP, every evaluation, and every email from the principal.
- The Goal is Resolution, Not War. Most people think they want to sue. Actually, you want a better IEP. Cohen’s firm emphasizes resolving things at the meeting level rather than dragging families through a multi-year federal lawsuit, though they do litigate when they have to.
- It’s a Team Effort. The firm has several other attorneys like Jill Calian and Elizabeth Hooper. You might not always be talking to Matt himself, but the strategy usually trickles down from his decades of experience.
Actionable Steps for Parents and Providers
If you are dealing with a school dispute or a disability rights issue right now, don't wait until the expulsion hearing to find help.
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Keep a "Paper Trail" Diary. Every time a teacher calls or a service isn't provided, write it down. Date, time, who said what. This is gold for an attorney like Cohen.
Request a Re-evaluation in Writing. If you feel your child’s current plan isn't working, the law allows you to ask for a new evaluation. Do it via email so there’s a timestamp.
Know the Difference Between an IEP and a 504. This is a huge point of confusion. An IEP is for specialized instruction (under IDEA); a 504 plan is for accommodations (under the ADA/Rehabilitation Act). They are not the same thing, and the legal protections differ wildly.
Watch for "Systemic" Issues. If the school says "we don't do that for anyone," that might be a systemic violation. That's exactly the kind of thing Matt Cohen has spent his career fighting in the Illinois legislature and the courts.
Check the Resource Library. His firm's website has a ton of free materials, brochures, and webinar recordings. Even if you can't afford a retainer right now, the info there is actually useful and not just "lawyer-speak."
Dealing with the legal side of a disability is exhausting. It feels like you’re fighting for crumbs while the school district has a whole cake. Having an advocate who has literally helped write the laws you're trying to use can make the difference between a kid who gets the support they need and one who falls through the cracks.