David Salazar

In defending the interests of his public-school agency clients, David Salazar handles issues in special education and student services and advocates in litigation, on appeal, and before the Office of Administrative Hearings. A dedicated advisor, David guides districts in complying with provisions of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and other laws and regulations. He also assists them in preparing for Individual Education Plan (IEP) meetings and manifestation determinations.

With an extensive, in-depth understanding of the intricacies of special education law, David shepherds districts through the complex issues of a legal area where it’s easy for non-experts to get tripped up. Always aiming to help districts avoid complaints and prevent hearings, he consults with them frequently so together they can improve existing programs and establish new ones as necessary. He also provides training to help these administrative organizations stay compliant with a spectrum of regulatory requirements and to ensure that small mistakes don’t morph into bigger, costlier crises.

David conducts investigations into a range of personnel and student issues, including uniform complaints, and also instructs clients so they can competently carry out their own investigations. When disputes do manifest, David draws on his excellent negotiation skills and secures terms that clients can be assured are the best possible.

David’s rich and multifaceted background greatly enhances his ability to assist public school organizations in navigating an increasingly difficult environment. He previously practiced at a large, Philadelphia civil defense firm. There, he handled matters ranging from products liability to complex commercial litigation and successfully represented several high-profile matters involving both private and public schools in the areas of civil rights, student safety and mandatory reporting obligations.

While in law school, David spent his summers representing indigent defendants who had been sentenced to death in federal habeas corpus and post-conviction relief proceedings. He also previously represented migrant farmworkers in wage theft and other civil matters. These powerful experiences stoked his determination to help those who have been taken advantage of—a feeling he maintains today as he fights for the interests of those working diligently at offering excellent public education to all in the face of a constant barrage of difficult challenges. David is a proud product of public schools and looks forward to sending his young son to these vital institutions.