Administrative & Constitutional LawLawyer referralEducation appeals

Student suspension or expulsion appeal

Representing a student in a school board suspension or expulsion hearing and appeal.

School board appeal deadlines are short and appear in the decision letter; the lawyer confirms the timeline in writing before work starts. Ontario Done by an Ontario lawyer, by referral

What is included

  • Reviews the school board's decision and records
  • Explains the appeal or review process under the Education Act
  • Prepares the appeal and supporting evidence
  • Represents you and your child at meetings or the hearing
  • Advises on next steps after the decision

What is not included

  • Filing fees, transcripts and other disbursements
  • Further appeals or other proceedings not covered by the lawyer's written retainer
  • Independent medical or other reports

Who this service is for

  • Parents and guardians of a suspended or expelled student
  • Families in a dispute about special education identification or placement

Information to have ready

  1. 1The suspension, expulsion or IPRC decision letter
  2. 2Report cards, IEPs and assessments
  3. 3Notes from meetings with the school
  4. 4Medical or psychological reports, if relevant

How a referral works

  1. 1Tell us in a few words what the matter is about, and who else is involved, so we can check for a conflict of interest.
  2. 2We recommend an Ontario lawyer for your matter, and at least one other you could choose instead.
  3. 3The lawyer runs their own conflict check, confirms the scope and quotes the fee, normally in a written retainer agreement.
  4. 4You pay the lawyer's fee to the lawyer. Any referral fee comes out of it, is disclosed to you in writing, and never increases what you pay.

NEO Legal Services Professional Corporation is a licensed paralegal firm, not a law firm. Every step of a referral, and your rights

Frequently asked questions

What does the lawyer charge?

A typical Ontario fee for this service is $2,000–$6,000, plus HST. The lawyer quotes the actual fee before any work starts. You pay the lawyer directly; the referral itself costs you nothing.

Is there an appeal before the Special Education Tribunal?

Usually the process starts with the school board's IPRC decision and an appeal to a special education appeal board, before the Tribunal. The lawyer will explain each step.

Who hears a suspension or expulsion appeal?

A suspension is usually appealed to the school board, and an expulsion to the Child and Family Services Review Board. The decision letter explains the steps and deadlines.

General information only, not legal advice. NEO Legal Services Professional Corporation is a licensed paralegal firm regulated by the Law Society of Ontario.

Important limitations

  • No outcome can be guaranteed
  • Tribunals and courts can only decide the issues the law gives them
  • Deadlines to appeal or apply keep running during a referral
Law Society of Ontario — Barreau de l'Ontario
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