Representing CPS in Illinois State Board of Education (“ISBE”) special education due process hearings by investigating the merits of a case, drafting and submitting the legally required complaint response, participating in legally-required resolution sessions, preparing documentary and witness-based evidence for hearings, participating in pre-hearing and related conferences, and submitting oral and/or written arguments; Representing CPS in ISBE special education mediations, informally mediating disputes, and formally responding to ISBE State Complaints filed by parents, staff, and advocates; Providing expert and well-managed legal services related to Special Education, attending Individualized Education Program (“IEP”) and 504 Plan meetings, coordinating the implementation of ISBE due process hearing orders, state complaint corrective action orders, and mediation and settlement agreements with Office for Students with Disabilities and local school staff; Conducting and supporting training regarding Due Process Complaints, Mediation Requests, 504 matters, and general special education legal concerns; Advising Board of Education and school-based staff on Board rules, policies, and statutes related to school law, including, but not limited to: enrollment and transfer, student privacy, student discipline, special education concerns, legislation, Charter school matters, custody issues, and school climate matters. The School Law Unit provides legal guidance to staff on a wide range of legal and policy issues affecting schools, including student records and privacy, the student code of conduct, student enrollment and transfers, school accountability, Local School Council issues, legislative review, charter school matters, and educational initiatives.