Kristin Totten

Children's Advocacy Resources for Education, PLLC
In January, I opened my own law practice with the sole purpose of serving individuals with disabilities and their families. Services may include: education matters from initial case evaluation and counsel to meetings with the school to full representation in due process hearings, the Office of Civil Rights, or the Michigan Department of Education. Services may also include school disciplinary proceedings, juvenile court representation for disability related conduct, and advocating for equal access, fair treatment, reasonable accommodations, and a free appropriate public education for children with disabilities.

• Not Currently Accepting Clients
• Rates, Retainers and Additional Information
  Two hour initial consultation available for $200.00 in which we will chart out the course that you can take with your child's special needs in education. If needed and requested, a retainer will be signed for an advance of 10 hours of work at $100 an hour plus a $25.00 administrative fee.

Connecticut

Since 2000

District of Columbia

Since 2007

Michigan

Since 2009

Education Attorney

ACLU of Michigan

2016 - Current

Staff Attorney

The Children's Law Center

2006 - 2007

Served minor clients as Guardian ad Litem in abuse, neglect, and juvenile cases in the DC court system, and in the DC federal court for criminal matters. Advocated for minor clients within various governmental agencies charged with serving the needs of children in the foster care system Investigated allegations of abuse and neglect to recommend to the Court what would be in the best interest of the children. Assisted educational advocates in obtaining the educational rights to meet the needs of my clients.

Staff Attorney

New Haven Legal Assistance

2001 - 2006

Provided legal representation in the areas of juvenile delinquency, truancy, abuse/neglect, school expulsion, special education, eviction defense, housing discrimination, and lead contamination issues. Developed a system to provide full representation for students accused of delinquent acts that might be related to a disability, in both the school proceeding and the delinquency case. Advocated on school disciplinary issues before the state legislature. Provided trainings on housing law issues for the State Public Defenders office, the New Haven Bar Association, community agencies, and various tenant groups. Organized a statewide Pro Bono School Expulsion Project to enlist and support pro bono attorneys from private firms to represent students in school expulsion hearings. Supervised 4-6 law students per year in an on-site clinical program.

University of Akron

J.D. | Law

1996 - 1999

Cedarville University

B.A. | Communications

1992 - 1996

Advocacy Award New Leaders of the Law

The Connecticut Law Tribune

2004

recognized for my advocacy efforts on behalf of people with disabilities.

State Bar of Michigan  # P72942

Member

Current

Parent to Parent

Board Member

2010 - Current

Activities: Parent to Parent of SW MI promotes opportunities for children with disabilities and special needs to fully participate in society through the support and education of families and community.

Michigan Bar Association

Member

2010 - Current

American Bar Association

Member

2010 - Current

Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates

Member

2010 - Current

Michigan Education Law Center

Member

2010 - Current