On Friday, we did a full-day Wrightslaw program as a benefit for the new Special Ed Advocacy Clinic at the W & M Law School.  I don't recall how much I told you about the program during the planning that began last summer. 

The idea for the Clinic came from Jeffrey Breit. Jeffrey is one of the most successful and influential trial lawyers in Virginia. He represents the common person against big interests. A few years ago, he won a multi-million dollar verdict against Virginia Power. He is an adjunct law professor and teaches trial advocacy at the law school. He persuaded them to start the clinic. At one meeting, he mentioned using the "Wrightslaw Army" to change special ed. 

Since few lawyers are available to represent parents, one component of his plan is to increase the number of lawyers who can represent parents and put on these cases. This means training more practicing lawyers, and teaching law students about special ed law and how to put on these cases. Yesterday's benefit was to  raise money for the PELE Special Ed Clinic, get the word out in the legal community, and to solicit parents who want help from the law school. Here is the news release: 
 
Before the program started, Patty told the group about Jeffrey's vision of the "Wrightslaw Army." She  presented us with "Wrightslaw Army" shirts and caps at the beginning  of the program. Said if we wanted to sell them, to let her know, she has  things in place.