Build a record that another person can understand.
These materials are general informational checklists, not legal advice.
Case File Checklist
Keep the complaint, notices, IEPs, evaluations, PWNs, correspondence, motions, orders, exhibit lists, exhibits, witness materials, and transcript together in chronological folders.
Exhibit Preparation
Use consistent filenames, preserve original electronic copies, create an exhibit index, confirm file access before deadlines, and preserve proof of service or exchange.
Hearing Calendar
Track filing dates, resolution-session periods, prehearing conferences, disclosure deadlines, subpoena deadlines, hearing dates, and decision deadlines.
Accommodation Requests
Make requests in writing, identify the functional barrier, identify the requested modification, preserve supporting documentation, and request a written response.
Access Barriers
Document copying costs, technology failures, inaccessible formats, platform access, scheduling conflicts, and any practical barrier that affects participation.
Preserving Objections
State the objection, identify the basis, request the specific relief sought, and preserve the relevant document, ruling, or transcript reference.
Witness Preparation
Identify what each witness personally knows, what documents support that knowledge, and whether the testimony is cumulative, foundational, or necessary to resolve a disputed fact.
Public Records
Request records narrowly enough to be administrable, ask for electronic native-format production when useful, and preserve cost estimates and agency correspondence.
After the Hearing
Preserve the decision, transcript, exhibits, post-hearing correspondence, deadlines for review, and any unresolved request for reconsideration or administrative action.
Questions to ask before a hearing
Test the actual links, permissions, passwords, and file formats rather than assuming access.
Unresolved access needs should be identified before the hearing begins whenever possible.
Compare the complaint, amendments, prehearing order, and any narrowing rulings.
Separate legal disputes from factual disputes and identify what evidence bears on each.
State requested relief concretely enough that the decision maker can grant or deny it.