Academy of Law and Leadership

The Leading Special Education Law Conference
Turning Legal and Regulatory Guidance Into Local School District Practice

Atlanta, Georgia, April 21-23, 2026

The CASE Academy of Law and Leadership is a premier professional learning experience designed for special education leaders and special education school district attorneys. This academy brings together nationally recognized experts, both school district experts and legal experts, to provide in-depth training on legal foundations, leadership practices, and policy issues that shape the field of special education. Participants engage in sessions focused on real-world application, including legal compliance, effective decision-making, strategic leadership, and current issues impacting districts nationwide. Whether you’re strengthening your legal knowledge or refining your leadership skills, the Academy equips you with practical tools to lead with confidence and clarity.

Who should attend?

The target audience is administrators or leaders in public education charged with the implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and school district attorneys. 

Registration for the Academy is sold out 

           
Hotel Details
CASE Night Information
  
Purchase CASE Night Ticket Here
Sponsor & Exhibitor Information
  
Concurrent Sessions
Agenda-At-A-Glance
  
Keynote Speakers

2026 Registration Rates

          
CASE Member
    
Non-CASE Member
Early Bird Rate     
Dec 1st-Jan 31st
   $545    $695 
Regular Registration    
Feb 1st-Mar 13th
   $615   $765
Late Registration     Mar 14th-Apr 23rd   $715   $865 
Join CASE today and register as a CASE Member to enjoy discounted rates—membership costs less than the Non-Member registration price.
 

Hotel and Conference Center

Loews Atlanta Hoteln - almost old out
1065 Peachtree Street NE
Atlanta, GA 30309
 Atlanta Clip
  

Thank you sponsors for your support and partnership!

 

Sensory Room Solutions   

Goalbook  Presence

 

HMH      Chancelight    Lighthouse 

 

Star Autism Support     Proximity Learning      Huddle Up Care, Inc

     

Thank you to our Host Law Firm!   

Parker Poe 

Corporate Partners at the Academy

321 Insight ~ Amergis Educational Staffing ~ American Association of Adapted Sports ~  BlazerWorks ~ BrighterBalance ~ Brolly by Level Data ~ ChanceLight Behavioral Health ~ Elevation Healthcare ~ eLuma ~ E-Therapy, An Edustaff Company ~  Goalbook ~ Greenbush ~ Handle with Care Behavior Management System ~ HMH ~ Houston County Transition Academy ~ Huddle Up Care, Inc. ~ Journify Learning ~ Kollier & Co Boutique ~ Lighthouse Therapy ~ MindSet Safety Management ~ Parallel Learning ~ Parker Poe Law Firm ~ Presence ~ Proximity Learning ~ Quantum Resource Professionals ~ RCM Healthcare Services ~ Relay ~ Saddleback Educational ~ Sensory Room Solutions ~ Sole Shoe Store ~ Star Autism Support ~ Thorne Consulting ~ VocoVision

Phillip-Magee post

Here's some comments from the 2026 Academy

You all truly put on a great conference -- we are so happy we could participate. What a welcoming team.  
Looking forward to learning more about the opportunities for Providence.
~Holly Sears, Huddle Up Care, Inc.
Special education leadership is a balance of technical expertise and human connection. Last week's CASE, Special Education Law & Leadership conference provided invaluable guidance on improving the IEP process for staff and parents alike. 
 
Two sessions, in particular, invited special education directors to reflect on the impact of soft skills and system integrity: 
  1. Nicklaus Khan, Ed.D. and Tilnisha Rosser, Ph.D., delivered a powerful session on the use of interpersonal skills to listen to and center the needs of parents throughout the IEP process. 
  2. Tiffiney Smith and Julie Weatherly led an impactful session on the value of using an Educational Benefits Review process to establish and sustain relevant and impact-oriented IEPs.
When combined, both approaches can improve accountability and create the space for leaders to build (or restore) trust with parents. Curious about the content? I highly recommend connecting with Dr. Khan, Dr.l Rosser, Julie Weatherly, or Tiffiney Smith directly to learn more about their work! 
~ Mailaika Moses
   

Look at what our attendees said about the 2025 Academy

Great schedule! Appreciated the keynote and breakouts...appreciated having some repeat sessions.
Enjoyed the up-to-the-minute information from Washington, keynotes were excellent, loved the check-in and access to information.
As a vendor, I loved the opportunity to organically visit with attendees while also being able to participate in the general sessions.
I loved meeting folks throughout the country learning about the different challenges they are facing but encouraged by the resolve in the room and the innovation taking place to solve tough problems.
The entire conference was wonderful, ahead of the curve, and highly collaborative/welcoming!
I gained valuable knowledge and left with strategies that I could implement with my staff. Excellent conference with wonderful presenters. Thank you for the time and effort to make this conference so amazing!
Presentations by lawyers paired with district leaders was so valuable! This provided a nice blend of the "why" and the "how"!
 
 
 
 

 Future CASE Events

  • Academy of Law and Leadership 2027: April 20-22, 2027, Austin, Texas
  • Academy of Law and Leadership 2028: April 11-13, 2028, Anaheim, California 
 

CASE EVENT CODE OF CONDUCT

Join us in creating a safe and respectful environment for all attendees through our event code of conduct. We believe that every individual deserves to feel comfortable and welcomed. Let's work together to ensure a positive and inclusive experience for everyone. By participating in CASE events, individuals agree to: 
  • Be kind and professional
  • Use welcoming and inclusive language
  • Be respectful of differing viewpoints and experiences

Thank you for helping make this a welcoming, positive event for all!
 

Please note photographs and footage will be taken throughout the conference. These will be used by the Council of Administrators of Special Education (CASE) for marketing and publicity in our publications, on our website, and in social media.

CANCELLATION POLICY: To receive a refund (less 25% administrative cost), cancellations must be made in writing or by email no later than March 27, 2026 at 4:00 PM (central time). 

Future Opportunities for the Academy of Law and Leadership