Court partially grants motion for attorneys’ fees tied to special education dispute
New York, NY – A federal court has awarded more than $25,000 in attorneys’ fees and costs to a family that prevailed in a special education case against the New York City Department of Education, according to a newly issued judgment in the Southern District of New York.
The case stems from a due process complaint filed in December 2021 on behalf of a child with a disability, identified in court documents as E.M. An impartial hearing officer ruled in October 2022 that the plaintiffs were the prevailing party in the administrative proceeding.
Following that decision, the plaintiffs filed a federal lawsuit in October 2023 seeking reimbursement for legal fees and related expenses under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
Court adopts recommendation for partial award
According to the court record, “On February 13, 2026, U.S. Magistrate Judge Valerie Figueredo issued a Report and Recommendation … which recommended that Plaintiffs’ motion be GRANTED in part and DENIED in part.” The filing specified that “Plaintiffs be awarded $25,167.85.”
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Key Points
- Federal court awards $25,167.85 in attorneys’ fees in IDEA case
- Plaintiffs previously prevailed in administrative special education hearing
- Ruling partially grants motion for summary judgment
The judgment follows months of legal filings, including a motion for summary judgment submitted by the plaintiffs in May 2025 and opposition from the Department of Education in June 2025.
Case highlights ongoing IDEA disputes
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act allows families to seek reimbursement for legal costs when they prevail in disputes over special education services. The case reflects a broader pattern of litigation involving the New York City school system and compliance with federal special education requirements.
The ruling resolves the issue of attorneys’ fees tied to the administrative proceeding but does not alter the underlying findings from the earlier hearing.
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