Cases Not Generally Accepted By The Law Center
The following are various types of cases that are not typically accepted by the Law Center for reasons such as they are commonly accepted by other attorneys, they allow for court appointed counsel, they are prohibited by the Law Center governing regulations, they involve representing individuals without disabilities or against the interests of persons with disabilities, or because the primary issue is often not disability related. Prospective clients contacting the Law Center with such cases may receive I&R or Technical Assistance. These cases may be accepted if the Director determines there is a significant indication that the client is being discriminated against because of his or her disability.
1. Family Law Matters (divorce, custody, child support, ad litem representation of children in parental rights termination cases)
2. Wills and Probate (drafting of wills, trusts, and estate planning)
3. Malpractice cases
4. Workers' Compensation, issues related to collective bargaining agreements; unemployment compensation.
5. Product Liability cases
6. Bankruptcy matters
7. Consumer Protection issues
8. Tax, Pension, ERISA issues
9. Property disputes
10. Government Benefits (ie: Social Security, Social Security Disability, TANF, SNAP claims)
11. Criminal proceedings, except by discretion of the Director in pursuit of NADLC objectives and in accordance with funding and other restrictions
12. Personal Injury cases, except by discretion of the Director in pursuit of NADLC objectives
13. Cases against people with disabilities, including obtaining Guardianships over adults with disabilities.
14. Cases representing care providers: NADLC will not represent care providers even if they share the interest of a person with a disability. Instead, we will seek representation of the person with the disability, his guardian, or next friend, or will proceed in NADLC’s own name.
15. Cases involving discrimination by association: Portions of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (Section 504) and the Americans with Disabilities Act prohibit discrimination not only against people with disabilities, but also against persons who have a relationship or association with the person with the disability (i.e., caretaker, roommate, family member). Despite this coverage by Section 504 or the ADA, NADLC cannot represent these individuals who are subject to discrimination by association unless they too have a disability and meet the criteria for representation under one of NADLC's programs.