Emily M. Beck is an Associate in the firm’s Education Law practice group. Ms. Beck counsels area public school districts and charter schools regarding compliance with federal and state law and regulations governing the provision of special education programming for exceptional children. She also supports school districts in reference to their obligations to students under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the McKinney-Vento Act, as well as ensuring that district discipline policies conform to all regulatory and legislative requirements.

Prior to joining Wisler Pearlstine, Ms. Beck practiced special education law with the School District of Philadelphia’s Office of General Counsel, where she handled all aspects of disputes and litigation arising under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504, in addition to providing guidance and support to the District’s Office of Specialized Services.

Prior to concentrating her practice in special education, Ms. Beck worked for eleven years in Philadelphia’s Child Welfare system. She first served as an Assistant City Solicitor in the City of Philadelphia Law Department, where she represented the Department of Human Services in dependency court proceedings. Ms. Beck then spent eight years as Child Advocate Attorney at the Defender Association of Philadelphia where she directly represented abused and neglected children in dependency court.

Representative Matters

• Represented the surviving siblings of a disabled child whose tragic death was caused by neglect and malnutrition. Ms. Beck’s representation helped to ensure the siblings’ placement in permanent, safe homes.

Personal Interests

When not practicing law, Ms. Beck enjoys music, swimming, gardening, reading and spending time with her husband, son and dog.