When I was first notified of unwarranted school-based disciplinary action against my son, I thought I could handle it on my own with proper documentation and communication. But when my efforts were minimized and the situation escalated, I knew it was time to seek professional advocacy. A close friend of mine in the education system highly recommended Attorney Jeff Forte. My initial call to his law firm was to Estee Boshoff, intake specialist, who immediately put my mind at ease and lifted the immense weight off my shoulders. Estee was very understanding, professional, and empathetic throughout the process and acted very promptly to connect me with Attorney Forte. Upon first meeting with Jeff, my son and I felt heard, respected, and supported. Although the case we presented to him was not something he regularly encountered, he took it on without hesitation. He was fully committed to representing us and he put in countless hours of research and fact-finding in an area of educational law that was previously uncharted for him. He fearlessly, and victoriously, took on opposing counsel from a major law firm. Due to his diligence and expertise, our case ultimately arrived at an agreeable settlement. Despite that satisfaction, what holds more profound weight than the gratitude and respect that I have for Jeff, is the fact that throughout the nightmare of an ordeal, he became like family. He didn't see my son as a case or a client... he saw my son. He communicated frequently throughout every step of the process and always made a point to ask how my son was holding up. The quality of care, compassion, and professionalism that we have received are far beyond my reasonable expectations. Attorney Jeff Forte, and his entire team, are exactly who you need on your side for educational matters. read more

Thank you for replying, but your response doesn't address the specific issues I raised, so I want to clarify several points for accuracy. 1. Neither contract I signed authorizes absorbing my trust balance. I reviewed both the original hourly retainer and the later fixed‑fee agreement. There is no clause allowing my remaining trust funds to be "absorbed," "rolled into," or "applied toward" monthly installments. When I asked for clarification at the time, no section of the contract was cited, because none exists. 2. I was told to pay an additional $9,500 to replenish the trust. At that point, I still had $5,039.50 remaining. When I explained I couldn't pay another $9,500 upfront, the fixed‑fee monthly plan was then offered as an alternative. 3. I only learned I was being charged monthly regardless of contact after requesting an accounting twice. When I finally understood I had been paying for months of no work, I asked for the remaining trust balance to be returned. Only then was I told it had been "rolled into the installments," despite no such agreement appearing in either contract. 4. The fixed‑fee contract itself was contradictory. It used "installments" in one section and "monthly fee" in another, without clearly stating that I would be charged monthly whether or not any work was performed. That lack of clarity is exactly why I had to request an accounting multiple times. 5. I ultimately had to file a federal FERPA complaint myself. After spending six hours reviewing the records the district sent to your office, I identified multiple critical documents that were missing and brought those omissions to your attention several times. Because those issues remained unaddressed, I had to pursue a federal complaint on my own. That was not the outcome I expected after two years of paid representation. My review is based on contracts, billing statements, and written communication. Your reply does not dispute any of these facts. read more

Forte Law Group - Divorce & Family Law Near Me - Shelton, Connecticut

Attorney Forte is an excellent attorney, passionate on what he does. highly recommend. read more

Jeff was and is my daughters advocate. As her attorney, Jeff was diligent, understanding and presented to us what he could do for our daughter. He told us that this wasn't going to be easy as many potential discoveries could be forthcoming that no parent wants to hear. But not knowing is far worse in my opinion. So, we talked and we shared some background. He then became very active - very interested. It was like my daughter was his! I was so impressed by him for this fight he had. I could hear it. He wanted to help. So we hired him. So many medical diagnosis were discovered through this process. Things Dr.'s teachers, and administrators never took the initiative to investigate. Well her evaluations were performed and discovery was made. Then I ran with what the lawyer set up and had additional evaluations taken and more discovery was made. The entire time he was supportive as each evaluation regardless of under whose direction (from him with his assertive request and the schools approval or or my own) became a part of her PPT. Then I realized its not just about school - sure that is what Jeff was so educated and so supportive of, but the realization that when things get diagnosed it becomes REAL 24hours a day 7 days week. He has been my daughters Guardian through this process and I cant say enough kind words as to how I feel about him, his practice, his knowledge on the subject, and his conviction! A true champion. His staff was truly amazing. Easy to talk to. Getting information and ensuring we delivered our reports quickly so they could be reviewed in a timely manner. Setting up appointments - getting necessary referrals. Taking calls and addressing our concerns. I felt like I had hired the dream team! The quality of knowledge of her PPT and her diagnosis - her evaluations, the testing metrics he recommended were impeccable. At times I thought he knows more than anyone from the school system (even from her own special ed teachers, or how much detail he was looking for from the school system that was just missing) We her parents are hired problem solvers working at a prominent technology company and a designer of entertainment problems. We approached this issue like we do with any problem that we do not know or know fully. I get help. I asked lots of questions and made sure my questions were ready to be presented, I approached my conversations with Jeffrey Forte with clarity and directness. He responded with kindness and intellect. We had a growing working relationship that blossomed into something miraculous that only became more profound as I dealt with his staff. What lead me to getting an Attorney - the background I didn't know this type of service existed or was even needed. Not until I had conversations with family members outside of my daughter's home. They talked to others who talked to others and soon the advice was to reach out and get an advocate. Her school system is failing her. Going to PPT meetings and being told -= she doesn't test well, but some kids are just slow learners. Her parents stating things like - its like she isn't hearing right - but she past her hearing tests. But maybe its like she's hearing under-water. We questioned other issues that might be signs of what could be hindering our daughter. I stated flatly at times when I shared my thoughts that these are just gut feelings or intuitions that I do NOT know I am not a DR but something just seems different. I remember him telling us that we will find out and you will should you pursue even further - make additional discoveries and we have! When you have a child that is failing to learn, failing to be necessarily educated and you find someone, in fact you find an entire staff that can open a world of possibilities for your child. How much would you spend to get that in return? Its value is priceless. The money spent and the outcomes achieved and the ongoing outcomes still to be realized. So for those who are waiting for the negative - well here it is: I have two regrets: 1) Not knowing that when I suspected something wasn't right - I let other convince me to wait and see instead of looking for an educational advocate who would fight for the right to a Free Public Education that meets the needs and requirements for a child like my daughter 2) I didn't find my champion in Jeffrey Forte, Esquire, sooner I will live with those two regrets every day and every day I see my daughter - I see so much hope and so much possibility that I would never ever have achieved without him! If you need an attorney who will fight for your child's right. The Connecticut constitution guarantees every child the right to a free public elementary and secondary education. This fundamental right ensures substantially equal educational opportunities and resources suitable to participate in democratic institutions, attain productive employment, or progress to higher education. Then Jeffrey Forte and his staff will ensure those rights are met! read more

I initially felt very optimistic when we hired J. Forte. During the first consultation, he delivered a very persuasive speech that gave us confidence he could secure the results we needed. He promised we would never feel lost, that our concerns would be heard, and we would be fully represented. However, once we entered the process--particularly during the first PPT meeting--he barely spoke. In fact, we did most of the talking, and it felt like we were left to represent ourselves. Since then, communication has been consistently poor. Meetings were often postponed or rescheduled, delaying my daughter's ability to attend school. Even when we reached out for advice, they canceled at the last minute. On top of that, I paid a $6,500 retainer, which now feels like just giving away money for nothing in return. Both he and his firm have been ineffective, inconsistent, and frankly, a disappointment. I would not recommend them. read more

This man will rip you off and act like he loves you and will champion you yet charges 15k for an argument each time you talk to him