Date: June 23, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Host: PDS
Credits: 1 (PENDING)
Cost: Free
Location: Zoom
Registration: [Register here]
Summary: The Advocacy in School Discipline training will focus on methods juvenile attorneys can use to advocate for their clients in school disciplinary actions. In most juvenile cases, the Conditions of Release require the juvenile to participate in a school program, however, many court-involved youth are excluded from school due to expulsion, frequent suspensions, or inadequate services and support that inhibit educational access. The training will cover representing students at expulsion hearings, disciplinary protections for students with disabilities, and strategies for utilizing a student's educational program to support the juvenile case.
Faculty Biography:
Amber Miller received her Masters of Special Education from the University of Washington in Seattle, Washington in 2007. Amber taught Special Education at the elementary and middle school level for over twelve years, specializing in teaching students with Autism and Intellectual Disabilities.
Amber attended the University of Maine School of Law, graduating with the class of 2019. She was admitted to practice law in Maine in 2020.
Amber began advocating for children with disabilities over a decade before entering law school, as a teacher, administrator, foster parent, and parent of a child with a disability. She held education advocacy classes for foster parents, teaching families the skills to advocate for the youth in their care and served as an educational consultant for multiple school districts.
Amber has represented families in educational matters concerning special education and related services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act. She has extensive experience representing youth facing disciplinary action and represents clients in matters related to bullying and discrimination.
Amber also represents children who have been charged with juvenile offenses and serves as a guardian ad litem for children who have been taken into the custody of the State of Maine as a result of child maltreatment. Her representation includes both private clients and clients appointed by the court to represent a child of an indigent family.
Amber is a member of the Council of Parents, Attorneys, and Advocates (COPPA), a national organization dedicated to protecting the rights of students with disabilities. She has twice received the Katahdin Recognition award for providing pro bono legal services to Maine’s low income population.
Admission Restrictions: Unless otherwise approved by PDS, to attend this training, you must be eligible to accept PDS case assignments or be a current student at Maine Law.