Eric J. Feldman is a recognized expert in special education law, bringing a unique perspective as a former Special Education Administrative Law Judge, a parent of a student with special needs, and a former leader within an Intermediate School District dedicated to serving students with disabilities. With more than 15 years of combined legal and education administration experience, Eric offers unparalleled insight into the complex intersection of education law, special education compliance, and labor and employment matters.

Special Education Expertise
Eric’s deep knowledge of special education law includes advising on compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (Section 504), and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). He has handled due process complaints, hearings, mediations, resolution meetings, and litigation. His experience spans critical areas such as:

• IEP development and team meetings
• FAPE and LRE determinations
• Child Find obligations, evaluations, and eligibility
• Manifestation determination reviews
• OCR, MDCR, and MDE complaints
• Private placement and cooperative agreements
• Professional development for school personnel
• Schools of Choice and 105c Agreements
• Comprehensive coverage of all remaining aspects of Special Education and Section 504 compliance and litigation.

Eric ensures districts meet their statutory obligations while supporting student success.

General Education Experience
Beyond special education, Eric has extensive experience in general education law and policy. He advises school districts on compliance with Michigan’s Revised School Code and federal education statutes, including Title IX and student rights issues. His work includes:

• Student discipline and expulsion hearings
• Teacher tenure and certification matters
• Contract negotiations and policy development
• Investigations into student and staff misconduct
• Guidance on school safety, bullying prevention, and equity initiatives

Eric’s comprehensive understanding of both general and special education law allows him to provide holistic solutions for educational institutions.

Labor and Employment Law
In addition to his education law expertise, Eric has a strong background in labor and employment law. He represents clients in matters before MERC, EEOC, and other federal and state agencies, routinely resolving disputes early to avoid costly litigation. His work includes contract negotiations, grievances, arbitrations, investigations, and advising on Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) compliance. Eric’s ability to navigate both education and employment law makes him a trusted advisor for school districts and educational institutions.

Professional Experience
Prior to joining Miller Johnson Eric served as the Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources & Legal Counsel for Monroe County Intermediate School District where he was responsible for the organization and administration of all human resources, labor relations, and legal activities for approximately 600 staff within the district as well as assisting the 9 local school districts within the county.

Before that, Eric served as an Administrative Law Judge for the State of Michigan, where he acted as a senior-level adjudicator in highly complex education and regulatory matters. His docket included cases involving Special Education disputes, Teacher Tenure, Educator Certification, Property Transfers, School Nutrition Programs, Michigan Department of Education audit challenges, and Special Education Plan objections, as well as state licensing and benefits issues. This role required the interpretation and application of multiple areas of law to intricate factual scenarios, demonstrating Eric’s ability to navigate nuanced legal frameworks and deliver well-reasoned decisions.

Professional Affiliations, Activities and Honors
Eric is the Former Chair of the Administrative & Regulatory Law Section of the State Bar of Michigan. He is a current Member of the Labor and Employment Law Section of the State Bar of Michigan, a Member of the Michigan Association of School Personnel Administrators, a Member of the Michigan Council of School Attorneys, and a Member of the Michigan Association of Administrators of Special Education.

Education and Court Admissions
Eric attended University of Detroit Mercy School of Law where he received his juris doctor in 2010. He received his bachelor’s degree from Arizona State University in 2006.

Eric is also admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan and the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan.