What Education Rights Counsel does

Education Rights Counsel (ERC) is a Nebraska-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit legal services organization founded in 2017 and headquartered in Omaha. The organization provides free legal representation, consultations, training, and policy advocacy to protect the educational rights of children in Nebraska's public schools, with particular focus on under-resourced families whose income is at or below 250% of federal poverty guidelines. ERC's primary client segments are families of children with disabilities navigating special education law (IDEA, ADA, Section 504), families facing student discipline proceedings, and youth in the juvenile court system in Douglas, Sarpy, and Lancaster Counties. The organization also serves attorneys (Nebraska Bar members), community organizations, schools, and educators through training and consultation.

ERC's service portfolio spans direct legal representation in IEP/504 plan development, manifestation determination hearings, and discipline hearings; 30-minute statewide free consultations; foundational and advanced education law training; by-invitation continuing legal education (CLE) for Nebraska attorneys; juvenile court limited-representation education counsel appointments; and research/policy advocacy. The organization builds an Alliance of Education Advocates network through free CLE and partners with Disability Rights Nebraska, CASAs, CRCC, three Nebraska law schools, multiple school foundations, and juvenile court systems. There is no proprietary technology product; service delivery is human-attorney-driven with traditional digital marketing channels (website, newsletter, earned media, social media).

The business model is that of a registered public charity (EIN 82-2953545) operating without venture capital or private equity. Revenue is generated through a mix of grants and charitable donations (the largest single disclosed being a $25,000 Karnett Trust grant via United Way of the Midlands in 2025), fee-based Advanced Education Law Training for organizations, and low-bono contracted representation by trained attorneys. Direct legal services are provided free to qualifying families. Under CEO Lauren Micek Vargas (since 2020), the organization has grown from 1 to 7 full-time plus 2 contract employees, expanded its budget by 90%, and serves over 1,000 Nebraskans annually.

Name

Education Rights Counsel

Legal name

Education Rights Counsel

Website

https://educationrightscounsel.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2017

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Education Rights Counsel is a Nebraska-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing free legal representation, training, and policy advocacy to protect the educational rights of children with disabilities and youth in the juvenile justice system.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Omaha

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Grants and Donations: ERC operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization funded primarily through grants and charitable donations. Received $25,000 grant from United Way of the Midlands Karnett Trust in 2025.
2. Fee-Based Training Services: Advanced Education Law Training offered on a fee-based basis to organizations requiring tailored professional development.
3. Legal Services (Low-Bono): Contracts with trained attorneys at low-bono rates for direct representation of clients, paid by ERC.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Education Rights Counsel provides free limited-scope legal representation to Nebraska families with children facing special education or student discipline issues, including IEP and 504 Plan advocacy, manifestation determination hearings, and discipline hearings. The organization also offers free 30-minute consultations statewide, foundational training for families and professionals, fee-based advanced training for organizations, and continuing legal education (CLE) for Nebraska attorneys. ERC additionally accepts court appointments as limited-representation education counsel in Douglas, Sarpy, and Lancaster County juvenile courts.

Product overview

Education Rights Counsel (ERC) is a Nebraska-based nonprofit legal services organization offering a portfolio of interconnected advocacy and support services for children and families navigating the education system. The core offerings include direct legal representation for income-qualifying families facing special education and student discipline challenges, free consultations available statewide, and training programs for families, professionals, and attorneys. ERC provides specialized juvenile court education counsel appointments in Douglas, Sarpy, and Lancaster Counties, along with advanced continuing legal education for Nebraska attorneys. The organization also conducts policy advocacy, research, and data analysis to drive systemic change. Services span IEP and 504 Plan advocacy, manifestation determinations, discipline hearings, and broader training initiatives including foundational training, fee-based advanced training, and by-invitation CLE programs. ERC's work is complemented by public education resources and annual recognition programs like the Aequitas Awards and Debora Basler Wisneski Inclusive Innovation in Education Award.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Direct Legal Representation Free limited scope legal representation for qualifying Nebraska families (income at 250% or below federal poverty guidelines) with children facing special education or student discipline issues, focusing on IEPs, 504 Plans, manifestation determinations, and discipline hearings.
• Free Consultations 30-minute free consultations available to any individual statewide with PK-12 education questions, providing general information and direction without legal advice.
• Foundational Training Free group training sessions providing an overview of education law, family and student rights, and rights of youth involved in the juvenile system.
• Advanced Education Law Training Fee-based in-depth training tailored to the specific needs of organizations seeking comprehensive education law education.
• Continuing Legal Education (CLE) By-invitation-only free continuing legal education for attorneys, including an annual 8-hour special education deep dive, offered to members of the Nebraska Bar who join the Alliance of Education Advocates.
• Juvenile Court Education Counsel Limited representation education counsel appointments in Douglas, Sarpy, and Lancaster Counties for juveniles in the court system, helping them obtain appropriate education support to successfully exit the system.
• Special Education Advocacy Assistance with IEP development, MDT meetings, Section 504 accommodations, manifestation determinations, behavior intervention plans, extended school year, independent education evaluations, and formal complaints/hearings.
• Student Discipline Representation Guidance through student discipline processes including out-of-classroom removals, suspensions, expulsions, due process hearings, bullying, restraint and seclusion issues, and manifestation determination reviews.
• Research and Data Services Policy advocacy, legislative review, publications, contracted research, and data collection and analysis to drive better educational outcomes for Nebraska students.
• Training and Contracting Services Stakeholder collaboration with legal entities, schools, and organizations to broaden equitable outcomes through joint representation and expert services, including consults and webinars.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 1,000 Nebraskans served annually
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Disability Rights NebraskacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerERC partners with Disability Rights Nebraska to provide expertise in IDEA, assisting their clients who also have ADA and Section 504 claims. Both organizations work together on disability rights advocacy.
• Connected Roots Care Center (CRCC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerERC contracts with CRCC, a local entity serving wrap-around services to children with disabilities. Creates tailored group and individual trainings for their clients. Unifies collective missions to achieve educational equity.
• Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerERC provides ongoing tailored training to CASAs (volunteers appointed by judges to be voice of children who are victims of abuse, neglect or conflict) to ensure they can advocate effectively for clients with special education needs.
• Volunteer Lawyers ProjectminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorERC works with the Volunteer Lawyers Project for pro bono work in Nebraska and annual Pro Bono Summit.
• Justice Assessment CenterminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerERC supports diversion programs through the Justice Assessment Center.
• Millard Public School FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerERC contracted to facilitate a steering committee of professionals seeking to ensure every child in Nebraska is screened for early signs of autism. Facilitates conversation between educators and medical community.
• Nebraska Juvenile Probation (Douglas County)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerERC participates in 'Hour of Impact' providing information and updates on juvenile justice and child welfare to professionals working with children in Douglas County.
• Nebraska State Education AssociationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerERC collaborates with NSEA on advocacy efforts, including Protect Your Students events.
• University of Nebraska Omaha (UNO)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerERC collaborates with UNO offering externships, trainings, and teaching clinics. Dr. Debora Basler Wisneski serves as John T. Langan Community Chair in Early Childhood Education at UNO. UNO Disability Services Director served by ERC advisory board member.
• Creighton University School of LawcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerERC collaborates with Creighton Law School offering Children's Justice Clinic, guest lectures, and training opportunities for law students.
• University of Nebraska College of LawcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerERC collaborates with UNL College of Law for Children's Justice Clinic, guest teaching, and education on IEPs.
• Nebraska State Bar AssociationminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAwarded Special Merit Award to ERC; ERC provides free CLE to Nebraska Bar members who can join Alliance of Education Advocates.
• Omaha Education AssociationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerERC co-presents 'Protect Your Students: Successful Advocacy in Tough Times' events with OEA.
• Down Syndrome Midlands / Milos ConnectionminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerERC presents on IEPs at Down Syndrome Education Series events.
• Phoenix Academy OmahaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPresented Dick Holland Literacy Advocate Award to ERC CEO; ERC listed as community resource.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Market position

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/educationrightscounsel

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Education Rights Counsel