Caroline A. Roselli

Caroline A. Roselli

Caroline A. Roselli is a dedicated attorney specializing in education law, higher education, special education, and student rights related issues. Her unwavering commitment is to ensure educational institutions receive the support, advocacy and collaboration they require to deliver quality education to students throughout their programs.

In her practice, Caroline provides invaluable counsel to K-12 school districts and higher education institutions on a broad spectrum of student-related matters. This includes advising on Title IX, discrimination, free speech, student discipline, student records, and related policy development. Caroline’s expertise also extends to representation of schools in responding to complaints filed with regulatory bodies such as the Illinois State Board of Education, the Office of Civil Rights and the Illinois Department of Human Rights.

One of the areas where Caroline excels is representing public school districts at various critical special education proceedings. These include Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings, due process hearings, and alternative dispute proceedings, such as mediations and resolution sessions. Her track record is notable for successfully defending school district decisions and prevailing at due process hearings, particularly on issues related to eligibility, residential placements, transition programming and denial of Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) claims. Her work on disability related claims extends to representation of higher education institutions on accommodation requests and discrimination complaints.

Caroline also performs extensive work with educational institutions to ensure compliance with Title IX and related laws in all aspects of employment and education, including admissions, academic programs, athletics and extracurricular access, and facilities access. Caroline also works with educational institutions to ensure Title IX compliance in light of the changing regulations. Caroline’s commitment to the field is further highlighted by her active involvement in the education community. She is a member of the Illinois Counsel for School Attorneys Executive Committee and has been a speaker at annual conferences for both the Illinois Association for School Boards and the Illinois Alliance of Administrators of Special Education.

She is also the author and co-author of multiple publications, contributing her expertise to the legal education of her peers and the broader community.

Caroline frequently conducts workshops and in-service programs on various education related topics. Her dedication to educating others within the field demonstrates her passion for promoting a comprehensive understanding of the legal issues facing education institutions.

Caroline grew up in a supportive environment that emphasized the value of education and community service. Her mother, a dedicated teacher, instilled in her a love for learning and a commitment to helping others. Meanwhile, her father served as a school board member and attorney, which further highlighted the importance of education policy and advocacy in their household. This background not only shaped Caroline’s academic pursuits but also inspired her to engage actively in her community, fostering a passion for both teaching and leadership.

Awards

• Illinois Emerging Lawyer, School Law (2017-2018)
• Illinois “Rising Star,” Super Lawyers Magazine, Schools and Education Law (2012-2017)

Education

• J.D., cum laude, Loyola University Chicago School of Law
• B.A., University of Notre Dame

Admitted to Practice

• Supreme Court of the United States
• U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois
• Supreme Court of Illinois

Organizations

• Chicago Bar Association
• Illinois Bar Association
• Illinois Council of School Attorneys
• National School Attorneys Association

Recent Publications

• Co-Author, “Special Education,”, 2024 Edition School Law Personnel and Student Issues, Illinois Institute of Continuing Legal Education

Recent Presentations

• Dyslexia: A Panel Discussion on the Legal Requirements and Practical Implications of Servicing Dyslexic Students, Illinois Alliance of Administrators of Special Education 2022 Winter Conference (February 2022)
• To Attend or Not to Attend: Chronic Absences in a Post-COVID World, Illinois Alliance of Administrators of Special Education 2022 Fall Conference (October 2022)
• Navigating the IEP Process when DCFS is Involved, Illinois Alliance of Administrators of Special Education 2023 Winter Conference (February 2023)
• Accommodating the High Achieving Student: Where to Draw the Line under 504, Illinois Alliance of Administrators of Special Education 2023 Fall Conference (October 2023)
• Transition Programming: Preparing Students with Disabilities for Life After High School, Illinois Alliance of Administrators of Special Education 2024 Winter Conference (February 2024)