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Building Fairness, Access, and Success

At Baikow Disability, Education & Employment Law, we represent students, employees, and individuals with disabilities in protecting their rights to equal access, inclusion, and dignity in school, work, and community life.

Our practice focuses on education, employment, and disability law, including:

  • Social Security disability benefits appeals

  • Workplace discrimination, retaliation, and accommodation under the ADA, FMLA, and PHRA

  • School discipline, bullying, and student safety matters, including abuse or injury in educational settings

  • IEP and 504 advocacy to ensure access to appropriate educational services

  • Guidance on access, compliance, and accommodations in employment, education, and public spaces

We combine deep legal experience with compassion and practical understanding—helping families and individuals navigate complex systems, hold institutions accountable, and secure the fairness and protections they deserve.

Our mission is simple: to ensure every person has a fair chance to learn, work, and live with respect and equality.

We understand how overwhelming it can feel to navigate the rules surrounding accommodation, access, and compliance. Whether you’re a parent advocating for your child’s education, an employee seeking workplace fairness, or an individual confronting systemic barriers, the law can feel confusing and impersonal.

We’re here to change that. Our practice combines legal expertise with empathy—helping you understand your rights, assert them confidently, and achieve meaningful results. We partner with families, employees, and organizations to resolve conflicts, implement effective accommodations, and ensure equity under the ADA, Section 504, and IDEA.

When regulations clash with real-world needs, we bring clarity, strategy, and compassion to every case—so you can focus on what matters most: inclusion, dignity, and lasting fairness.

A man with short dark hair, a beard, and mustache, wearing a light blue collared shirt, smiling in front of a brick wall.

I’m Nikolaus Baikow, Esq.

I am a licensed attorney with prior experience as a litigator representing school districts. I bring a unique understanding of the complex challenges facing individuals and organizations in matters of equity, access, and compliance. My approach is defined by creative problem-solving, a detail-driven mindset, and unwavering persistence in turning legal requirements into clear actionable strategy. I am committed to a client-centered practice focused on achieving concrete, lasting results that secure my clients’ missions and futures.

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Social Security Disability Appeals

We represent individuals who have been denied Social Security Disability insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Social Security Income (SSI) benefits, helping them navigate the complex federal appeals process with clarity and confidence. We assist with:

  • Appealing denials of SSDI and SSI benefits

  • Preparing for and representing clients at Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) hearings

  • Developing and presenting medical and vocational evidence to support disability claims

  • Identifying errors in Social Security Administration determinations and requesting reconsideration.

Employment Law and Workplace Rights

We help employees navigate a wide range of workplace challenges — from discrimination and retaliation to contract disputes and wrongful termination. Our firm advocates for fair treatment, accountability, and dignity in the workplace under federal and state laws including the ADA, FMLA, Title VII, and the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act.

We represent employees in matters involving:

  • Requests for reasonable accommodation or medical leave

  • Harassment, discrimination, or retaliation for asserting workplace rights

  • Wrongful termination, demotion, or constructive discharge

  • Wage and hour violations, misclassification, and unpaid overtime

  • Breach of employment contracts and severance negotiations

  • Guidance on workplace investigations, policy violations, and documentation

  • Navigating the interactive process and medical documentation under ADA/FMLA

Special Education Law

We represent parents and students in disputes involving special education services and supports under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504.

  • IEP and 504 Plan review, drafting, and advocacy

  • Attendance at school meetings and due process hearings

  • Disputes over placement, progress, or related services

  • Discipline matters involving students with disabilities

  • Transition planning for postsecondary education or employment

Our goal is to ensure every student receives the services, accommodations, and individualized supports they need to succeed.

Education Law and Student Rights

We represent students and families when schools fail to protect their safety, dignity, and constitutional rights. Our firm advocates for accountability and justice in cases involving discrimination, excessive discipline, and abuse in public and private school settings. We pursue claims under federal and state law, including Title IX, Section 504, and 42 U.S.C. § 1983.

We handle cases involving:

  • Unlawful suspension, expulsion, or exclusion from school

  • Physical or emotional abuse by teachers, staff, or administrators

  • Bullying, harassment, or discrimination based on disability, race, gender, or other protected traits

  • Failure to protect students from known threats or unsafe conditions

  • Student injuries caused by negligence or lack of supervision

  • Retaliation against students or families for reporting concerns

  • Violations of students’ due process or constitutional rights

Disability Rights and ADA Representation

We protect the rights of individuals with disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act (PHRA).

  • Denial of accommodations in schools, workplaces, or public spaces

  • Access barriers in education, employment, or digital content

  • Disability discrimination and retaliation claims

  • Requests for reasonable modifications and auxiliary aids

We work to remove barriers, enforce equal access, and hold institutions accountable when rights are violated.

Higher Education and College Disability Services

Students with disabilities in higher education have distinct rights under the ADA and Section 504.

We help college students navigate:

  • Accommodation denials or delays

  • Academic dismissals or disciplinary actions tied to disability

  • Housing and program-access issues

  • Medical leave and reentry rights

We provide compassionate legal guidance to help students stay enrolled, supported, and treated fairly.

Civil Rights and Equal Access

We advocate for clients facing discrimination in education, employment, and community life.

  • Equal access to public programs and services

  • Denial of participation based on disability

  • Accessibility of websites, digital platforms, and facilities

  • Coordination with OCR, EEOC, or PHRC complaints

Our mission is to ensure equal opportunity and meaningful inclusion at every level.

Examples

  • Disability and Accommodation Advocacy:

    We represent employees and individuals facing disability-related barriers in the workplace. Our practice includes ADA and FMLA claims, failure-to-accommodate disputes, retaliation cases, and advocacy for fair treatment and inclusion at every stage of employment.

  • Special Education Law (IDEA and Section 504):

    We help parents and students secure appropriate educational supports and services under the IDEA and Section 504. This includes IEP and 504 plan development, evaluation review, placement disputes, and representation in due process hearings and complaints.

  • Civil Rights and Accessibility:

    We protect the rights of people with disabilities in schools, workplaces, and public settings. Our work includes accessibility complaints, policy enforcement under Title II and Title III of the ADA, and ensuring equal access to educational and employment opportunities.

  • Advocacy and Early Resolution:

    We provide direct advocacy and negotiation support to resolve conflicts before they escalate. From IEP meetings to workplace accommodation discussions, we help clients navigate complex systems and assert their rights with confidence.

A gavel resting on a sound block and a blue binder labeled 'Education Law' on a wooden table in a well-lit room.