Biography
Rachel Nicholas advises public school systems throughout North Carolina on complex legal issues affecting students, educators, and school communities. With more than a decade of experience in education law, she helps school districts navigate compliance obligations, resolve disputes, and strengthen educational systems.
A former second-grade teacher through Teach For America, Rachel brings a practical understanding of the challenges schools face. Her practice includes advising school districts on compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and other federal and state laws affecting students with disabilities, as well as representing clients in investigations, due process matters, litigation, and student records issues.
Rachel’s work extends beyond resolving individual disputes. She partners with school districts to identify practical solutions that improve systems and services for students. Her service on the advisory board of the Public School Forum of North Carolina provides an opportunity to contribute to policy discussions informed by her experience representing public schools, bringing a practitioner’s perspective to conversations about system-wide improvements that support students, educators, and school communities.
Areas of Focus
+Education
- Advises and trains school districts on compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and other federal and state laws.
- Drafts local procedure manuals outlining school processes for compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
- Defends claims in the North Carolina Office of Administrative Hearings and federal court under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act
- Defends complaints in the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction and the Office for Civil Rights
- Attends Individualized Education Program (IEP) and Section 504 meetings as board counsel
- Responds to public records requests and requests for education records
Credentials
+Education
University of North Carolina School of Law, JD, 2014
University of North Carolina Greensboro, BA, 2009
+Notable Accomplishments
Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® Ones to Watch (Education Law) 2023-2024
+Professional & Community Activities
Host of Limited Series Podcast, “S.O.S. Strategies for Operation Special Education”
Public School Forum of North Carolina, Advisory Board Member
North Carolina Council of School Attorneys, Member
National Council of School Attorneys, Member
North Carolina Bar Association- Education Law Section, Chair (2024-2025)
North Carolina Bar Association- Young Lawyers’ Division, Member
National Association of Parliamentarians, Member
+ Speaking & Writing
Recent Presentations
Co-Presenter: “Legal Landscape of Disability Law” – North Carolina Bar Association (April 2026)
Co-Presenter: “Becoming the MVPs of LRE: An interactive 2-hour workshop on the Least Restrictive Environment”- North Carolina Council for Exceptional Children (February 2026)
Recent Publications
Author— “SCOTUS Rules Bad Faith or Gross Misjudgment Not Required for Students to Establish Section 504 or ADA Claims Against School System” (June 2025)
