Hansen & Cleary, LLC

07/27/2026

Get to know our associates!

Summer Ardell: Summer's passion for special education advocacy is deeply personal. As a former special education student with neurodiverse family members, she experienced firsthand the profound impact that appropriate supports—and dedicated advocates—can have on a student's educational journey. Although she initially planned to become a special education teacher, her time working in schools revealed that many students and families needed advocacy beyond the classroom. That realization inspired her to pursue a career in law, where she now represents families in special education, school discipline, mental health, guardianship, confidentiality, bullying investigations, and post-secondary education matters.

"Every child deserves an advocate who sees their potential and fights for the support they need to succeed."

Nuwani Irizarry: Nuwani's path to special education law began in the classroom. After teaching in an inclusion setting and later serving in school administration, she discovered a passion for helping students with disabilities succeed by finding the instructional supports and services that allowed them to thrive. As she became more involved in evaluations, IEPs, and special education processes, she recognized the complex legal challenges many families faced. Wanting to make an even greater impact, she attended law school and now advocates for families by helping them navigate the complexities of special education law with confidence, clarity, and compassion.

"Helping families navigate special education law and ensuring their voices are heard is what inspires me every day."

Read more about our associates here: https://www.hansencleary.com/about/

07/17/2026

When to Call an Attorney regarding a Post-Secondary Matter?

Navigating post-secondary education can bring unexpected legal challenges. Whether you're facing a disciplinary matter, academic dismissal or removal. Understanding your rights is an important first step.

Knowing when to seek legal guidance can make all the difference in protecting your educational future.

Hear from our partner, Jennifer Hansen, as she discusses when it may be time to consult an attorney regarding a post-secondary education matter and how early legal guidance can help you navigate these complex situations with confidence.

Link: https://www.hansencleary.com/blog/

07/14/2026

Get to know our partners Jennifer Hansen and Lara Cleary!

When Jennifer Hansen and Lara Cleary founded Hansen & Cleary in 2017, they shared one vision: to create a law firm where every client feels heard, supported, and empowered.

With more than 30 years of combined legal experience, they built a boutique practice dedicated to representing children and families, individuals with disabilities, schools, private clinicians, and nonprofit organizations throughout Illinois.

Their paths to this work were different, but each was shaped by personal experiences that instilled a deep commitment to advocacy.

Lara's journey began as a child receiving speech therapy, where she discovered a passion for supporting students with disabilities. She became a special education teacher before pursuing law to advocate for individuals with disabilities. Her career eventually led to a long partnership with the late Brooke Whitted before she and Jennifer founded Hansen & Cleary.

Jennifer originally envisioned a career in international law, earning an LL.M. in the Netherlands before becoming a public defender. Her work with individuals facing disabilities and mental health challenges, along with a family background in audiology and speech-language pathology, inspired her to dedicate her practice to this field.

Starting a new firm came with uncertainty, but they remained committed to building a practice rooted in empathy, personalized service, and meaningful client relationships. Today, they continue that mission by providing thoughtful legal counsel and compassionate advocacy for every client they serve.

Read more about our partners here: https://www.hansencleary.com/about/

07/08/2026

After six years with Hansen & Cleary, we want to extend our appreciation to Mauriel Henry for her dedication, hard work, and many contributions to our team.

Thank you for everything you have done to support our clients, our attorneys, and our firm over the years. Your commitment and positive impact have been truly appreciated, and you will be missed.

We are excited for you as you begin this next chapter and wish you nothing but success and happiness in all that lies ahead. Thank you for being an important part of the Hansen & Cleary family. We can't wait to see all that you accomplish!

06/30/2026

How to get services for my child in a private school?

Many parents are unaware that students enrolled in private schools may still be eligible for certain special education services through their local school district. Understanding the options available can help families make informed decisions and ensure students receive the support they need.

Attorney Lara Cleary explains more:https://www.hansencleary.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/https-www.npnparents.orgposts1403kids-with-special-needs-in-private-schools-can-get-services-here-s-how.pdf

06/26/2026

Today marks 9 Years of Hansen & Cleary! 🎉

Today we celebrated Hansen & Cleary's 9th anniversary with balloons, cake, and a chance to reflect on how far we've come as a firm.

Each member of our team shared a professional accomplishment they're most proud of during their time at the firm. From taking on greater responsibility in client matters to growing our firm. Every accomplishment has represented a unique part of our journey over the past nine years.

It was a meaningful way to celebrate not only the firm's growth, but also the people who have helped make it possible.

Happy 9th Anniversary, Hansen & Cleary! Here's to many more years of serving our clients and community.

06/23/2026

Check out the behind the scenes glimpse from Sheridan Road's photoshoot with our partners, Jennifer Hansen and Lara Cleary! We're excited to share that they will be featured in an upcoming issue of the magazine. Stay Tuned!

06/15/2026

This month marks Hansen & Cleary's 9 year anniversary.

Over the past nine years, we have had the privilege of advocating for children, families, schools, professionals, and organizations across the State of Illinois. We are grateful for the trust our clients place in us and for the relationships we have built along the way.

Thank you to everyone for being part of these past 9 years. We look forward to what comes next.

05/22/2026

We’re excited to welcome Valeria Uribe to Hansen & Cleary as our Summer Intern! Valeria is a third-year law student at the University of Nebraska College of Law, and we’re thrilled to have her join our team this summer. We look forward to supporting her continued growth and seeing the contributions she’ll make during her time with us. Please join us in welcoming Valeria to Hansen & Cleary!

03/30/2026

🌸 Spring is here! 🌸

As the school year winds down, this season brings an important reminder for families of students with special needs: it’s time for IEP meetings and annual reviews.

📚 These meetings are a chance to:
✔️ Reflect on your child’s progress
✔️ Update goals and supports
✔️ Advocate for what your child needs to succeed

💡 Tip: Come prepared with questions, notes, and your vision for your child’s growth next year. Your voice matters—YOU are a key part of the team!

Let’s finish the school year strong and set our students up for success. 💙 Contact Hansen & Cleary to provide the most effective advocacy at your child's next IEP meeting:

The Hansen & Cleary Law Firm provides legal services to children & families, the disabled, mental health law, schools and non-profit agencies.