Our Team

Jack Robinson, Attorney

Jack Robinson founded Robinson Disability Law to represent individuals with disabilities and their families in matters that directly affect their education, health, independence, and quality of life. He has practiced disability law for more than two decades, with a particular focus on special education disputes and access to Medicaid services for children and adults with significant disabilities.

Jack represents families in special education matters arising under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act. His work ranges from advising families and participating in IEP meetings and mediations to litigating due process hearings, administrative appeals, and cases in state and federal court. He also represents individuals challenging the denial or reduction of Medicaid services, including private-duty nursing and other home- and community-based services. Jack also represents families in adult guardianship proceedings involving individuals with intellectual, developmental, and other significant disabilities. He helps families evaluate whether guardianship is necessary and, when it is, navigate the court process with a focus on protecting the individual while preserving as much independence and participation in decision-making as possible.

Endrew F. v. Douglas County School District

Jack represented Endrew and his parents in Endrew F. v. Douglas County School District, a landmark special education case decided unanimously by the United States Supreme Court. The Court rejected the low educational standard previously applied by the lower courts and held that an IEP must be reasonably calculated to enable a child to make progress appropriate in light of the child’s circumstances.

The Court described this standard as “markedly more demanding” and emphasized that every child should have the opportunity to meet appropriately ambitious goals. The decision now guides courts, hearing officers, school districts, and families throughout the country in determining whether an IEP provides a free appropriate public education.

Experience and Professional Involvement

Jack earned his J.D. from the University of Denver College of Law and his B.A. from the University of Colorado. He regularly speaks to attorneys, advocates, educators, and families about the IDEA, Section 504, special education litigation, and the practical application of the Supreme Court’s decision in Endrew F.

Jack founded the Colorado Council of Special Education Lawyers to encourage collaboration and the exchange of knowledge among attorneys who represent students with disabilities. He is a member of the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates and served on the Colorado Dispute Resolution Advisory Board, which advises the Colorado Department of Education regarding the IDEA’s dispute-resolution system.

Recognition

Jack’s professional recognitions include:

5280 Top Lawyers (2020)
Law Week Colorado Barrister’s Best (2019)
Law Week Colorado Top Litigator (2018)
Firefly Autism Luminescence Award—Champion for Justice (2019)
The Arc of the United States Catalyst Award—Legal Advocate of the Year (2018)

Speaking Engagements

Jack has presented at conferences and training programs throughout the country, including the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates National Conference, the Inclusive Education Project, and the William & Mary Law Institute of Special Education Advocacy.

Outside the Office

Outside of his practice, Jack enjoys cycling, birding, gardening, and cooking.

Mary Green, Paralegal

Mary@robinsondisabilitylaw.com

Mary Green has worked with Jack Robinson for ten years and plays a central role in supporting the firm’s clients and managing its cases. She assists with special education, Medicaid, guardianship, and other disability-related matters, helping clients navigate processes that can be both complicated and stressful.

Mary’s responsibilities include communicating with clients, organizing and reviewing extensive educational and medical records, coordinating deadlines and hearings, preparing filings and exhibits, and helping ensure that each matter receives careful and consistent attention. Clients appreciate her responsiveness, patience, and ability to bring order and clarity to difficult situations.

Mary holds a Bachelor of Science in Anthropology and Sociology from Eastern Oregon University and a graduate certificate in Paralegal Studies from Duke University. Her educational background and years of experience inform her thoughtful approach to working with individuals with disabilities and their families.

Outside of work, Mary enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband and daughter, reading, supporting local sports teams, and volunteering in her community.

SARAH HAGEVIK, Advocate

Sarah@robinsondisabilitylaw.com

Sarah Hagevik is a lifelong educator and non-attorney educational advocate committed to advancing equity and improving educational opportunities for students with disabilities. She is currently pursuing her J.D. at the University of Denver Sturm College of Law, building upon an extensive background in special education. Sarah holds both a B.S. and an M.Ed. in Special Education from Vanderbilt University and has more than 25 years of experience in the field.

During her career, Sarah has served as a special education teacher, department chair, inclusion facilitator, team specialist, mentor, and adjunct professor. At Denver Public Schools, she developed and delivered professional learning across schools, coached educators, and supported teams in developing meaningful Individualized Education Programs. She also spent a year in Monteverde, Costa Rica, coordinating special education services at a bilingual school and working collaboratively with educators and families to support students with disabilities.

As an educational advocate with Robinson Disability Law, Sarah helps families understand and navigate the public special education system, with a focus on ensuring that students’ individual needs remain central and that families’ voices are heard. She has particular experience and interest in inclusive educational practices and in developing constructive approaches to challenging behavior. Her work is grounded in collaboration, careful listening, and the belief that families should be informed and empowered participants in their children’s education.

Outside of work and law school, Sarah enjoys long hikes, live music, and exploring the college towns her two children currently call home-Madison, Wisconsin, and Blacksburg, Virginia.