Hartlieb & Horste, LLC

Hartlieb & Horste, LLC is a law firm in Highland Park, IL, specializing in special education advocacy. The firm represents parents and students with disabilities, helping them secure appropriate educational services through Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), Section 504 Plans, evaluations, eligibility determinations, school placements, and dispute resolution processes including mediation and due process hearings. They are experienced in federal and state laws such as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act. The firm serves families across northern Illinois and is known for its deep understanding of educational methodologies and legal procedures. With a 4.60 rating based on verified reviews, they are recognized for their advocacy, legal expertise, and client-centered approach.

Tracy Hartlieb and Cera Horste, the firm’s founding attorneys, previously worked at JCFS Chicago’s Legal Advocacy Center, where they represented families in special education matters. They established Hartlieb & Horste, LLC in 2020 to address growing needs stemming from educational disruptions caused by the pandemic. The firm’s mission is to protect the individual educational rights of students with disabilities and to support parents and adult students in navigating complex school systems. They provide guidance through every stage of the special education process, from initial evaluations to formal hearings, and emphasize collaboration, legal knowledge, and compassionate service.

The firm is located at 833 Central Ave Unit 1024 in Highland Park, situated on Central Avenue. It is approximately a short walk from the Highland Park Post Office, about 0.1 miles from the Moraine Township Office and Sunset Woods Park, and within 0.2 miles of the Highland Park Water Tower and the Lake County Health Department North Shore clinic. The office lies just beyond the intersection of Central Avenue and nearby government and community facilities.

Hartlieb & Horste, LLC is known for its specialized focus on special education law, its commitment to client advocacy, and its track record in securing meaningful educational outcomes for students with disabilities across northern Illinois. Their work reflects a deep dedication to educational equity and the rights of students who learn differently.