Zaria N. Udeh

Zaria N. Udeh

Zaria N. Udeh is a dedicated attorney who focuses her practice on education law, specifically in the intricacies of special education and student issues. Zaria is a trusted counselor for school districts, providing guidance on a broad spectrum of matters, from Individual Education Program (IEP) meetings and 504 accommodations to Office for Civil Rights, Illinois State Board of Education, and Illinois Department of Human Rights complaints. She adeptly navigates due process hearings, residency disputes, student discipline matters, and provides expertise in advising on policy and handbook review, first amendment issues, and student privacy and school records matters. Her expertise even extends to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion compliance.

In her role, Zaria finds joy in the dynamic nature of the work. She thrives on the challenges presented, helping educators and administrators to comply with the law and providing them with the legal tools they need to offer the highest quality educational experiences to students. Her strength as an attorney lies in her exceptional listening skills, problem-solving abilities, and her talent for presenting reasonable options to clients. Zaria’s devotion to education and the legal aspects surrounding it has been the driving force behind her career choice. For her, there is immense satisfaction in supporting educational entities in fulfilling their missions. Her commitment to this sector has brought her into the dynamic field of education law.

Prior to joining Robbins Schwartz, Zaria’s journey into the field of education law was paved by her role at Chicago Public Schools. There, she represented the district as a special education attorney, where she honed her skills in due process matters and special education disputes.

Zaria’s roots in New England and her multicultural background have instilled in her the value of educational opportunities. She diligently works to support clients in extending these same opportunities to the students and families they serve.

Education

• J.D., DePaul University College of Law
• B.A., Yale University

Admitted to Practice

• U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois
• Supreme Court of Illinois
• Supreme Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Organizations

• Chicago Bar Association
• Illinois Council of School Attorneys
• National Council of School Attorneys

Recent Publications

• “Medical Cannabis at School Wins Legislative OK,” Chicago Daily Law Bulletin (2018)

Recent Presentations

• Advancing Equity: The Equity Journey Continuum & IRC, Illinois Association of School Boards (June 2025)
• Special Education Due Process Decisions: Recent Hearing Outcomes in Illinois and Lessons Learned, Illinois Association of School Administrators Legal Seminar (April 2025)
• Planes, Trains, and Automobiles: Legalities of Special Education Transportation, Illinois Alliance of Administrators of Special Education2025 Winter Conference (February 2025)
• Where Are We Now? Student Behavior and Discipline in a Post-COVID World, LUDA 2025 February Conference (February 2025)
• Best Practices in Addressing Bullying Complaints, LUDA 2025 Virtual Conference (January 2025)
• Unique Parent Demands in Special Education: What We’re Seeing and How We’re Responding, Illinois Alliance of Administrators of Special Education 2024 Fall Conference (October 2024)
• Unpacking the 2024 Title IX Regulations, Superintendents’ Commission for the Study of Demographics and Diversity Summer Leadership Conference (June 2024)
• How to Get Specific: Defensible SLD Eligibility, Goal Drafting & Instruction, Illinois Alliance of Administrators of Special Education 2024 Winter Conference (February 2024)
• Gender Identity and Student Supports: What Board Members Need to Know, The Illinois Council of School Attorneys Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee Roundtable Webinar (September 2023)
• Student and Employee Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Initiatives: Considerations for DEI Planning & DEI Legal Challenges, LUDA Winter Conference (March 2023)