Several factors should be considered by attorneys representing school boards faced with the need for administrative hearings concerning the education of a handicapped child. Attorneys should try first to resolve the problem without resort to the formality of a hearing. If a hearing is necessary, the issues should be determined; a hearing examiner who can understand the district's position should be selected; the examiner should be contacted only by one staff member; and the district staff should make the physical arrangements for the hearing in a district building. The attorney should prepare witnesses, experts, and evidence; consider presenting a pre-hearing brief; and be aware of the nature of the hearing itself. After the hearing the attorney may write the examiner's decision and consider local review. In any case, the winner of a well-directed hearing is the student involved. (Author/PGD)