In what jurisdictions (e.g. states)? Is the person at the other side of the issue a student, employee, or otherwise? Would the case have to do with federal financial aid (its own area of expertise), or not?
My guess is that the case wouldn't have anything significant to do with online education specifically. It would be like any financial dispute between a student (if that was the disputant) and a school, and if it didn't involve federal financial aid, a state tuition-recovery fund for vocational schools, or some similar bureaucracy, it would probably be a lot like any consumer dispute. I think a lawyer not admitted in the state governing the relationship between the student and the school could move things forward writing letters, trying to negotiate a resolution, etc. If it actually got to filing suit a lawyer admitted in that governing state would have to be brought on (or a lawyer not admitted could apply for admission pro hac vice.) I'm not a lawyer or trained in law.
I'm not a lawyer or trained in law either but if I was in dispute with a school to the point were I needed a lawyer then I'd be looking for someone who I knew, someone who was personally recommended (by someone I knew) who could give that initial advice and maybe take those necessary preliminary steps such as writing opening letters, negotiations, just as Jonathan suggested.
If you are a veteran involved in a financial dispute with a for-profit school, then you may qualify for free legal services from the University of San Diego Law School: USD is a Catholic, non-profit, B&M institution; they take on these cases for free to help train their law students. There is a big military presence in the San Diego area, with aggressive recruiting by for-profit schools, so USD can count on a steady supply of legal issues for teaching purposes.
I have not seen a $3,895.00 reimbursement to my Federal Student Loans and have now received a 2nd past due letter. This is extremely annoying.
I had a feeling this was about APUS and their new financial aid system. Their 5+ month long glitches that have delayed people's money for 4 months or more has caused MANY students to contact lawyers, the BBB, the DoE, and even withdraw and go to other schools. It's been a huge nightmare for them.
Does anyone have additional feedback on this? They are trying to negotiate a payment program with me on this.
My guess is buried in some paperwork, you agreed to be responsible for any financial aid overpayments. You need an attorney. Good luck. Shawn