Do I need an attorney for appeal hearing at private school?

Private schools are not subject to the same regulations as public schools.  The ability of an attorney to represent your daughter is going to depend on the policy of the school and how the appeal hearing is going to be conducted.  An attorney may not be allowed.  Were drugs tests conducted?  Does the school have a policy on expulsion for this type of incident?  Who conducted the search?  There is a lot of information needed, as well as a review of the school's policy.  Good luck.