In 2005, Long Beach Unified denied access to a private evaluator to observe a proposed placement for a student with Autism. Bonnie Z. Yates took the matter before the California Court of Appeals and won the seminal and often cited Benjamin G. case, that established the right of experts to observe prior to a due process hearing. Almost 14 years …
Adulthood Transition: Graduation and Curriculum
By Diana Maltz, Esq What is the difference between a diploma and a certificate of completion? A high school diploma certifies that your child has met state and school mandated graduation requirements. A certificate of completion certifies that your child has completed high school, but did not meet graduation requirements. Many students with IEPs receive certificates rather than diplomas. This …
Diana Maltz joins Law Offices of Hirji and Chau, LLP as one of our new Associate Litigation Attorneys
Diana Maltz graduated from the USC Gould School of Law in May 2018. During her time at USC, she conducted research regarding civil commitment and conservatorship of developmentally disabled adults as a 2017-2018 Saks Institute Scholar. She also participated in the Mediation Clinic from August 2016 until May 2018 and served as Vice President of the Student Bar Association during …
Alexander Rodriguez joins Law Offices of Hirji and Chau, LLP as one of our new Associate Litigation Attorneys
Alex Rodriguez is a graduate of Loyola Law School and was admitted to practice law in California in 2018. The importance of education was instilled in Alex at a young age by his parents who were educators, and inspired Alex to pursue and gain experience as a classroom teacher. Prior to Law School, Alex obtained his undergraduate degree from Cornell …
CHRISTMAS CAME EARLY FOR THIS FAMILY AFTER A TWO-YEAR FIGHT WITH THE REGIONAL CENTER
The Law Offices of Hirji & Chau had a recent victory in regional center eligibility! On December 17, 2018, the Office of Administrative hearings found in favor of our client, a 54-year-old man with Autism and Intellectual Disability who was previously found ineligible for services from the Inland Regional Center (“IRC”). Daniel* was diagnosed with Autism and Aphasia at the …
Adulthood Transition: An Overview
By Diana Maltz, Esq What is adulthood transition?Adulthood transition is a process by which the school district prepares a student in special education for life after high school. If your child has an IEP and is 16 years old, the District must prepare an Individualized Transition Plan (ITP). When should transition planning begin?Transition planning can begin when your child is …
We Are Pleased to Announce that Devan Brothers, joins the Law Offices of Hirji and Chau, LLP as our New Associate Litigation Attorney
We are pleased to announce that Devan Brothers, joins Law Offices of Hirji and Chau, LLP as an Associate Litigation Attorney. She brings to her role a passion for special education and disability rights law and more than 10 years of direct advocacy experience on behalf of children with disabilities and their families. Devan graduated in 2003 from Boston University …
Jenny Chau, Partner to Present at the National Business Institute (NBI) Seminar on Special Education Law: The Ultimate Guide
On Friday, November 16, 2018, Jenny will speak about how to address Bullying and Harassment of Students with Special Needs To Learn More, Please visit: Special Education Law: The Ultimate Guide
The IEP: From the Document to the Classroom
JOIN ATTORNEY BONNIE YATES, this Sunday, September 16 • 4:00 – 6:00 PM Bonnie Yates, Esq. will lead attendees through a discussion on what is possible to accomplish in the IEP process, the steps you can take to ensure that your child’s IEP is implemented, and that the agreed upon accommodations are in place and being utilized in the classroom. Ms. …
Free Speech Rights – Student Walkouts and School Discipline UPDATE
Law Offices of Hirji & Chau support the right of students to protest. In anticipation of the April 20 school walkouts in support of gun control, we are providing free legal advice to any student or parent that wants to know what their rights are before and/or after the walkout. Call us to schedule a time to speak with an attorney. …