What can I solve for you?

I am an attorney with 14 years of legal experience. I practiced special education and disability rights for several years at Disability Rights Legal Center and later, Disability Rights California. I have experience in Dependency Law as well as workers’ compensation.

What's it like to work with me?

Working with me, you can expect a consistent and thoughtful partner who values collaboration and clear communication. I prioritize active listening to understand your needs and develop strategic solutions. My approach is both affable and dedicated, ensuring you feel supported and well-represented throughout the legal process.

Overview

Heather is a member of the Student Services and Special Education Practice Group practicing primarily in Los Angeles County and the Inland Empire. She is adept at navigating the education system, fostering collaboration among community members, parent groups, and school officials, and has experience with cases involving developmental, intellectual, emotional, and behavioral disabilities, including disciplinary matters and Manifestation Determination Reviews. Heather is also familiar with Fourteenth Amendment and U.S. Code 1983 claims.

Prior to joining F3, Heather represented youth in dependency court, where she handled a significant number of cases with a focus on mental health and education issues. During her time there, she initiated a team to enhance case planning for children facing high-risk behaviors, including psychiatric hospitalizations and educational challenges.

Her extensive experience includes advocating for students in Special Education cases at disability rights organizations, where she attended numerous IEPs and gained a comprehensive understanding of special education law from the student’s perspective. This unique insight allows her to anticipate opposing arguments effectively.

Heather’s commitment to education began early; coming from a family of educators, she volunteered in her aunt’s classroom as a teenager and later recruited teachers for a large school district before pursuing law. Her legal education focused on juvenile justice, and she gained practical experience as a student lawyer in a related clinic.

Experience Highlights

Publications

ADHD in the age of COVID-19, State Compensation Insurance Fund & California Lawyers Association

After School

Recently, I was reacquainted with doing art.  I love painting and sold my first painting a couple of years ago.  I enjoy crafting and creating have made a series of Christian meditation cards.  I love swimming, traveling, and reading.  I like to think of myself as a mermaid despite my average swimming skills.  But floating in the ocean up to my neck in Hawaii is my happy place.  I enjoy traveling when I can and recently took a trip to Washington, DC, where I enjoyed the cherry blossoms and the Museum of the Bible.  Finally, when I’m not reading legal documents, I am usually reading a novel.

Education

  • The George Washington University Law School (J.D., Certificate in Dispute Resolution)
  • California State University, Long Beach (B.A., Psychology)

Admissions

Bar Admissions
  • California

Related Services

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