With a passion for helping students and public education entities function at the highest level possible, Howard Fulfrost represents school districts, county offices of education and special education local plan areas in all aspects of special education law. Howard’s ability to facilitate fair and effective negotiations brings administrators and families together to attain the best outcomes possible.

Long recognized as a legal leader in special education and student matters, Howard is known for his experience in the area of local educational agencies’ obligations to students with disabilities. He guides organizations through all stages of due process, including resolution sessions, mediations and hearings. Whether Howard is assisting client personnel to prepare for a challenging Individualized Education Program (IEP) team meeting, reviewing files to spot red flags on compliance, or advocating for clients before the Office of Administrative Hearings, he loves helping school districts help kids.

Howard advises clients on a wide spectrum of student-centered matters, including issues stemming from discipline, inter-district attendance, residency and subpoenas for student records. He also performs Title IX and related investigations. His ability to identify weaknesses in cases and policies and rectify them early adds both strategic and practical value for clients. It allows them to do what they do best: educate students.

In addition to his practice, he serves on the Executive Committee of the California Lawyers Association’s Public Law Section, supporting the development of sound public law policy statewide. In this leadership role, Howard helps oversee a section of over 1,300 members while focusing on the clarity and effectiveness of laws that impact California’s public interest. Through this appointment, Howard contributes to the development of vital educational programming, the publication of the Public Law Journal, and the promotion of excellence among practitioners who serve public agencies and the communities they represent. He also serves on the Diversity, Inclusion, and Outreach Committee of the California Lawyers Association. As a member, Howard promotes diversity and inclusion within the legal profession, supports equitable access to justice, and fosters collaboration with community partners to achieve these goals.

As an undergraduate, Howard was a student teacher in special education at the University of California, Los Angeles’ Neuropsychiatric Institute (now Semel Institute) in-patient school. He also holds a master’s degree in Developmental Psychology from Columbia University. This background gives him a deep understanding of the needs and experiences of special education students and helps him speak credibly and perceptively with parents, teachers, school psychologists, administrators during IEP team meetings.

Additionally, Howard’s interesting history elevates his ability to serve clients today. He began his career in the New York City public school system, where he coordinated a community-based program in two Brooklyn high schools. Prior to private practice, he was employed as staff counsel for the Division of Special Education at Los Angeles Unified School District, where he represented the district in hundreds of due process cases and provided ongoing legal support in all areas of special education law.

Howard is a popular and energetic presenter who’s frequently invited to speak on a variety of special education legal topics. He regards public education as the most important institution in American society and finds it gratifying to effect policy change at the state and local level and contribute to improving America’s educational system.