What can I solve for you?

I bring to my practice a confluence of experience and skills from my years as a classroom educator and program specialist, public-sector attorney, and private practitioner. Drawing on this diverse background and my legal acumen, I help school districts, county offices of education and special education local plan areas address the full spectrum of student and special education matters.

What's it like to work with me?

Because of my education experience, I know what it’s like to be that person sitting in a school district office, saying: “Oh my, I’ve never seen this problem before. What am I going to do?” When this happens, I’m there for them and help work through their challenges and reach resolutions that relieve their stress and put them at ease. I get a great deal of satisfaction from helping education professionals who are doing what I used to do: educating kids and creating an optimal learning environment.

Top Issues in My Practice

“As a former special education teacher, I enjoy working with schools in ensuring that all students reach their full potential.”

Overview

Julie C. Coate focuses her practice on student and special education matters, counseling clients on an array of issues in this dynamic area of law, including handling matters under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and other California laws and regulations.

Julie also represents school districts in due process hearings and mediations before the Office of Administrative Hearings, IEP team meetings, as well as compliance complaints before the California Department of Education and the United States Department of Education Office for Civil Rights. Bringing a persuasive approach to advocacy, Julie has a history of taking matters to hearing and prevailing on behalf of her clients. In mediations, she draws on her creativity and communication skills to work through a dispute with the other side and come to a resolution. She enjoys her clients’ reactions when they see their problems dissipate.

Before joining F3 Law, Julie worked as an attorney representing the County of Los Angeles in its workers compensation actions. She was responsible for managing litigation and representing the County’s interests in numerous hearings, mediations, and settlement conferences.

Julie worked in special education, ten years as a teacher and three as a program specialist. This experience provides her with an insider’s understanding of and sensitivity to her clients’ challenges and objectives, which enhance her ability to serve them.

Experience Highlights

  • She holds both a visually impaired, special education teaching credential and an administrative credential
  • Teaching credential from California State University, Los Angeles
  • Administrative credential from Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles

After School

When I’m not practicing law, I like spending time with my husband and family, traveling to see family, and taking trips to Hawaii.

Education

  • Southwestern University School of Law (J.D.)
  • California State University, Los Angeles (Teaching Credential)
  • Loyola Marymount University (Administrative Credential)

Admissions

Bar Admissions
  • California

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