Handling issues related to special education and student services, Maria Gless guides California public school organizations through administrative hearings and a range of matters, including student discipline and discrimination claims under Section 504. She also keeps an eye out for potential pitfalls and ensures that clients stay compliant with ever-changing state and federal laws.

A gifted adviser, Maria is always prepared to step in to give steady navigation through the problems and emergencies that crop up. She provides instruction and staff training to school districts, county offices of education and special education local plan areas, covering topics such as assessments, manifestation determination procedures and Individualized Education Program (IEP) meeting and hearing preparation. In addition, she represents clients in these procedures, as well as in resolution sessions, mediations and due process hearings before the Office of Administrative Hearings, and in appeals in federal courts.

Maria brings significant experience in education law. She previously practiced at another education law firm where she advised school districts on an array of student and special education law issues. Her litigation background bolsters her ability to help clients avoid situations that can easily generate disputes. When conflicts do manifest, Maria helps craft practical resolutions that preserve relationships with families whose children could continue to attend school in the district for several years going forward.

With an approachable style and strong communication skills, Maria distills complex issues into easy-to-understand and legalese-free language. She has presented and spoken at many legal and education conferences and seminars and co-authored LRP Publications’ A Legal Overview of Burden of Proof in Special Education Disputes. Born in Nicaragua and raised in California, Maria maintains her fluency in Spanish.