Skillfully guiding Northern California school districts, county offices of education, and special education local plan areas (SELPAs), Melanie Larzul keeps clients compliant in all aspects of special education law.  In addition,  Melanie helps them prevent and resolve a wide array of general student matters, from student discipline challenges and Title IX sexual harassment claims to issues involving student records, enrollment, and Section 504.

Melanie represents clients in due process and IEP meetings and in appearances before the Office of Administrative Hearings, the California Department of Education and the Office for Civil Rights. Although she works with clients to find many kinds of discipline alternatives, if expulsion is necessary, she provides adept and sensitive counsel in these proceedings. Melanie has also handled many issues relating to foster and homeless youth.

With a calm, easygoing style and ability to forge strong personal connections, Melanie engenders a great deal of trust and comfort in her clients. As a clear and persuasive writer and speaker, she draws on her excellent communication skills to advocate effectively for administrators and others in the education realm. Melanie’s experience as an English teaching assistant in France gave her a global perspective and a strong competency in understanding and relating to people from many different cultures and communities.

The managing partner in the firm’s Oakland office, Melanie has presented at numerous conferences, such as the Association of California School Administrators and the California Association of Supervisors of Child Welfare and Attendance. She rigorously stays abreast of current developments and regularly participates in professional education and development events and co-authored a publication on serving preschool-age children with disabilities.

Melanie grew up in a family of educators and always felt a passion for the vocation. When she discovered that area’s intersection with law, she realized the combination was the perfect match for her. While in law school, Melanie gained valuable experience in the legal aspects of special education working at her law school’s special education clinic. She also handled a variety of labor and employment issues as an intern with San Diego Unified School District’s Legal Services Office.

Melanie regards it as a great honor to support clients in fulfilling the most important of missions—preparing today’s youth to help bring about a better tomorrow.