What can I solve for you?

I draw on years of experience in and commitment to helping young students learn, which guides my work with school districts in handling an array of special education matters and disputes. Clients appreciate my knowledge of the law and strong communication skills.

What's it like to work with me?

As a member of a family with deep ties to both the public school system and special education, I’m honored and excited to be working in this very important arena. It’s gratifying to apply my deep familiarity with the issues to help clients provide an outstanding education to all students. I always emphasize professionalism and cordiality and practice in a way that enables districts to continue to work productively with families.

Overview

Bringing a passion for helping children with unique needs and outstanding legal acumen, Merle Gould assists school district clients in navigating issues and disputes related to special education. They include due process hearings and other administrative procedures, document preparation, research, Individualized Education Program (IEP) process and review and Section-504 Plan matters.

Merle’s background instilled in him a deep appreciation for the special education system. With educator relatives and parents, including a father who was a special education teacher, as well as close family members with conditions requiring tailored educational approaches, Merle contributes a multifaceted and insightful perspective and first-hand knowledge to all matters he handles.

Over the course of his legal career, Merle has dedicated himself to helping young people. Prior to joining F3m he was a staff attorney with the Children’s Law Center, where he litigated all stages in Dependency Court and advocated for kids in the foster care system. He also served previously as a legal intern in the Special Education Department of The Alliance for Children’s Rights. In addition, working as an associate at Los Angeles law firms gave Merle valuable experience in litigation and settlement negotiations.

Recognition

  • Bryan University class Salutatorian and President's List

After School

My two young children keep me busy, and I love doing family activities with them. As a hiker, my dream is to eventually visit and hike in all the National Parks—although I’ve got a long way to go to achieve that goal. I’m also a music fan and worked at the Hollywood Bowl for eight summers. I’ve seen almost every kind of concert under the sun, including rock, classical, jazz, blues and world music and artists from Luciano Pavarotti to the Rolling Stones.

Education

  • Southwestern University School of Law (J.D.)
  • Bryan University (e-Discovery Project Management Certificate)
  • California State University, Los Angeles (M.A., Political Science)
  • University of California, Berkeley (B.A., Legal Studies)

Admissions

Bar Admissions
  • California

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