Leigh Law Group

09/29/2026

https://irp.cdn-website.com/5a75c313/files/uploaded/2026_09_25_Decision.pdf Leigh Law Group is proud to share a significant win for an adult client in a Lanterman Act eligibility appeal against San Andreas Regional Center (SARC). After a three-day hearing, an Administrative Law Judge with the Office of Administrative Hearings found that our client, who had been denied regional center eligibility as a teenager, has autism that substantially limits multiple major life areas, making her eligible for regional center services. The decision credited our expert's comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation, which explained how autism often presents differently in girls and women, who may mask their challenges through learned compensatory strategies. The ALJ also rejected SARC's arguments that significant functional limitations must arise before age 18 and that eligibility requires adaptive scores in the "extremely low range," finding that neither requirement appears in the Lanterman Act or its regulations. Congratulations to Senior Associate Damien B. Troutman and, most of all, to our client and her family.

09/22/2026

We see these mistakes all the time; parents obtain an IEE. They refuse to sign an IEP offer of FAPE because not every recommendation is included in the IEP FAPE offer. The advocate encourages a due process filing, but this is not the strategy to consider. First, in Crofts v. Issaquah School District, 22 F.4th 1048 (9th Cir. 2022), the court reaffirmed that while a school district is legally required to consider an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE), it is not obligated to implement its specific recommendations.

Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the district's primary responsibility is to review the independent evaluator's findings and integrate them into the IEP team's discussion. As long as the district seriously considers the report, it retains the authority to make its own professional decisions regarding the student's program and services. So then what should the parent do? That's where legal counsel comes in. Analyze the data, consider the issue of progress or de minimis progress and, in some cases, regression. Then ask, does the overall IEP fail to achieve its objectives and does the IEE support the need for recommended changes? This is complicated; it involves knowledge of the law, case law, and how this plays out in a hearing, that's your leverage, that's what we do, all day, every day!

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09/20/2026

03/03/2026

https://padailypost.com/2026/02/26/parents-ask-judge-to-stop-closing-of-magnet-school/

Our firm has been fighting along side families.

Parents ask judge to stop school district from closing Tide magnet school February 26, 2026 5:01 pm The TIDE Academy, which opens this fall at 150 Jefferson Drive in Menlo Park, will be a factor in the decision-making about the new bike lanes. Illustration courtesy of LPA Design Studios. This story....

01/29/2026

If you have a dependent 18 year old or older adult living in the home as a preference- don't go it alone- a new regional center service gives you options to get hope coordinating services. Click the link to learn more;

https://lnkd.in/gU8xghYK

CFS provides assistance with the coordination of services and supports that allow adults to continue living in their family home such as:
Developing skills in the home
Coordinating & getting services delivered, including help with “generic services”
Helping people access their community
CFS providers will prepare a service plan designed to help reduce or remove barriers to staying in the family home, address challenges and meet goals. Services will be provided in a manner that respects the language & culture of individuals and their families, and services will be tailored, individualized, and flexible to meet the changing needs and preferences of individuals.

01/10/2026

https://apple.news/Auzsk8o22TWOWObPn-A-uMg

For years, we've thought of autism as lying on a spectrum, but emerging evidence suggests that it comes in several distinct types. The implications for how we support autistic people could be profound

12/04/2025

My favorite experience in my IEP's is growing with my student/clients. When I start representation of a student in elementary school and get to attend their IEP's into high school with the student in attendance the years of IEP collab and advocacy just shine through. IEP's with my student/clients in attendance advocating on their own behalf (with guidance) and being heard as part of the decision making process is the greatest gift as a special education attorney I can give to my student/clients. Their voices are heard- they matter- they learned this from the great goals I worked with the family to develop and the services I fought hard to obtain. Special education attorneys play a vital role in this journey, and I take pride in being part of this impactful process.

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11/18/2025

Leigh Law Group in the news!

The suit alleges the California Interscholastic Federation improperly benched a teen who transferred to the Branson School after suffering antisemitism at her previous school.

11/05/2025

Are you, or do you know, a parent of a child with special needs looking to enhance your parenting skills and strengthen your family relationships? We are excited to announce our upcoming 6-session training course that draws on the principles of Positive Discipline for Children with special needs.

Why Join Us?

Empathetic Approach: Learn how to apply empathetic, respectful, and empowering techniques to raise confident and resilient children.
Tailored Content: Our course is specifically designed for parents of children with special needs, ensuring that the strategies you learn are relevant and practical.
Sibling Relationships: We understand the unique dynamics of family life. That's why we’ve included a dedicated section focused on fostering positive sibling relationships.

Course Details: 6 Sessions
Format: Interactive workshops with experienced facilitators

Cost: $149 per person $249 for couples
Start Date: November 1, 2025
Location: Via Zoom

Transforming your parenting journey starts with the right support and strategies. Don’t miss this opportunity to grow alongside other parents who share your experiences and aspirations.

Reserve Your Spot Today!
Spaces are limited, so be sure to secure your place soon! Reply to this email or contact us at Tamela Lloyd at: [email protected] to register. See the attached flyer.

10/17/2025

Leigh Law Group Attorney Damien Troutman joined The Bylund Clinic’s podcast to discuss limited conservatorships in California. Take a listen!

Podcast Episode · The Bylund Clinic · 10/13/2025 · 36m