Laura B. Gold
Special Education Attorney
Laura Gold is a special education attorney and advocate licensed to practice in Massachusetts. She holds a Juris Doctor from New England Law/Boston and a Bachelor’s Degree from Brandeis University.
Our Mission
You're worried your child is not getting the support needed to be successful in school, but working with the school district has proven tiring, frustrating, and sometimes even hostile. Your child deserves better, and that is all that matters.
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3 Important Aspects of Your Child’s Educational Development
Academics
A learning disability may be holding your child back from making effective progress in school.
Social / Emotional Skills
An inability to build and maintain friendships and relationships can prevent your child from accessing the educational curriculum.
Behavioral Development
The failure to provide for needed behavioral supports is likely to result in a child not receiving a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE).
Areas of Practice
Special Education
Public schools are required by federal and state law to provide students with disabilities a FREE APPROPRIATE PUBLIC EDUCATION (FAPE). Understanding the student’s needs will determine whether or not the education the student is receiving is meeting federal and state requirements.
Student Discipline
Before a public school can suspend or expel a student, whether or not they are on an IEP/504, certain procedures must be followed to insure the student’s due process rights. If the suspension is for more than 10 days, or if the school is seeking expulsion, there must be written notice explaining the reason for the school’s action with their supporting evidence and stating when and where the discipline hearing will take place. The student has the right to representation and to present their own case. If a student is on an IEP or 504 they are entitled to a Manifestation Determination Review before suspension or expulsion can occur.
Bullying and Harassment
Students have the right to a safe school environment. Federal anti-discrimination laws protect students from harassment on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, or disability. Massachusetts anti-bullying law prohibits bullying, cyber bullying, and retaliation. This law requires parental and law enforcement notification (in certain circumstances). Additional rights apply to students receiving special education.
Juvenile Law
When a student 17 years of age or younger is charged with a crime, whether a misdemeanor or felony, it can be very frightening for both the student and his/her family. The family should seek representation as soon as possible. Being represented by an attorney who knows the juvenile justice system and the special education needs of the student, if any, will be essential in trying to resolve the case with the best possible outcome. Representation should be sought as soon as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you know my School District?
Having worked in many school districts, it is not as important to “know” the district as it is to work well with the District to insure securing the supports, services, and/or placement the child requires.
How far are you willing to travel?
As travel is billed to the client, I try to keep the commute to an hour each way. But I am flexible.
Do you have a particular area in which you specialize?
I am knowledgeable in all areas of special education, school discipline, and juvenile law.
What is your “style” as a representative of families?
I prefer a collaborative approach. You and your child, depending on age, will have a long relationship with the School District. A collaborative approach will help you maintain a positive relationship while still zealously pursuing your child’s needs.
Do you meet with the family/child?
It is essential to meet with parent(s) and child in order to have a thorough understanding of the child’s needs allowing me to represent you most effectively.
Do we need an attorney?
I am an attorney but I also do all the work that an advocate does. The benefit is that I have a wealth of experience with the relevant laws and can continue representing you through every step of the process.
Get in Touch
You're worried your child is not getting the support needed to be successful in school, but trying to go directly to the school district has proven tiring, frustrating, and sometimes even hostile. Your child deserves better, and that is all that matters.
Get in Touch
You're worried your child is not getting the support needed to be successful, but trying to go directly to the school district has proven tiring, frustrating, and sometimes even hostile. Your child deserves better, and that as all that matters.