About Me
Laura C. González, NJ Education Attorney
I received my Bachelor of Arts degree from Columbia University and my Juris Doctor degree from New York University School of Law.
I started my career as a 3rd and 4th grade teacher. Although several of my students required special education services, they often did not receive the services they needed. Parents weren’t fully informed of their rights, if at all. I then decided to attend law school. While there, I was invited to join the Juvenile Rights Clinical Program.
Following law school, I worked for the NYC Department of Education in the employee discipline unit, where I prosecuted cases against personnel who violated applicable regulations. I next entered the private sector, where I honed my negotiation, legal, and regulatory skills as an attorney for Fortune 100 companies.
Becoming a parent was a significant turning point, as my husband and I discovered our children required special education services. We successfully obtained the services they required. Having gone through the process from the perspective of a parent, I decided to dedicate my legal practice to special education and anti-bullying. Given that I had started as a teacher, practicing special education law brought me full circle.
I am a member of the New Jersey State Bar Association, the Bergen County Bar Association, the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates, the National Association of Special Education Teachers, and the New Jersey Special Education Practitioners.
My practice is devoted to:
- representing families in securing and negotiating appropriate IEPs
- representing families in securing and negotiating appropriate Section 504 Plans
- representing families in pursuing out of district placements, especially in constructing a persuasive evidentiary argument
- representing families in bullying and disciplinary matters, both victims and students who have been accused
I know that you are your child’s best advocate. I will work in partnership with you every step of the way so that you are fully informed and well-positioned to make informed decisions.
I look forward to working with you.
Sincerely,
Laura
Working with Laura C. Gonzalez
Laura has practiced law for over 25 years, focusing on complex negotiations across a range of topics. She has served as an attorney for the New York City Board of Education Employee Discipline Unit, servied as an elementary school teacher for disabled and non-disabled children, and representing Fortune 500 financial institutions.
Laura has:
- secured out of district placements
- removed children from inappropriately restrictive settings
- secured compensatory services
- compelled schools to comply with IEPs
- filed and appealed HIBs
- represented children subjected to verbal and extreme physical bullying,
- represented children wrongly accused of bullying
- negotiated appropriate Section 504 plans
- successfully appealed students in disciplinary hearings, including a student who was subsequently recruited by Ivy League schools
How can I schedule a Case Review?
Laura offers case reviews based on a review of IEPs, HIBs, and other key documents. Although an ultimate outcome cannot be guaranteed, you will receive a clear legal analysis of your case. Case reviews are available at $250.
You can schedule a case review by email at laura@lauracgonzalez.com.
We have helped many families get the help they deserve.
Credentials
Education
- New York University, J.D.
- Columbia University, B.A.
Membership
Training
- COPAA
- NASET
- New Jersey Special Education Practitioners
Other Experience
- Former Public Elementary School Teacher
- Bilingual – English and Spanish
