A woman in a yellow shirt and glasses types on her smartphone, perhaps coordinating with an education law firm, while an open notebook rests on the table.

Unparalleled Depth & Breadth of Experience

At YM&C, education law is more than a career – it’s a calling. We proudly provide comprehensive legal services to K-12 public, independent, and private schools, post-secondary schools, and the many organizations that support and advance their communities’ well-being.
Who We Serve

30 + Years of Representing Educational Organizations

Our attorneys are at the forefront of the California education movement, fighting tirelessly to protect schools’ rights in the courts, in legislative efforts, and before administrative agencies. Today, YM&C provides legal advice and counsel to hundreds of charter and district public schools, independent and private schools, and higher education institutions, nonprofits, and public agencies across California and neighboring states.

Learn More About Our Firm
OUR TEAM

Unprecedented Expertise & Resources

A curved wall of bookshelves, reminiscent of an education law firm's library, is filled with books under a bright ceiling, adjacent to a staircase with black railings.
700
Schools, public agencies, nonprofits and insurance companies represented
A person with glasses sits at a desk in an education law firm, using a laptop and writing with a pen, near a large window.
440
Сombined years of experience
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40
Attorneys

Tireless Advocates

Our team is passionately dedicated to serving the needs of our clients. We offer A-Z legal coverage for every aspect of your organization’s operations.
Meet our Team of Attorneys
Paul C. Minney
Founder / Partner
Lisa A. Corr, a smiling woman with wavy brown hair, is elegantly dressed in a dark blazer and a necklace. She stands against a plain background, radiating confidence and poise.
Lisa A. Corr
Partner
James E. Young, in a purple blazer and white shirt, smiles warmly at the camera against a pristine white background.
James E. Young
Founder / Partner
Sarah J. Kollman, a person with curly hair, stands confidently in a dark blazer and light top, gazing into the camera with a neutral expression.
Sarah J. Kollman
Partner
Janelle A. Ruley, with short hair and glasses, beams at the camera wearing a patterned top under a dark blazer.
Janelle A. Ruley
Partner
William J. Trinkle, an elderly man with gray hair, smiles warmly at the camera. He is dressed in a dark pinstripe suit paired with a crisp white shirt, set against a simple white background.
William J. Trinkle
Of Counsel
A woman with long dark hair, resembling Chastin H. Pierman, wears a navy blazer and white blouse, smiling against a dark background.
Chastin H. Pierman
Partner
John C. Lemmo, with short gray hair, dons a dark blazer and light shirt as he smiles warmly at the camera against a plain background.
John C. Lemmo
Partner
Kimberly Rodriguez, with short gray hair, dons a black blazer and white shirt, flashing a warm smile at the camera.
Kimberly Rodriguez
Senior Counsel
Mariam Babayan smiling for a picture.
Mariam Babayan
Senior Counsel
Kevin M. Troy, a man in a suit and purple tie, with short brown hair, looks directly at the camera.
Kevin M. Troy
Partner
Smiling person with short light brown hair wears a black and white houndstooth blazer, lavender blouse, and a Star of David necklace, standing against a plain white background.
Debra K. Ferdman
Of Counsel
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A hand arranges wooden blocks featuring a scale of justice icon against a green background, symbolizing the balanced approach of an education law firm.
A surprised man in glasses and a bow tie holds a red alarm clock against a black background.
Adult hands, perhaps belonging to a caregiver aware of AB 126 Trailer Bill regulations, gently cradle the head of a newborn baby, who is facing away from the camera. The adult is wearing a blue sweater.
A magnifying glass rests on a stack of California budget bill documents, including the AB 126 Trailer Bill, on a desk with books, a lamp, and a coffee mug in an office setting.

Education & Training Opportunities

Explore Our Training Opportunities
AB 126 and California Charter Schools: What the New Education Trailer Bill Means for Your School
Title IX Essentials: Compliance Training for Key Personnel
Governance with Integrity: Ethics Training for Charter School Boards 2026
On-Demand
AB 126 and California Charter Schools: What the New Education Trailer Bill Means for Your School
On-Demand
Title IX Essentials: Compliance Training for Key Personnel
On-Demand
Governance with Integrity: Ethics Training for Charter School Boards 2026
California AB 126 – the Governor’s Omnibus Education Bill: Key Provisions Affecting Charter Schools – Part 1 of 3
California AB 126 – the Governor’s Education Omnibus Trailer Bill: New Paid Pregnancy Disability Leave Requirements – Part 2 of 3
California AB 126 – the Governor’s Education Omnibus Trailer Bill: Part 3 of 3
Legal Alert
California AB 126 – the Governor’s Omnibus Education Bill: Key Provisions Affecting Charter Schools – Part 1 of 3
Legal Alert
California AB 126 – the Governor’s Education Omnibus Trailer Bill: New Paid Pregnancy Disability Leave Requirements – Part 2 of 3
Legal Alert
California AB 126 – the Governor’s Education Omnibus Trailer Bill: Part 3 of 3
FROM OUR CLIENTS
A woman with long brown hair and blue eyes smiles at the camera, wearing a black top, in front of a mottled gray background—projecting the approachable confidence you’d expect from an experienced professional at an education law firm.
Rhonda Baldenegro
Executive Director, Gabriella Charter Schools
“Without YMC's fierce advocacy, I am not sure Gabriella Charter School would be open today. The legal team supported us through two renewal processes, a successful appeal, and a litigation strategy that ensured our doors would remain open to serve our students for years to come, stopping at nothing to make our School whole. In the toughest climate charters have ever faced, this team's brilliance and dedication inspire confidence and loyalty. I trust them more than I can express.”
Cameron Curry
Cameron Curry
Retired Executive Director, The Classical Academies
“YM&C is the legal firm I turn to for professional, accurate, and timely information on all matters related to charter schools. In the past 17 years, I have relied on their specific and strategic advice on topics ranging from Board development to human resources, charter renewals, and regulatory nuances of the Education Code. Not only is the YM&C team knowledgeable, but they are also trusted members of my team that I can turn to and know that the support and information that I am receiving is the best! ”
Cristina De Jesus
Cristina De Jesus
President & CEO, Green Dot Public Schools
“We have been working with YM&C for over ten years and have found them to be an invaluable resource to our organization. Their charter law expertise is second to none, and they have been a true partner in our work with our labor unions and in helping us better understand labor law. We have worked with multiple attorneys at the firm, and all have been very knowledgeable and responsive to our needs. I would recommend YM&C to any education organization needing legal assistance and support.”
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