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 just a career – it’s a calling. We proudly provide comprehensive legal services to K-12 public, independent & private, post-secondary schools, and the many organizations that support and advance the education community.
Who We Serve

30 Years of Representing Educational Organizations

Our attorneys are at the forefront of the California education movement, fighting tirelessly for the rights of schools in the courts, via legislation, 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 throughout 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
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
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
Wendy Walker
Senior Counsel
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
Smiling woman with long blonde hair, reminiscent of a Tellis muse, wearing a white shirt and light-colored jacket, facing forward.
Tellis Aucoin
Associate
S. Edward Slabach, in a blue suit with a patterned tie, is smiling against a plain background.
S. Edward Slabach
Senior Counsel
Smiling woman with long brown hair in a black blazer and white shirt, standing against an abstract background.
Melanie Aghayane
Associate
Paul S. Thies, in a dark suit, light blue shirt, and green patterned tie, beams with a warm smile against a plain background.
Paul S. Thies
Senior Counsel
Mariam Babayan smiling for a picture.
Mariam Babayan
Senior Counsel
Anthony Serrao, with short brown hair, smiles warmly at the camera. Dressed in a black suit, crisp white shirt, and a patterned tie, he exudes confidence and charm that make him instantly approachable.
Anthony Serrao
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
A smiling woman with long, wavy brown hair and a white blouse under a dark jacket.
Kaela Haydu
Partner
Joseph B. Young, with his signature curly hair, stands confidently in a suit and patterned tie, smiling warmly against a plain background.
Joseph B. Young
Associate
Francia Orduno
Francia Orduno
Associate
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
A person with short hair and glasses wearing a suit jacket and vest smiles at the camera, standing in front of a colorful, abstract background.
Erin G. Simonitch
Senior Counsel
The image features Ellen N. Doty, a person with short red hair, wearing a gray suit and white shirt, smiling warmly at the camera against an abstract background.
Ellen N. Doty
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
Rows of empty desks and chairs in a brightly lit classroom, with papers placed on one of the front desks, evoke the atmosphere of an education law firm preparing for a school policy seminar.
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Young girl in a striped shirt smiles and raises her arms, with cartoon dumbbells drawn above her hands, embodying the strength and confidence an education law firm inspires.
Rows of empty desks and chairs in a brightly lit classroom, with papers placed on one of the front desks, evoke the atmosphere of an education law firm preparing for a school policy seminar.
A group of people sitting around a table.
Hand making a check list on glass board.

Education & Training Opportunities

Explore Our Training Opportunities
Mirabelli v. Bonta: What California Schools Must Do Now: A Legal Briefing for Charter School Leaders and Administrators
Title IX Essentials: Compliance Training for Key Personnel
Making Your Strongest Case for Charter School Renewal
Webinar
Mirabelli v. Bonta: What California Schools Must Do Now: A Legal Briefing for Charter School Leaders and Administrators
Webinar
Title IX Essentials: Compliance Training for Key Personnel
On-Demand
Making Your Strongest Case for Charter School Renewal
Supreme Court Order in Mirabelli v. Bonta: Immediate Impacts on California Schools
District Attorney Civil Enforcement of Alleged Brown Act Violations
Compliance Checklist: Policy on Referral Protocols for Addressing Student Behavioral Health Concerns
Legal Alert
Supreme Court Order in Mirabelli v. Bonta: Immediate Impacts on California Schools
Legal Alert
District Attorney Civil Enforcement of Alleged Brown Act Violations
Legal Alert
Compliance Checklist: Policy on Referral Protocols for Addressing Student Behavioral Health Concerns
FROM OUR CLIENTS
Mary Searcy Bixby
Founder, President and CEO, Altus – The Charter School of San Diego
“Operating today’s charter schools holds a unique set of challenges that are becoming progressively more technical. Excellent legal support requires a current, in-depth understanding of all legal aspects relating to education and, specifically, charter schools. Young, Minney, and Corr (YM&C) are superior in terms of having a broad knowledge base and a keen understanding of the political and practical processes needed to support charter schools during this turbulent and confusing transitional period. This firm is client-centered, professional, reasonable, highly ethical, and always offers a representation of which one can be proud. YM&C has our organization’s highest endorsement.”
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! ”
Arina Goldring-Ravin
Executive Director, Los Angeles Leadership Academy
“I have been working with YM&C for some time. I appreciate their diligence, professionalism, and extraordinary efforts to assist their clients. They employ highly qualified attorneys with expertise in special education, governance, human resources, charter renewals, and labor relations. I am very satisfied with the support they provide.”
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