Overview
Debbie Ferdman’s primary practice areas include special education, due process hearings, student discipline, and Section 504. Prior to pursuing a career in law, Debbie spent four years as a special education teacher. Debbie commenced her teaching career within the Chicago Public School system, where she was assigned to an institution dedicated to educating children with significant learning challenges.
Debbie relocated to California and spent three years teaching at Charles Lowman Special Education Center, part of the Los Angeles Unified School District. During her time at Lowman, she worked with students who had significant cognitive deficits and students with severe emotional disabilities. Before concluding her teaching career, she successfully transitioned all her students to comprehensive elementary school campuses.
During all three years of law school and several years post-graduation, Debbie worked at a nonprofit agency representing families in both special education and regional center matters.
During Debbie’s twenty-plus years representing school districts in both Southern and Northern California, she has acquired comprehensive knowledge of the inner workings of school districts and special education law. She approaches each case with a focus on the student’s needs within the confines of the IDEA and the California Education Code. Debbie prides herself on working collaboratively with students’ counsels when disagreements arise, while ensuring her clients are protected and compliance with the laws are maintained.
While Debbie is passionate about her career as a special education attorney, her most important and fulfilling job has been raising her now 19-year-old twin girls, who are both neurodivergent.
Debbie brings a unique perspective to her clients, having been on all four sides of the special education continuum as a parent, teacher, student, attorney, and district attorney. She fully understands the challenges schools often face when navigating the special education process.
Education
- University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law (J.D.)
- National Louis University, National College of Education (B.A.)
