Gust Rosenfeld Lawyer Heads To Washington D.C. To Join National Special Education Advocacy Group

January 12, 2009 By Gust Rosenfeld In General

A special education attorney at Gust Rosenfeld P.L.C. is trading her legal practice for a public policy position with the premier trade association dedicated to improving the educational success of children with physical and mental disabilities.

Lindsay E. Jones, a partner in Gust Rosenfeld’s thriving Education Law practice, has accepted a position as Senior Director of Public Policy with the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC). Located in Washington D.C., the organization is an international community of more than 40,000 professionals who embody the voice and vision of special and gifted education.

“This is an exciting opportunity to continue to serve the special education community in a broader capacity,” Lindsay said. “I am very passionate about this cause and I’m eager to join the council in advocating on behalf of special-needs students and the parents and educators who care for them.”

In her new role, Lindsay will focus on lobbying Congress on behalf of students, parents, and educators within the special education community; building coalitions and energizing the organization’s membership base; drafting and interpreting proposed legislation, and representing the organization at conferences and other events.

After only a few days on the job, Lindsay will have the opportunity to meet with President Obama’s transition team to discuss the council’s 2009-2011 public policy agenda. For more than 7 years, Lindsay’s legal career has focused heavily on special education. Lindsay represented many of the largest school districts in Arizona in matters related to this important issue. She worked with these districts to ensure that each complied with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504, a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against students with disabilities and ensures these students receive equal access to a proper education.

She also worked closely with teams responsible for creating Individualized Education Plans (IEP) for every student who qualifies for a school’s special education program. An accomplished litigator, Lindsay also represented districts in civil rights investigations, due process hearings, and accompanying litigation arising out of this specialized area of the law.

“The practical experience I’ve gained while working at Gust Rosenfeld will be invaluable to me as I assume this new position,” Lindsay said. “I’ve always felt fortunate that I could build a career that dovetails nicely with my personal affinity for special education issues. Joining the Council for Exceptional Children is a natural next step for me.”

Lindsay comes from a family with strong ties to special education. Her mother, uncle, and aunt have served in various roles including as special education educators, administrators, non-profit leaders, and consultants.

About the Council for Exceptional Children

The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) is the largest international professional organization dedicated to improving the educational success of individuals with disabilities and/or gifts and talents. CEC advocates for appropriate governmental policies, sets professional standards, provides professional development, advocates for individuals with exceptionalities, and helps professionals obtain conditions and resources necessary for effective professional practice.

About Gust Rosenfeld P.L.C.

Founded in 1921, Gust Rosenfeld provides legal counsel to individuals, private and public corporations, and governments. Nationally known for its public law and finance practice, the firm additionally maintains significant practices in real estate, corporate, environmental, litigation, labor and employment, creditors’ rights, and franchise law. The firm has offices in Phoenix and Tucson.

Tom Chauncey II – 602-257-7479chauncey@gustlaw.com

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