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Gina M. DeCrescenzo

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Avvo Rating10
  • White Plains, NY
  • Licensed for 12 years
Gina M. DeCrescenzo
Gina M. DeCrescenzo
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About Gina

Trust your instincts. I'll fight for your child.

Gina M. DeCrescenzo is the founder of Gina DeCrescenzo, P.C. She built the firm on years of civil litigation experience and an unparalleled passion for improving the lives of children. Gina received her Juris Doctor from Pace Law School and her Bachelors of Science from Fordham University. She is admitted to the United States Supreme Court, the State Court of New York, and the U.S. District Courts for the Northern, Southern and Eastern Districts of New York. She is a member of the Federal Bar Council, Disability Rights Bar Association, American Bar Association’s Children’s Rights Litigation Committee, New York State Bar Association, Westchester Women’s Bar Association’s Education Law Committee, Hudson Union Society, Columbian Lawyers’ Association, Parents United Learning the Special Education System (“PULSES”), and the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (“COPAA”) where she serves on their Publishing and Training Committees.

Before founding Gina DeCrescenzo, P.C., Gina worked as the only Special Education Attorney at a private litigation firm in Dutchess County, New York and before that as the sole Special Education Attorney at Legal Services of the Hudson Valley (LSHV) representing low-income children and young adults with disabilities throughout Westchester, Putnam and Rockland counties. At LSHV, Gina was responsible for countless education cases, as well as Office of Mental Health, Office of People with Developmental Disabilities, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) denials.

Prior to her work exclusively with children and young adults with special needs, Gina represented hundreds of clients in eviction proceedings and foreclosure actions, gaining national recognition. Coverage in the New York Times [11/15/2011] and [2/7/2012].

Gina serves of counsel to the Law Offices of H. Jeffrey Marcus, P.C. She lectures to parents, attorneys, and organizations throughout New York State on special education-related issues. She was featured in Westchester Magazine’s, 914Inc., “24 Wunderkinds under 30… future movers and shakers.” Click here to link to article.

Practice areas

Personal injuryEducation
  1. Education: 80%

    Experienced in all aspects of education law, including special education, IDEA/Sec. 504, harassment, bullying, discipline, post-secondary school transition, guardianships, and more.

  2. Personal injury: 20%

    GDPC handles Personal Injury cases, especially involving children, including failure to supervise, physical and sexual abuse cases, accidents, and more.

Languages spoken

English

Photos and videos

1788789 1524000050

1788789 1524000150

Contact

180 South Broadway
address map

Gina M. DeCrescenzo, Esq.

180 South Broadway
Suite 302
White Plains, NY, 10605

Fax (914) 615-9176
Website
http://decrescenzolaw.com/

Resume

License
StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
NYDue to Register within 30 Days of Birthday200812/09/2020
We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
Avvo Contributions
Legal answers192
Legal guides0
Awards
Award nameGrantorDate granted
Outstanding Service AwardPULSES2019
1 of 75 Worldwide Changemakers for ChildrenSave the Children2019
Super LawyerSuperLawyers2019
Rising StarSuper Lawyers2018
Top 40 Under 40National Trial Lawyers2017
Top 10% of Lawyers NationwideLawyers of Distinction2017
Rising StarSuper Lawyers2017
24 Wunderkinds under 30...Future movers and shakersWestchester Magazine2011
Work Experience
TitleCompany nameDuration
Founder/OwnerGina DeCrescenzo, P.C.2013 - Present
AttorneyLitigation Firm in Dutchess County NY2012 - 2013
AttorneyLegal Services of the Hudson Valley2007 - 2012
Associations
Association namePosition nameDuration
Parents United Learning the Special Education SystemBoard of Directors2016 - Present
Family Focus Adoption AgencyBoard Member2015 - Present
Disability Rights Bar AssociationMember2015 - Present
Federal Bar CouncilMember2013 - Present
Parents United Learning the Learning the Special Education System (PULSES)Member2012 - Present
Council of Parent Attorneys and AdvocatesMember2010 - Present
American Bar Association’s Children’s Rights Litigation CommitteeMember2007 - Present
New York State Bar AssociationMember2007 - Present
Westchester Women's Bar AssociationMember2004 - Present
The Columbian Lawyers AssociationMember2004 - Present
Publications
Publication nameTitleDate
Today HealthHow a Service Dog Built Confidence in a Boy with Autism2015
New York TimesBank Excuses on Foreclosure Growing Stale2011
Education
School nameDegreeGraduated
Pace University School of LawJD - Juris Doctor2007
Fordham UniversityBS - Bachelor of Science2004
Speaking Engagements
Conference nameTitleDate
NAPSETechniques of Cross Examination2019
NAPSEHow to Recover Attorneys Fees in Due Process Hearings2019
SUNY PurchaseThe Nature and Function of Law2015
The Kildonan School - Discussion on DyslexiaIDEA & Legal Advocacy2015
COPAA's 18th Annual ConferenceSpecial Shingle: Opening a Special Education Law Practice2015
Legal cases
Case nameOutcome
P.R. v. NYCDOEParents/GDPC victory
A.W. et al v. Board of Education of the Wallkill Central School DistrictParents prevail; $187,000 + attorney's fees
A.W. et al v. Board of Education of the Wallkill Central School DistrictParents prevail on initial motion
B.B. v NYCDOEParents/GDPC victory
S.T. v ArlingtonParents/GDPC victory

Reviews

(26)
5 Star
96%
4 Star
0%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
4%
Review Gina DeCrescenzo

Gina Decrescenzo

Posted by

In 3 words, Peace Of Mind! Tired of being bullied at your child's CSE Meeting? Feeling like you have to cave in and do what District recommends? We'll worry no more. After the words I spoke, "I want this meeting tabled!" The next day I met with Gina and the rest is history. Gina was able to give my child all the services she needs to be successful & more independent. Very reasonable & fair fee.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

In it for a hard fought process to the win.

Posted by

The IEP meetings with our daughter's school district where frustrating and full of brick walls. Sometimes key and reasonable accommodations were refused to be included for reasons we knew to be untrue. Other times previously agreed on accommodations never made it to the final document. We started to bring a child advocate to the meetings who was dumbfounded by the district's stonewalling. It was time to seek help. Gina was recommended to us from a friend who works in child protective services. My wife and I were impressed with Gina right from the start. From our initial consult we felt we pick the right firm in deciding to move forward with filing a complaint against the school district. This feeling continued in the grueling, unpleasant and lengthy hearing process. Gina time and time again smartly and effectively handle all witnesses to expose deficiencies that bolstered our case. She understands that the parent decision in bringing legal action again your child's school district brings a variety of unique questions, worries, and the potential of sleepless nights. Gina made us feel very much at ease during the worst of it, even when it looked like the odds were way out of our favor and giving up looked likely. Our case was a long road. It was full of road blocks including an IHO who was not knowledgeable in special ed, dishonest witnesses, and a defense lawyer bully. Still Gina was able to navigate the storm and brought to light our daughter not receiving a FAPE. In the end, we prevailed. The victory doesn't end with the final verdict. Now, IEP meetings with the district truly focus on doing what's right for our daughter. Our case put the district on notice. They changed their tune knowing full well that Gina is only a phone call away.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Amazing Team

Posted by

This firm was heaven sent. The DOE was not helping my son in any way. He has a IEP and he just kept getting passed along no matter how much I fought for them to make the necessary changes. I was referred to this firm and told to speak with them regarding my frustrations. They took my case and worked vigorously for 3 years to get me everything my son needs. My son is now receiving all the services he requires, getting the proper help and has been granted private school placement. I am so thankful for everything they helped me accomplish. It was a rough 3 years but in the end my son will receive all the help he needs and I have them to thank for it. They were the advocates we needed.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Excellent Attorney

Posted by

Gina comes with an exceptional work ethic and credentials. She truly cares and takes a tremendous personal interest in your case. Gina worked tirelessly for us with exceptional results. I recommend her without hesitation. She is totally dedicated to helping your cause. is a champion at fighting for a cause
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

The Right Attorney

Posted by

Even though I am an attorney myself, I knew I needed someone with expertise in education law to handle my son’s case. Gina DeCrescenzo has that expertise and I definitely made the right choice putting my son’s case in her hands. I felt very well informed by Gina and her staff each step of the way and I literally slept better after she started handling things. But it wasn’t just her expertise that made me feel better – it was her passion for my son’s case. You don’t expect someone to be as passionate about your kids as you are, but she was. You couldn’t ask for a better advocate for your kid!
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Gina to the rescue with relief and victory.

Posted by

Surprisingly, we selected Gina instantaniously. It felt right. The seed of doubt in the district was also instantaniously replaced with a monsoon of hope. We highly recommend Gina if you need help maximizing your childs academic potential. From the beginning she delivered validation, consistency, knowledge of the law, determination, stamina, rigor and passion. What I admire most about Gina is the ability to make her clients feel like partners in crime. We were on a mission to prevail together and I will always have a special place in my heart for her. Can you say that about your attorney?
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Gina is our Champion!

Posted by

Gina treats us like family. No matter what is happening or when, she always makes it a priority to help/reassure you. She’s been our champion for 2 yrs & she’s absolutely amazing! You can relax knowing that Gina will fight for your child’s best interests while being your backbone all the way. We adore her!
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Gina got my child the education he deserves!

Posted by

When the school district was not meeting my child's needs, I met with multiple attorneys to decide how to proceed. I chose Gina because she was personally outraged when she saw his current IEP and heard what the school was doing. Until the district started dealing with Gina, we were getting nowhere. Then, once she started representing us, they were suddenly interested in solving the problems. Gina's advocacy helped us avoid going to hearing and her ongoing guidance during the settlement process was critical. She kept helping me hone in on what I thought my child really needed for future success. Because of her brilliance and keen negotiation skills we signed a settlement that truly sets my child on the right path for the future! Charlie, the office manager was also so kind and helpful and helped me connect with Gina when I had an urgent question during the process. Gina has also helped me prepare for subsequent CSE meetings. I always feel great after any conversation I have with her because she hears my questions and concerns and addresses them in a straightforward and understandable way. I learn more skills for the future every time I speak with her. If you need a fighter in your corner, I urge you to consult with Gina!
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

A True Fighter

Posted by

We’ve been with Gina since preschool. We referred by another Mom. At that time it was just a consultation where Gina showed me how to read reports and use them to advocate for my son. Two years later we hired her when we sought additional support services for my son. Other lawyers told me that what we sought was “impossible,” that we’d never get the extra time. Gina was the only one to say “you have a case and we should pursue it.” My son is now in 3rd grade and we’ve won two impartial hearings, the second one on appeal—which is unheard of, a pretty big deal in special ed law. As a parent it can be scary to take legal action, to pursue your rights—and lets be real, to invest $$$$ when there’s no knowing the outcome. Gina’s fees are reasonable in comparison to other attorneys who, quite frankly, don’t care as much. I can always get her or associate Ben on the phone or by email. They are steadfast. When I’ve doubted they’ve been patient with me and advocated for my son’s rights. All this to say, my child has had the support that everybody else told me would never happen, and he’s had the service for four years now and looks set to have it going forward. Of course, it all depends on your case, but if you’re looking for someone authentic, who’s really in it to fight for your kid, with reasonable rates, who excels in what they do, look no further. I recommend DeCrescenzo Law, not only here, but in my personal circle, to friends and other families in the struggle for appropriate education and the folks I’ve referred have all been happy with their choice and the outcome.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Excellent Top Attorney

Posted by

Gina is a tenacious and tireless advocate. As a leading lawyer in her area of practice, she works hard to ensure her clients receive the justice and dignity they deserve.
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
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Attorney endorsements

(19)
Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer

Jennie Kim, Education Attorney on Sep 1, 2015
Relationship: Co-worker

I endorse this lawyer. She is a power house of an attorney and deeply cares about her clients and all children in general. You would be so well served with Gina on your side.

Daniel Timins, Education Attorney on Sep 1, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Gina DeCrescenzo is both extremely knowledgeable and compassionate when it comes to her clients. Her understanding of Education Law, a highly specialized field of practice, is exceptional, and her client service is remarkable. I highly endorse and recommend her as a strong advocate for her clients.

Richard Corrao, Education Attorney on Sep 4, 2019
Relationship: Worked for lawyer

Gina is a devoted and fierce advocate with a deep understanding of education and related law. It's that understanding, combined with her attention to detail, uncompromising ethics, and genuine compassion, that allows Gina to move skillfully from analysis to action that truly matters to her clients. I highly endorse this attorney.

Karen Reilly, Education Attorney on May 16, 2019
Relationship: Worked for lawyer

I endorse this lawyer. Gina is a dedicated, talented, knowledgeable and hard working advocate for her clients. Her years of experience in the field make her a stand-out.

Michael Eisenman, Education Attorney on Apr 29, 2019
Relationship: Worked together on matter

Gina is an intelligent, organized and aggressive attorney, who will stop at nothing to protect her clients. Often representing children who lack the capacity to speak for themselves, Gina provides a large and caring voice for these children, who she treats as if they were her own. The children and their parents are well served to have Gina representing their interests.

Don Discepolo, Education Attorney on Oct 18, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer. Gina DeCrescenzo is a great attorney!

Benjamin Brown, Education Attorney on Jun 14, 2017
Relationship: Worked for lawyer

I'm happy to endorse my mentor Gina DeCrescenzo. Having reviewed the work of numerous attorneys in public court records, I can attest that Gina is among the top few attorneys in the special education bar. Having attended several meetings of Committees on Special Education with Gina, I know firsthand how her experience allows her to quickly detect contradictions in the presentations of school district staff members. She takes very good care of the children and parents she represents.

Mark Rowe, Education Attorney on Apr 13, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

She is well-known and well-respected by fellow attorneys across the country, and her clients sing her highest praises. Gina DeCrescenzo aggressively pursues every angle of a case on behalf of her clients. I would not hesitate to refer a client to her.

Michael Palumbo, Education Attorney on Apr 12, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Donna Drumm, Education Attorney on Apr 11, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Gina is a top Special Education attorney representing the rights of children with special needs in our legal community. She has grown her practice by using law practice management skills, providing excellent client services earning her respect among her peers, judges and Hearing Officers. She is quick to identify a legal issue and practical solution. Gina is my go to person when I have a question about advocating for students in K-12.

Josh Kershenbaum, Education Attorney on Mar 28, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Knowledgeable and tenacious. Passionate about pursuing what's best for the kids. A trusted colleague in the special education field.

Andrew Pappert, Education Attorney on Nov 15, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Joshua Levin, Education Attorney on Sep 21, 2016
Relationship: Worked together on matter

I endorse this lawyer. Hands down, the best special education attorney in the business. Knowledgeable and a true advocate, there is no other attorney that I would consider for any special education legal matter. I have and will continue to refer my clients to Gina whenever the situation calls for it.

Thomas Davis, Education Attorney on Sep 18, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer. Gina is one of the few people specializing in this complex and difficult area of the law. She's not afraid to take on the school districts to get your child the education they are entitled to. She's the best.

Jasbrinder Sahni, Education Attorney on Sep 16, 2016
Relationship: Co-worker

I endorse this lawyer. Gina and I worked together at our previous law firm. Gina is an excellent attorney and a negotiator.

Michael Gilberg, Education Attorney on Sep 7, 2016
Relationship: Friend

I have known Gina for well over a decade having met our 1st day of law school and later working with her for a time as we both practice special education law. She is one of the most tenacious people I know and will fight for your child and not stop until she wins. Nobody will stand up for you and your child more.

Trevor Eisenman, Education Attorney on Jan 5, 2016
Relationship: Worked together on matter

I endorse this lawyer. I have had the privilege of working with Gina for many years. She is a passionate and fierce advocate. If I was ever in the position where I needed an attorney to fight for my children I would not consider anyone other than Gina to protect them.

Elizabeth Douglas, Education Attorney on Nov 20, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer. Gina is a driven and competent professional. She is a known leader in the area of Special education Law.

Jennie Kim, Education Attorney on Sep 1, 2015
Relationship: Co-worker

I endorse this lawyer. She is a power house of an attorney and deeply cares about her clients and all children in general. You would be so well served with Gina on your side.

Benjamin Hinerfeld, Education Attorney on Sep 1, 2015
Relationship: Worked together on matter

I endorse this lawyer. Gina is a passionate, fearless and conscientious special education lawyer. She puts her clients interests above all else and achieves great results.

Daniel Timins, Education Attorney on Sep 1, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Gina DeCrescenzo is both extremely knowledgeable and compassionate when it comes to her clients. Her understanding of Education Law, a highly specialized field of practice, is exceptional, and her client service is remarkable. I highly endorse and recommend her as a strong advocate for her clients.