Gina M. DeCrescenzo

PRO

Gina M. DeCrescenzo

4.8
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 18 years

Education Lawyer at White Plains, NY
Practice Areas: Education, Personal Injury

180 South Broadway, Suite 100, White Plains, NY

About Gina

Biography

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

GDPC fights for children and steadfastly challenges districts throughout New York State.

Practice Areas

2

Practice Areas

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.

80%
Personal Injury 20%

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

20%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Retainer

Sometimes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Awards

Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2022 2021 2019
...
+ 1

Licenses

Licensed in New York for 18 years

State: New York

Acquired: 2008

Currently Registered

No misconduct found

Location

Gina M. DeCrescenzo, Esq.

180 South Broadway, Suite 100, White Plains, NY, 10605

decrescenzolaw.com/

Gina M. DeCrescenzo's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.8 /5.0

46 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (46) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 6 - 10 of 16 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge

Posted by Janice | March 14, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Education

Gina Decrescenzo -professional, passionate, honest

Taking legal action against a school district is down right frightening, and the cost can be a strong deterrent. But please don't be deterred. If your child is being denied an education, I urge your to reach out to Gina DeCrescenzo - she will let you know where you stand. When I had no choice but ...to seek legal consultation because the school district was failing my daughter, Gina came highly recommended. As soon as I met her, I knew why. Gina has a friendly demeanor that quickly put my mind at ease. She knows education law like no other and most importantly, she is passionate about making positive changes for the special needs population. Gina was able to get our case settled out of court and we are pleased! My daughter now attends The Maplebrook School, a wonderful private school for children that have dyslexia and other learning disabilities. No only did Gina help us get tuition reimbursement, but we recouped almost all our lawyer fees as well. What more can I say? She is truly a gem!

Posted by anonymous | September 13, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Education

In it for a hard fought process to the win.

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 star...ted 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.

Posted by Geoffrey | December 26, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Education

The Right Attorney

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 a...nd 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!

Posted by anonymous | April 05, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Education

A True Fighter

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 w...e 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.

Posted by jamesmarsh | October 29, 2016

Excellent Top Attorney

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.

See All Client Reviews

Gina M. DeCrescenzo's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Gina
Jennie Gemma Kim headshot
Jennie Kim

Education lawyer | Sep 01

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 Alan Timins headshot
Daniel Timins

Education lawyer | Sep 01

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 F. Corrao headshot
Richard Corrao

Education lawyer | Sep 04

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 Elaine Reilly headshot
Karen Reilly

Education lawyer | May 16

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 Paul Eisenman headshot
Michael Eisenman

Education lawyer | Apr 29

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 headshot
Don Discepolo

Education lawyer | Oct 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

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

Benjamin Oberon Brown headshot
Benjamin Brown

Education lawyer | Jun 14

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 Lynwood Rowe headshot
Mark Rowe

Education lawyer | Apr 13

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 J Palumbo headshot
Michael Palumbo

Education lawyer | Apr 12

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Donna M Drumm headshot
Donna Drumm

Education lawyer | Apr 11

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 headshot
Josh Kershenbaum

Education lawyer | Mar 28

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 David Pappert headshot
Andrew Pappert

Education lawyer | Nov 15

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Joshua Levin headshot
Joshua Levin

Education lawyer | Sep 21

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 Ritchie Davis headshot
Thomas Davis

Education lawyer | Sep 18

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 Singh Sahni headshot
Jasbrinder Sahni

Education lawyer | Sep 16

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 G. Gilberg headshot
Michael Gilberg

Education lawyer | Sep 07

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 Scott Eisenman headshot
Trevor Eisenman

Education lawyer | Jan 05

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 Anne Douglas headshot
Elizabeth Douglas

Education lawyer | Nov 20

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."

Benjamin J. Hinerfeld headshot
Benjamin Hinerfeld

Education lawyer | Sep 01

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."

View All Endorsements
Benjamin Oberon Brown headshot
Benjamin Brown

Education lawyer

Donna M Drumm headshot
Donna Drumm

Discrimination lawyer

Andrew David Pappert headshot
Andrew Pappert

Education lawyer

Angel Ismael Falcon headshot
Angel Falcon

Criminal defense lawyer

Trevor Scott Eisenman headshot
Trevor Eisenman

Litigation lawyer

Louis Michael Petralia headshot
Louis Petralia

Real estate lawyer

Elizabeth Anne Douglas headshot
Elizabeth Douglas

Divorce and separation lawyer

Daniel Alan Timins headshot
Daniel Timins

Trusts lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2025

Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers

2024

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2023

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2022

Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers

2021

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2020

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2019

Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers

2019

1 of 75 Worldwide Changemakers for Children, Save the Children

2019

Outstanding Service Award, PULSES

2018

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2017

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2017

Top 10% of Lawyers Nationwide, Lawyers of Distinction

2017

Top 40 Under 40, National Trial Lawyers

2011

24 Wunderkinds under 30...Future movers and shakers, Westchester Magazine

Work Experience

2013 - Present

Founder/Owner, Gina DeCrescenzo, P.C.

2012 - 2013

Attorney, Litigation Firm in Dutchess County NY

2007 - 2012

Attorney, Legal Services of the Hudson Valley

Associations

2016 - Present

Parents United Learning the Special Education System

Board of Directors

2015 - Present

Family Focus Adoption Agency

Board Member

2015 - Present

Disability Rights Bar Association

Member

2012 - Present

Parents United Learning the Learning the Special Education System (PULSES)

Member

2010 - Present

Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates

Member

2007 - Present

American Bar Association’s Children’s Rights Litigation Committee

Member

2007 - Present

New York State Bar Association

Member

2004 - Present

Westchester Women's Bar Association

Member

2004 - Present

The Columbian Lawyers Association

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

P.R. v. NYCDOE

Parents/GDPC victory

A.W. et al v. Board of Education of the Wallkill Central School District

Parents prevail; $187,000 + attorney's fees

A.W. et al v. Board of Education of the Wallkill Central School District

Parents prevail on initial motion

B.B. v NYCDOE

Parents/GDPC victory

S.T. v Arlington

Parents/GDPC victory

See More Legal Cases

Education

2007

Pace University School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

2004

Fordham University

BS - Bachelor of Science

Speaking Engagements

2019

NAPSE

How to Recover Attorneys Fees in Due Process Hearings

2019

NAPSE

Techniques of Cross Examination

2015

The Kildonan School - Discussion on Dyslexia IDEA & Legal Advocacy

2015

SUNY Purchase

The Nature and Function of Law

2015

COPAA's 18th Annual Conference

Special Shingle: Opening a Special Education Law Practice

Publications

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

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Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution