Gina M. DeCrescenzo

We were seeking legal advice after school administrators did not properly document or address a physical assault against our daughter in school. She was mocked for her disability during the attack, and there was a history of previous 504 violations that we tolerated out of a desire to maintain a goo...d working relationship with the district. We were turned away by many firms and told that they only handle IEPs, represent districts, or didn’t handle cases like ours. Gina’s paralegal was caring and informative in our initial call. She gave us hope and reassurance and was very transparent about the consultation process and any associated fees. She would continue this support throughout the process and was always available with guidance, itemized bills delivered on the first of each month, and quick responses to any phone calls or emails. If we needed to speak to Gina directly she often returned a phone call within minutes. Gina was extremely helpful to us in our consultation. She listened, clarified events as needed and then discussed all options available to us. She was considerate of our desire to seek a fair outcome through negotiating with the district. She was able to negotiate a settlement that paid for our daughter to attend a local private school (around $70,000 in total)for all four years. Our daughter feels safe and is flourishing there, and the school implemented all 504 accommodations . Gina even negotiated for the home district to continue providing a bus monitor until she graduates. We are so grateful to Gina and her team, I would not hesitate to recommend her to anyone needing help with any matter related to education. She is knowledgeable, advises realistic and attainable goals, and goes to every effort to make the process as easy as possible.

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.

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.

My lawyer is simply the best ever. She is an attorney that cares and puts her best foot forward, in order to obtain an successful outcome for her client(s). I am so pleased with the way the firm is handling my case, they keep me informed every step of the way. The level of professionalism has surely ...met my expectations and thus far, I am certain that all will work in my favor; under the representation of my attorney and the firm.

Two years ago I set out to find an attorney who possessed the qualities I knew were necessary to prevail in assuring my son was provided what every child is entitled to under the law - a Free, Appropriate, Public Education. I had intended to interview 3 or 4 attorneys. Following my instincts, I met... first with Gina. Thereafter, there was no reason to meet anyone else. I studied her face and eyes as she read through my outline describing how my son had not only been chronically denied a FAPE, but was harmed by a District that simply did not care and placed him in programs that were merely available rather than appropriate. Although I am certain a part of her exquisitely analytical and razor-sharp mind was tallying up many IDEA violations as she read, more important to me as a father I could see Gina was truly compassionate, and genuinely indignant – as if my child was a member of her family. I instantly had an ally who not only got it, but had a need to make it right. After spending about an hour talking, I left with a feeling of confidence and calm that if it could be done, Gina could, and would, do it. I couldn't agree more with all of the comments left by others in this forum. Gina truly is brilliant, committed, vibrant and energetic, and has the insight, experience and legal expertise to ensure your child has the best opportunity for a happy, productive and independent life that a FAPE can provide. Gina embodies the spirit and intent of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. She is a fabulous attorney and child advocate and a wonderful person. She is making a difference, once child at a time. And yes, we prevailed at our Due Process Hearing and won reimbursement of tuition (no simple task) for an appropriate placement where my son thrived – for the first time in his school life. It's been a pleasure and honor to work with Gina for my son, and I'll always consider her a friend.