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Diane Wiscarson
About Diane
Biography
I am licensed to practice law in both Oregon and Washington. I am also admitted to practice in the United States District Court for the District of Oregon, the United States District Court for the Western District of Washington, and the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.
I am the parent of three boys, one of whom has special needs. All three of them attended public schools. I understand both the joy and heartache that comes with the gift of these special children.
As a lawyer, I have the unique opportunity to help your child in ways that make a real difference over the child's entire life. I view my work as an investment in your child's future. My work immediately impacts your child's education. That impact helps shape and direct the rest of your child's educational experience.
My philosophy is simple - "The child is the client." I remain focused on the child's needs and legal entitlements. I uses my background and experience in both education law and special needs parenting to help parents solve their child's education issues.
While my specialty is the law for children with special needs, I also represents children with education issues not related to special education. I can provide help with almost any educational issue, including discipline hearings for suspension or expulsion.
Practice Areas
2
Practice Areas
Education
95%
30 years | 1,050 cases
Guardianship
5%
16 years
Fees and Rates
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Oregon for 29 years
State: Oregon
Acquired: 1996
No misconduct found
Licensed in Washington for 23 years
State: Washington
Acquired: 2002
No misconduct found
Location
Wiscarson Law, A Professional Corporation
3330 NW Yeon Ave, Suite 240, Portland, OR, 97210
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Diane Wiscarson's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
98 Client Reviews
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Showing 81 - 85 of 98 reviews
Posted by Sue | June 16, 2011 | Education
Education Issues for your child? Wiscarson Law Firm is the solution !
I have (2) "special" children. When I found that the school district was illegally changing my son's IEP (Individualized Education Plan), I complained up the chain of command to resolve the minor issue that was created. Unfortunately, instead of solving the problem like most parents expect, my sch...
Posted by Dawn Morgan | December 16, 2010 | Education
Diane is a Godsend!
Diane is an absolute Godsend to our family. Our son {who was 13 at the time} was failing the 8th grade because his school was not following his IEP. We retained Diane and within a month, our son went from a 1.7 GPA to above a 3.0! As much as we were strong advocates for our son, Diane was there to ma...
Posted by mark.thomashow | November 18, 2010 | Lawsuits & Disputes
Review of Services of Diane Wiscarson
We retained Diane to represent us in a dispute with a school district.Diane pit us at ease, gave us great advice, made us feel our opinions were being heard. She had a thorough grasp of the applicable law. She provided excellent advice as she took us through the hearing stage. She was well respected ...
Posted by Nancy | November 17, 2010 | Education
Great outcome
My husband and I engaged Ms. Wiscarson's services to ensure our son was provided the best support through our school district for his disabilities which are Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD and Oppositional Defiance Disorder (ODD). Diane thoroughly reviewed our son's Educational Plan and explaine...
Posted by Chuck | October 10, 2010 | Education
Diane...........The knightress in shining armor
Diane is the key to getting our special ed sons education back on track.She was able to spot the many issues we had with our school and was able to get the situation under control.She was always there to keep us updated and able to explain things to us that we did not understand.We have always felt t...
Diane Wiscarson's Lawyer Endorsements
"Diane receives my highest commendation for her superb work in a one of the most difficult environments to practice law in. I know Diane as a colleague (I'm a litigator) and as a client. She has successfully represented our 9 year old son, who has numerous special education needs which were not being met by the public school district. Diane's forceful yet professional intervention on his behalf was invaluable. The district has been far more willing to recognize our son's special learning style and his learning needs since Diane was retained as our advocate. I can't say enough good things about her ability and effectiveness. And a big plus: she is a pleasure to work with."
"Diane is very knowledgeable and a model for integrity - she gives attorneys a good name!! I appreciate her non-confrontational, common sense, and practical approach."
"I am a lawyer who has practiced law for 14 years. Diane is an amazing lawyer. Her professionalism, knowledge of the law, preparedness and compassion make her an excellent attorney. Diane was the attorney who assisted my family for education advocacy within the public school system. There was no one else who could have handled this matter with a better outcome, and again, with more compassion. Diane is always 100% prepared for every hearing, meeting or other court action. Diane is ethical, zealous and concerned that she conclude a case with the best overall result for her client."
"Diane is one of the most exceptional attorneys I have ever had the privilege to work for. Diane is committed to her clients and puts the needs of each individual child first in every situation. I highly recommend Diane for any family who needs help navigating the world of special education. Diane's knowledge of special education law is unmatched in the Oregon and Washington legal communities. Diane is the ideal ally when working with schools to establish individual plans to meet your child's needs while fostering strong relationships between the family and the school."
"Diane Wiscarson is a tenacious, thoughtful and determined advocate for students with disabilities and educational special needs. We have had several cases in common. In all instances, Diane effectively defended the child's needs and assured that the child was obtaining the services legally required and necessary for the child's overall social and intellectual development. In addition, Diane helps the parents understand and embrace the child's ability to advance despite the potential impediments."
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Experience
Honors
2011
BV Distinguished: Very High Legal Ability & Ethical Standards, LexisNexis, Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review
2011
2010 Pro Bono Publico Service Commendation, Washington State Bar Association, Board of Governors
2010
2009 Pro Bono Publico Service Commendation, Washington State Bar Association, Board of Governors
2010
BV Distinguished: Very High Legal Ability & Ethical Standards, Martindale-Hubbell
2009
Pro Bono Challenge - Honorable Mention, Oregon State Bar
1997
Arbitrator of the Year, Better Business Bureau of Oregon
Work Experience
2001 - Present
Attorney, Wiscarson Law, A Professional Corporation
1996 - 2001
Attorney, Steinman Cooper Wiscarson, LLC.
Associations
2014 - Present
United States District Court for the Eastern District of WashingtonAdmitted to Practice
2014 - Present
Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Advisory CommitteeCommittee Member
2010 - Present
Washington State Bar Association, Administrative Law SectionMember
2009 - Present
Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA)Member
2005 - Present
Oregon Women Lawyers AssociationMember
2003 - Present
Program Planning Committee for the Pacific Northwest Institute on Special Education and the LawCommittee Member
2003 - Present
United States District Court for the Western District of WashingtonAdmitted to Practice in
2002 - Present
Dispute Resolution Committee, a State Advisory Committee for the Oregon Department of EducationCommittee Member
2002 - Present
Washington State Bar AssociationMember
2001 - Present
Oregon State Bar, Disability Law SectionMember
1997 - Present
United States District Court for the District of OregonAdmitted to Practice in
1996 - Present
Oregon State BarMember
1996 - Present
Oregon Women Lawyers AssociationMember
1996 - Present
United States Court of Appeals For the Ninth CircuitAdmitted to Practice in
Sample of Legal Cases
In the Matter of Forest Grove School District #15 Case No. 14-054-013
The parents prevailed in an Oregon Department of Education (ODE) State Complaint against the district.
In the Matter of Kennewick School District Special Education Cause No. 2012-SE-0033
An Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) in a due process hearing found that the district procedurally and substantively violated the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
Percentage of Cases Settled in 2013
Wiscarson Law settled 93.75% of state complaints, state due process filings and Office for Civil Rights Complaints filed in 2013 for its clients, without completing the formal decision-making process.
In the Matter of the Education of Student and Forest Grove School District Case No. DP 13-104
An Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) in a due process hearing found that the district substantively violated the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
Percentage of Cases Settled in 2012
Wiscarson Law settled 63.64% of state complaints, state due process filings and Office for Civil Rights Complaints filed in 2012 for its clients, without completing the formal decision-making process.
In the Matter of the Education of Student and Central Curry School District Case No. DP 11-127
An Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) found the district denied the student a free appropriate public education (FAPE).
In the Matter of the Education of Student and West Linn-Wilsonville School District Case No. DP 11-122
An Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) found the district denied the student a free appropriate public education (FAPE).
In the Matter of the Education of Student and Forest Grove School District Case No. DP 11-131
An Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) found that the district denied the student a free appropriate public education (FAPE).
In the Matter of Eugene School District Case No. 12-054-002
The Oregon Department of Education (ODE) found no district violation when the parents filed a State Complaint.
Percentage of Cases Settled in 2011
Wiscarson Law has settled 93.75% of state complaints, state due process filings and Office for Civil Rights Complaints filed in 2011 for its clients, without completing the formal decision-making process.
In the Matter of the Education of Student and Eugene School District Case No. DP 10-116
An Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) found that the district failed to provide a free appropriate public education (FAPE).
Percentage of Cases Settled in 2010
Wiscarson Law settled 88.24% of state complaints, state due process filings and Office for Civil Rights Complaints filed in 2010 for its clients, without completing the formal decision-making process.
In the Matter of Portland School District 1J Case No. 10-054-013
The parent prevailed in an Oregon Department of Education (ODE) State Complaint against the district when the parent challenged the district’s policy for Independent Educational Evaluations (IEEs).
Oregon Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, Reference No. 10091289
The Office for Civil Rights (OCR) and the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) entered into a resolution agreement. ODE is now required to offer all disabled and nondisabled students an equal number of opportunities to take the statewide assessment.
Percentage of Cases Settled in 2009
Wiscarson Law settled 90.91% of state complaints, state due process filings and Office for Civil Rights Complaints filed in 2001 for its clients, without completing the formal decision-making process.
In the Matter of Eagle Point School District, Case No. 09-054-027
The parents prevailed in an Oregon Department of Education (ODE) State Complaint against the district.
Percentage of Cases Settled in 2008
Wiscarson Law settled 83.33% of state complaints, state due process filings and Office for Civil Rights Complaints filed in 2008 for its clients, without completing the formal decision-making process.
In the Matter of the Education of Student and Riverdale School District Case No. DP 08-101
An Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) found that the district failed to provide a free appropriate public education (FAPE).
Percentage of Cases Settled in 2007
Wiscarson Law settled 100% of state complaints, state due process filings and Office for Civil Rights Complaints filed in 2007 for its clients, without completing the formal decision-making process.
Percentage of Cases Settled in 2006
Wiscarson Law settled 100% of state complaints, state due process filings and Office for Civil Rights Complaints filed in 2006 for its clients, without completing the formal decision-making process.
Percentage of Cases Settled in 2005
Wiscarson Law settled 100% of state complaints, state due process filings and Office for Civil Rights Complaints filed in 2005 for its clients, without completing the formal decision-making process.
Percentage of Cases Settled in 2004
Wiscarson Law settled 60.00% of state complaints, state due process filings and Office for Civil Rights Complaints filed in 2004 for its clients, without completing the formal decision-making process.
In the Matter of Vancouver School DIstrict, Special Education Cause No. 2003-SE-0137
An Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) found that the district failed to provide a free appropriate public education (FAPE).of the residential placement costs based on Greenland Sch. Dist. V. Amy N., 358 F.3d 150 (1st Cir. 2004).
In the Matter of Colton School District, Case No. 04-054-033
The parent prevailed in an Oregon Department of Education (ODE) State Complaint against the district.
Percentage of Cases Settled in 2003
Wiscarson Law settled 100% of state complaints, state due process filings and Office for Civil Rights Complaints filed in 2003 for its clients, without completing the formal decision-making process.
Percentage of Cases Settled in 2002
Wiscarson Law settled 100% of state complaints, state due process filings and Office for Civil Rights Complaints filed in 2002 for its clients, without completing the formal decision-making process.
Percentage of Cases Settled in 2001
Wiscarson Law settled 100% of state complaints, state due process filings and Office for Civil Rights Complaints filed in 2001 for its clients, without completing the formal decision-making process.
Education
1996
Northwestern School of Law Lewis & Clark College
Juris Doctor
1979
University of California - Berkeley
BS - Bachelor of Science
Speaking Engagements
2015
Pacific Northwest Institute on Special Education and the Law
Ethics Seminar: Ethics and Professional Responsibility in the Practice of Special Education Law
2014
Pacific Northwest Institute on Special Education and the Law
Ethics Seminar: Ethics and Professional Responsibility in the Practice of Special Education Law
2014
Pacific Northwest Institute on Special Education and the Law
Effective Use of Mediation in Resolving Special Education Disputes
2013
Pacific Northwest Institute on Special Education and the Law
Developing and Writing Appropriate IEPS - A Different Perspective
2013
Pacific Northwest Institute on Special Education and the Law
Ethics and Professional Responsibility in the Practice of Special Education Law
2012
Pacific Northwest Institute on Special Education and the Law
Ethics Seminar: Ethics and Professional Responsibility in the Practice of Special Education Law
2012
Clatskanie School District, Classified Staff Inservice
FAPE, Confidentiality, and other Special Education Issues: A Conversational Work session
2011
2011
Portland Public Schools Speech Language Pathologist Professional Development Workshop
Issues in Special Education
2011
Pacific Northwest Institute on Special Education and the Law
Q & A – Ask the Experts
2011
Pacific Northwest Institute on Special Education and the Law
Ethics Seminar: Ethics and Professional Responsibility in the Practice of Special Education Law
2011
ODE/COSA Fall Conference for Special Education Administrators
Effective Mediation
2011
Longview Public Schools Staff Training
What an Attorney Looks for in a Student's Educational Records
2010
University of Washington College of Education 27th Annual Pacific Northwest Institute on Special Education and the Law
Due Process Hearing Procedures: Diane Wiscarson and Graham Hicks. This workshop will include practical tips for preparing for and conducting a due process hearing.
2010
University of Washington College of Education 27th Annual Pacific Northwest Institute on Special Education and the Law
Scrutinizing IEPs:Diane F. Wiscarson and Elaine Eberharter-Maki. This mini-course will focus on effectively and efficiently writing IEPs that are accurate, appropriate, descriptive and measurable.
2010
Special Education Mediator Training Oregon Department of Education
Drafting Complete and Accurate Settlement Agreements: Diane Wiscarson and Graham Hicks
2010
Eleventh Annual Conference on Special Student Populations and the Law
Ramifications of New Federal Mandates; Section 504, IDEA and FERPA, a parents' perspective
2010
Eleventh Annual Conference on Special Student Populations and the Law
Building Positive Relationships
2010
"The Wisdom Among Us" Statewide Annual Conference
Qualifying for Special Education
2009
Pacific Northwest Institute on Special Education and the Law
Building Positive Relationships
2009
Building Futures: Secondary Transition to College and Employment
Age of Majority – A guide for Parents
2008
Pacific Northwest Institute on Special Education and the Law
Building Positive Relationships
2008
Pacific Northwest Institute on Special Education and the Law
Ethics for Special Education Attorneys: Real-Life Survival Stories
2008
LRP’s 29th National Institute on Legal Issues of Educating Individuals with Disabilities
Ethics for Special Education Attorneys: Real-Life Survival Stories
2007
Pacific Northwest Institute on Special Education and the Law
Building Positive Relationships
2006
St. Helens School District
Effective Parent Relations and Working with Difficult Parents
2006
Pacific Northwest Institute on Special Education and the Law
Working with Difficult People
2005
Pacific Northwest Institute on Special Education and the Law
Working with Difficult People
2005
Pacific Northwest Institute on Special Education and the Law
Residential Placement Cases: Child Find Nightmares
2005
Oregon PTI Annual Statewide Conference
Special Education Law: 9th Circuit Cases and IDEA ’04 Updates
2005
Oregon Conference on Direct Supports 2005
Attorneys’ Tips For Effective Advocacy While Navigating The IEP Maze
2005
Confederation of Oregon School Administrators (COSA) Rookie Academy Mentorship Program
Effective Parent Relations and Working With Angry and Difficult Parents
2005
Cascade School District
Effective Parent Relations and Working With Angry and Difficult Parents
2005
Beaverton School District Staff Development Workshop
Effective Parent Relations and Working With Angry and Difficult Parents
2004
Confederation of Oregon School Administrators (COSA) 2004 Special Education Conference
Effective Parent Relations and Working With Angry and Difficult Parents
2004
Confederation of Oregon School Administrators (COSA) Rookie Academy Mentorship Program
Effective Parent Relations and Working With Angry and Difficult Parents
Publications
2013
Pacific Northwest Institute on Special Education and the Law
Ethics and Professional Responsibility in the Practice of Special Educaiton Law
2012
Pacific Northwest Institute on Special Education and the Law
Ethics and Professional Responsibility in the Practice of Special Education Law
2011
Pacific Northwest Institute on Special Education and the Law
Ethics and Professional Responsibility in the Practice of Special Education Law
2009
Pacific Northwest Institute on Special Education and the Law
Building Positive Relationships
2008
Pacific Northwest Institute on Special Education and the Law
Ethics for Special Education Attorneys: Real-Life Survival Stories
2008
LRP’s 29th National Institute on Legal Issues of Educating Individuals with Disabilities
Ethics for Special Education Attorneys: Real-Life Survival Stories
2006
Pacific Northwest Institute on Special Education and the Law
Working with Difficult People
2005
Pacific Northwest Institute on Special Education and the Law
Residential Placement Cases: Child Find Nightmares
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
Can a school count the days a child was suspended towards being truant-
02 Nov 2012
Q&A
How do I obtain Guardianship for my 19 year old son with Bipolar Disorder in Alabama?
17 Apr 2012
Q&A
Wondering if I need a lawyer to write up a letter to ask the school to do a disability or special needs test on my daughter?
02 Apr 2012
Legal Guides
Legal Guide
Self Disclosure in Employment: A Guide for Individuals with Disabilities
21 Jan 2011
Legal Guide
Drafting a Due Process Hearing Request (a parent attorney perspective)
29 Sep 2010
Legal Guide
Four Tips for Building Positive Relationships Between Schools and Parents
07 Sep 2010