Courtney Diane Bhatt

We want to express our deepest gratitude to Courtney Bhatt for her recent work on a complex special education issue in a rural school district in the greater Seattle area. Our gentle, autistic child was in a miserable kindergarten situation in which she was repeatedly intimidated, humiliated and pun...ished for autistic behaviors (including an inability to express herself verbally) by untrained staff assistants and a classroom teacher who inexplicably refused to fully incorporate the advice of autism experts. All polite attempts we made to address these issues ourselves failed. Add to this scenario a principal with a history of secretive behavior and a district special education director who routinely bullies and intimidates staff, students and parents. It was an absolute mess and our young child suffered greatly—physically, mentally, and emotionally. Moreover, the district placed our child and her disabled peers in a moldy classroom which sickened our child (as well as other children and staff) and then steadfastly refused to address the issue in a timely or thorough manner. The good news is that all this changed when Courtney entered the equation. Courtney has polite, soft-spoken mannerisms but is firm and very authoritative. She sorted through the multiple violations of special education law and obtained a formal mold testing. This testing confirmed the existence of black mold and above average levels of several other types of mold in a few classrooms, including our daughter’s. Courtney skillfully navigated the unprofessional and unethical behaviors of two district administrators and certain school staff. She quickly negotiated a new school placement for our daughter with a compassionate teacher who understands autism. Additionally, Courtney was instrumental in crafting a new IEP with goals and accommodations which made sense for our daughter. Moreover, Courtney always actively listened to our many concerns regarding the matter. She always made time for us. Courtney is clearly a brilliant attorney who knows the law. Her responses to emails and phone calls were lightning-fast and she treated us with the utmost respect and regard. Thanks to Courtney's intervention, our daughter's natural joy has returned and she finished her school year in an autism-friendly school with clean air! Our child is looking forward to returning to that same school in the fall. Courtney's work was so much more than just "legal help." Her advocacy on our daughter's behalf had a profound impact on a disabled child's QUALITY OF LIFE. We do not say this lightly. Special education lawyers advocate for so much more than just a good school setting or a decent IEP, they are advocating for the quality of life of some of the most vulnerable, innocent children in society who cannot speak for themselves. We are forever grateful to Courtney for her strong moral compass and her skilled, compassionate advocacy on our daughter's behalf. It made all the difference in the life of one small child. Thank you, Courtney.

Ms. Bhatt was a life saver for my child and my family. I needed to transfer my child out of a particular school that was bullying my baby and the entire family. It took one meeting with Ms. Bhatt and I knew I was in good hands with her. At the one (and only one) meeting with the school, She is calm, ...firm and got the job done. Thank you Ms. Bhatt. We couldn’t have done it without you.

Courtney is simply a great lawyer. She believed in us, she believed in our case. I had never been involved in a lawsuit before. She made me feel protected and that I had someone fighting for me. She built a strong case and defended our interests at every turn. She was available and patient. When its ...time to be strong she is a appropriately aggressive. Courtney was EVERYTHING that we needed EVERY step of the way. She made the scary not so scary and did exactly what she set out to do. I cannot recommend anyone more highly than I do her. I wish I had the words to describe how wonderful of a job she did for us. Amazing is thrown around a lot but that's exactly what she is.

In trying to resolve a complex and difficult academic disability issue for our son at a local higher education institution, we were referred to Ms. Bhatt. Courtney was incredibly knowledgeable in this specialized field of law, and helped us negotiate a favorable resolution to the issue. As an attor...ney myself, I was very impressed with Courtney's thoroughness and responsiveness to our many inquiries. She was terrific, and I would strongly recommend her for anyone facing similar issues in higher education.

Courtney represented my grandson and I in a complex special education IDEA 2004 appeal against my grandson's school district for multiple violations of FAPE. She was aggressive but fair, and is very committed to the needs and rights of special education students. She was always seeking the best so...lution for my grandson and went above and beyond in her research and support. Courtney was also extremely supportive of myself. She listened when I was frustrated and represented my rights with the same commitment and diligence she showed my grandson. She helped negotiate a settlement agreement with the District that was fair supported my grandsons special education and mental health needs. She also helped me receive a fair deal that included reimbursement of my costs and partial payment of my legal expenses. Through the entire appeal and lengthy settlement process I came to greatly respect Courtney's legal prowess as well the compassion she shows to her clients. Overtime I began to think of her as a friend in addition to being a great attorney. I would strongly recommend tthat parents and guardians of special education students hire Courtney Bahtt for their legal needs. MDK Law was also super supportive and gave excellent customer service as well as legal advice.