Our firm provides experienced, practical and sophisticated representation in matters related to the educational and community access rights of individuals with special needs. The Woodsmall Law Group is dedicated to maintaining a proactive, client-centered approach. Each matter receives individualized analysis and a unique case strategy, tailored to meet the client's need.
We stress a balance of aggressive representation with the recognition that non-adversarial alternatives can preserve limited resources and many times, cultivate collaborative, long term results with school and regional center professionals. We believe that each person, disabled or not, deserves dignity and respect and the chance to reach a meaningful, contributing place in society.
We stress a balance of aggressive representation with the recognition that non-adversarial alternatives can preserve limited resources and many times, cultivate collaborative, long term results with school and regional center professionals. We believe that each person, disabled or not, deserves dignity and respect and the chance to reach a meaningful, contributing place in society.
Services
As we reopen the office officially, I am struck by a tremendous sense of admi-ration for the families we serve. Our families are strong, resilient, and perse-vere in the face of adversity. Never have we as a community had to face so much uncertainty. Yet each and every day we remain certain of a few things.
Mark Woodsmall is the founder of Woodsmall Law Group, PC a law firm based in the San Gabriel Valley area. The firm practices exclusively in the areas of Special Education, Regional Center Matters, Special Needs Trust Planning and Conservatorship. In 2006, Mr. Woodsmall joined the faculty of the USC Gould School of Law as a Professor Adjunct, teaching in the area of special education law.
Mr. Goldman earned his Bachelor of Arts from Yale University in 2010, graduating with honors. He received his Juris Doctorate from Loyola Law School in 2013. While at Yale, Mr. Goldman pursued educational advocacy in the classroom and within the New Haven community.
His senior thesis focused on American education policy and access to preschool services, while also devoting his time to counseling inner-city high school students through the college application process.During his legal career, Mr. Goldman has continued his commitment to educational access by serving as a Fellow and Pro Bono Attorney at the Disability Rights Legal Center.
His senior thesis focused on American education policy and access to preschool services, while also devoting his time to counseling inner-city high school students through the college application process.During his legal career, Mr. Goldman has continued his commitment to educational access by serving as a Fellow and Pro Bono Attorney at the Disability Rights Legal Center.
At Woodsmall Law Group we realize that there is more to lawyering for our children than showing up for court appointments. In addition to our professional commitments, all of the staff at Woodsmall Law are committed to an active life of community service and probono practice. In the last year alone, our team has dedicated countless hours to community service and statewide and national advocacy efforts.
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which was signed into law in 1990, requires all American public schools to provide children with disabilities a Free Appropriate Public Education or FAPE. One essential tool for achieving this is an Individualized Education Program. An IEP is a legally binding blueprint detailing precisely what special education services a disabled child will receive, and why.
Reviews (10)
Denise Alverson
Oct 18, 2021
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Thank you Mark, Justin and everybody at Woodsmall Law Group. Navigating the Special Needs world is not easy and very intimidating. The Woodsmall Law Group was able to break it down, and suddenly it seemed manageable with their guidance. They provide an invaluable service, and have achieved great results for our children. Couldn't recommend them more!
Roger Rocha
Oct 15, 2021
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Cant thank Mark and his team enough for all they have done for both my sons! Its been a 15 year relationship. Both sons have required representation and advocacy to make sure they received the education they are entitled to. Both my sons are in a much better position to succeed thanks to Mark and team, . The firm absolutely knows the law and how to navigate the often cumbersome process of dealing with school districts, the courts, and service providers. 1000% recommended by us. So lucky we found him...
Denise Dollard
Aug 03, 2021
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I discovered Woodsmall Law Group by attending a free workshop facilitated by Mark Woodsmall. He was sharing and educating parents on the IEP process. I had been struggling with our school district's special education department for many years. My son was categorized as emotionally disturbed and required placement in a "special education" setting. Over the course of 6 years I worked diligently to get the school district to understand that the programs offered were not meeting his needs and that the cookie cutter approach was not going to be successful in helping him meet his potential. It was actually
Yoni Guttman
Jul 27, 2021
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Mark and his amazing team had fought tooth and nail for our son’s rights and delivered everything they promised and then some. Hiring Mark to help us with the school placement and the IHSS for our son is one of the best decisions we ever made and we can’t thank them enough.
Thank you Mark, Justin and the rest of the staff at Woodsmall law group. You guys are the best!!
Thank you Mark, Justin and the rest of the staff at Woodsmall law group. You guys are the best!!
Segui Il Leader
Dec 05, 2020
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Zero Stars, Do not go here! This Lawyer is super nice but did he did not serve our Child well. Your child is the most important in your life. Don't waste your time here. In my experience he Limped his way to fighting for my child. He took over 10,000.00 from me, spoke badly about me behind my back and I ended up Having to retain another Lawyer. A lawyer who won the case for my child quite easily. You are your best advocate! Review past case studies to support your case. Speaking to other parents is the best direction when looking for support and lawyer direction. tacanow.org is an amazing support
S. Garcia
Nov 03, 2020
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Mark is by far the best. Listens to your concerns and will tell you what the best option or strategy is. He is truly an advocate for disabled children. Parents with disabled children are fortunate to have him on their side. Thank you Mark and associates for the enlightenment.
Strong Work ! you will not be disappointed.
Strong Work ! you will not be disappointed.
Robert Mamos
Sep 03, 2020
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Mark and his staff are amazing! Legal matters are stressful. Family matters are stressful. Combine the two and it is a wonder they are able to handle things with such grace and professionalism.
Our son Nicholas was falling behind in school and my wife and I could not figure out why. When we went to the teachers and principal of his school for some answers, we were given a lot of empty promises and wishful thinking (translation: bureaucratic delays). Mark identified the quickest route between our worries and a true solution and he fought with the school on our behalf. Empty promises get you nowhere
Our son Nicholas was falling behind in school and my wife and I could not figure out why. When we went to the teachers and principal of his school for some answers, we were given a lot of empty promises and wishful thinking (translation: bureaucratic delays). Mark identified the quickest route between our worries and a true solution and he fought with the school on our behalf. Empty promises get you nowhere
TrishaBnOT
Dec 20, 2019
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My son has been represented by Woodsmall Law Group on multiple occasions over the last 6 years, from helping us deal with the ever so confusing IEP process, to providing information on setting up a Special Needs Trust for my son’s future. I have always been extremely satisfied with their services every time. Mark Woodsmall, and the associates who have worked with us, have all been excellent! Always very professional, yet personable, informative, and highly knowledgeable about special education law, and so much more. Mark has helped us with past IEPs, and has represented my son on (2) separate
Helen M. Davis
Jul 04, 2018
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I have worked with Mark Woodsmall several times, as a legal advocate for my daughter with special needs. He is a brilliant advocacy lawyer and found solutions that worked. My daughter has blossomed with the services the district offered. I am so grateful for his compassion, the personal nature of his work ethic, and the incredible attention to detail that he brings to the table. The best. Dr. Helen M. Davis
Gilbert Vargas
Jun 13, 2018
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I have engaged the services of Woodsmall Law Group for a few legal issues. Mark and his team have always provided timely service, even providing valuable insight which we had not previously considered on more than one occasion. While the practice is conducted in a very professional manner, there has always been significant personal contact and a sense of connection between the staff and my family.
