UCLA Law

Since 1995, the Lanterman Special Education Legal Clinic has provided direct advocacy for approximately 100 families in the greater Los Angeles area at any given time. Student-advocates provide short term assistance and represent clients involved in the special education system in the five school districts throughout Lanterman's catchment area. Clinic students assist families in working with the school districts as a team to resolve their differences effectively and creatively through negotiation at IEP/504 meetings under direct attorney supervision. Former UCLA Law student Chis Lin, who volunteered at Lanterman Regional Center's Special Education Legal Clinic, is piloting a new program to directly aid special needs children and their families within the military community in Hawaii. A number of children qualify for the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) which assists the special needs population within the military community. The EFMP has requested training from the Lanterman Special Education Legal Clinic to better assist the special needs population from a legal standpoint in education matters, before concerns escalate into litigation. The trainings will consist of delivering 3 one-hour presentations (powerpoints already created) to EFMP on Friday, October 29, from 12-3 pm PST via Zoom.

For additional information about this volunteer opportunity, please contact Dr. Meredith Goetz, Client Director at mgoetz@lanterman.org.