Partner Lori Gaines, based in the firm’s New Jersey office, earned praise in two new 5-star Google reviews as “the best out there” and “the lawyer you want in your corner” for education and special education law issues.

“She is incredibly strategic, knowledgeable, responsive, and deeply compassionate. She made a stressful situation feel manageable and always advised us thoughtfully on next steps,” one review says in part, while the other adds, “Lori is passionate about her work and always keeps the child's best interest in the forefront all while supporting the parents every step of the way.”

Attorney Gaines has a bachelor’s degree in special education and a master’s degree in special education with a concentration in teaching students with learning disabilities, and has taught students with social, emotional, academic, and behavioral challenges – and that advocacy inspired her to earn a Juris Doctor Cum Laude the University of San Diego Law School and embark on a career in special education law.

Attorney Gaines has been named to the Super Lawyers list for New Jersey each year since 2020 – an honor reserved for just the top 5 percent of attorneys in the state.

See her website profile to learn more https://www.bargergaines.com/lori-gaines and reach her by phone at 908-242-3635 or by email at info@bargergaines.com.

The attorneys of Barger & Gaines have extensive experience in education law and in handling a variety of matters, including special education law, bullying, student discipline, discrimination, tenure, guardianship, and special needs planning.

We serve clients nationwide from an office in Irvington, N.Y., (Westchester County) and locations in New Jersey, Connecticut, and Michigan. See the Barger & Gaines website to learn more https://www.bargergaines.com/ or call us at (914) 902-5918.

We're pleased to receive another 5-star Google review for Partner Paul Barger and Barger & Gaines.

“The place to go if your child is having any issues in school. Paul and his team are kind, caring, compassionate. They know the law and they explain it in a way that actually helps families.”

Attorney Barger represents families in a variety of matters involving public schools. While many of his cases involve securing appropriate services for students with special needs, he also handles bullying cases, residency disputes, disciplinary hearings, and essentially all issues impacting public and private schools.

In addition, he represents students in matters involving colleges, universities and graduate programs -- and he also provides counsel to private schools on a wide range of matters.

Jennifer Swift is an astounding lawyer that goes above and beyond for her clients. She not only profoundly advocates but she diligently works for each and every one of her clients as if it was her own child. If I could give 10 stars, I would. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS FIRM!

I cannot thank Giulia Frasca, Esq. enough for all that she has done for me and my daughter. From the very beginning, she guided me with care, professionalism, and genuine compassion through one of the most stressful experiences of my life — fighting the DOE and finding the right school placement for my daughter.

Giulia went above and beyond to make sure I understood every step of the process. She was patient, thorough, and truly fought for my daughter’s best interests as if they were her own. Her knowledge of education law and her dedication to children’s rights are unmatched.

Because of Giulia’s guidance, my daughter had the right school but the seat was not enough and will be using her again when my daughter does not need as much childcare. I am forever grateful for her support, advocacy, and kindness throughout the entire process.

If you are a parent navigating the DOE system or special education issues, I cannot recommend Giulia Frasca highly enough. She is not just an outstanding attorney — she is a true advocate for families.

—Penny Levine, October 2025