Testimonials
"From the first moment we spoke, we knew we were in good hands with Heather and her team. She was incredibly empathetic to our very personal situation and guided us through the entire process.
We met her via phone during lockdown, and the phone was how we conducted our meetings and updates. I always felt we were her only clients when we spoke. She amazed me with her ability to remember details that often were too difficult for me to repeat, so I never needed to. She held our hands (figuratively) taking us step by step through an incredibly grueling experience for parents.
Don’t think she’s nice to everyone, we were in a few zoom meetings where I was very relieved she was on my side!
She is passionate about children’s education and it shows."
M+E, Los Angeles
"Anyone who has a child with different learning needs knows how daunting, confusing and overwhelming the process can be. Heather not only helped me navigate through all the weeds of the special education and IEP process but was also successful in getting us reimbursement. I am beyond grateful to her for her dedication and unrelenting commitment to helping kids like my son get the support they need from the school system. In addition to all that, she guided me to the kind of clinicians I needed to observe and assess my son in order to fine tune the kind of support he needed. When we met, I had no idea where to start or what to do but she took the weight off my shoulders and made the process so much more bearable. I cannot thank her enough for everything she did for us."
Janet M., Simi Valley
"Heather came highly recommended, and we hired her to help navigate the complex landscape of LAUSD for a child with severe needs. She helped us as our child came out of a hospitalization, and residential treatment facility to advocate for the right to an education in spite of seemingly insurmountable challenges. Not only did she get the district to cover current education expenses, but was able to negotiate past educational expenses because the district let our child fall through the cracks. Heather was very focused and tough in the IEP rooms, yet extremely caring and empathetic to us in her day to day counsel. It is a nuance rarely seen: successfully holding the district accountable while comforting worried parents. Her insight and knowledge was extremely appreciated. We highly recommend Heather and her office. She is a true advocate."
Mar Vista, CA
"Ms. Zakson represented us on behalf of our 12 year old son who has Autism Spectrum Disorder and Epilepsy. Due to her representation, we reached a favorable settlement with the school district and our son is finally getting the much needed support that he deserves. I have no doubt that had it not been for Ms. Zakson, the district would have continued to conduct “business as usual,” and deny our request for services as they had since our son began attending the special education preschool in our district at the age of three.
Ms. Zakson is not only exceptionally knowledgeable and skilled in the field of special education law, but also cares deeply about assisting students with special needs and helping their parents to get the services to which their children are entitled. Our experience with Ms. Zakson has been truly life-changing, for what began as a professional relationship impacted our lives in a deeply personal way."
EAB, Beverly Hills
"There are times when you need an attorney to move the bureaucracy along. Heather has consistently shown her desire to understand what is best for my son and then push to make it happen. We worked together on numerous IEPs and twice filed for due process. Each time we emerged with a better more appropriate program for my son. I encourage others to take advantage of her counsel."
Chris R, Culver City
“What I feel, that would also help other parents, is to know that Heather is an empathetic lawyer and a caring fellow Mom, who understood my concerns and encouraged me to keep up the good fight, throughout my time working with her. My family and I thank her with all we have for helping us get through such a tough situation. After she helped to win my case, Heather even encouraged me to continue my advocacy as a parent through Learning Rights Law Center’s- TIGER training program, that I now proudly attend. Heather Zakson is truly one of a kind!!”
Burbank, CA
"We hired Heather after years of trying to get my son proper services at his school. We had been trying to navigate the system without much success. With her tremendous knowledge and guidance, we were able to secure much better services. She has a firm understanding of the law and great empathy for the family she serves. I especially appreciated the time she took to help me understand the process and consider resolutions I had not thought of. She is someone you want in your corner. Thought I would share this video with you. F… has come so far!"
SF, Agua Dulce
“Special Education is a tricky matter, most parents learn how to navigate the system by talking to other parents and they go into early IEP meetings trusting that the school has their child’s best interest as a starting point. This could not be farther form the truth. Yes, the teachers and administrators care, but they are bound by and work for someone else, not your child. Services are delivered in a means that make fiscal sense, not what is most effective or appropriate. This is how education as whole works and Heather is your Super Hero to fight this wrong and make it as right as possible."
Santa Monica, CA
“I can’t thank you enough for your kindness, patience, support, professionalism and unwavering support and advocacy for our son — and our family – without you he and the whole family would’ve been facing a much more challenging life. You’re our hero!”
Redondo Beach, CA
“Dear Heather, Thank you for your support in helping my mom. We will always be grateful for your attention and help.”
Los Angeles, CA
“P. has begun school as well as starting his therapy services. He loves both and his mother and the rest of the family are ecstatic. While we know he has a long road ahead, we can already see real progress. I know you understand what a joy that is for all. And, we’re so grateful for the huge role you played in it.”
Los Angeles, CA
“I've worked with Ms. Zakson for several years. Her passion for and knowledge of student rights is rarely matched among educational advocates. She is a highly ethical, competent, and brilliant attorney and I give her my highest recommendation!"
Nicholas S. Thaler
Ph.D., ABPP-CN Board Certified in Clinical Neuropsychology Assistant Clinical Professor UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience & Human Behavior
“Many of my clients have been represented by Heather Zakson, who, besides being fluent in Spanish, has always impressed me with her professionalism, aptitude, and devotion to students with disabilities.
She is an advocate through and through, and an important ally to the Latino/a community."
Vindia Fernandez
Ph.D. | Founder and Clinical Director Center for Pediatric Neuropsychology