We are pleased to announce that Barger & Gaines Partner Lori Gaines and Attorney Sierra K. Chandler have been selected for inclusion in the 2027 edition of New Jersey Super Lawyers.
Attorney Gaines has been named to the 2027 New Jersey Super Lawyers list in the practice area of Schools & Education Law. This distinction is awarded annually to no more than 5 percent of the lawyers in the state, and Attorney Gaines has been named to the New Jersey list each year since 2020.
Attorney Chandler has been recognized on the 2027 New Jersey Rising Stars list for her work in Special Education Law. The Rising Stars honor is reserved for the top 2.5 percent of practicing attorneys who are either 40 years old or younger or have been in practice for 10 years or less. Attorney Chandler’s selection to the 2027 list marks her third year receiving this recognition.
Selection Methodology:
The Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists are published by Thomson Reuters. A description of the selection standard and evaluation process can be found on the Super Lawyers Selection Process Page.
No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court of New Jersey.
About Attorney Gaines
Partner Lori Gaines, based in the firm’s New Jersey office, has earned praise in 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 said in part, while the other added, “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 from the University of San Diego Law School and embark on a career in special education law.
See Attorney Gaines’ profile page to learn more, or reach her in the firm’s Fair Haven, N.J., office at (908) 242-3635.
About Attorney Chandler
In addition to being named to the 2027 New Jersey Rising Stars list, Attorney Sierra K. Chandler is included in the 2027 edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America – her third consecutive year receiving this national honor.
Specializing in New Jersey special education law, Attorney Chandler serves as a dedicated advocate for families navigating the complexities of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), Section 504 Plans, and Guardianships.
Whether advocating for students in IEP and Section 504 Plan meetings or helping families navigate legal guardianships, she works tirelessly to ensure every child’s rights are protected.
See Attorney Chandler’s profile page to learn more, or reach her in the firm’s Fair Haven, N.J., office at (908) 242-3635.
About Barger & Gaines
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 or call us at (914) 902-5918.