Barger & Gaines is proud to announce that Attorney Sierra K. Chandler has joined the firm, further strengthening our commitment to providing premier legal advocacy for students with disabilities and their families across New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, and beyond.

Sierra joins the firm with a distinguished background in both education law and family litigation. A graduate of Rutgers Law School and a former Marsha Wenk Fellow with the ACLU of New Jersey, Sierra has dedicated her career to protecting the rights of vulnerable students. Her experience is deeply personal, and as the child of an attorney and an educator, she was raised with a profound respect for the intersection of law and the classroom.

“We are thrilled to have Sierra join our practice,” said Partner Lori Gaines. “Her background is truly exceptional – not only does she possess a sophisticated understanding of New Jersey’s special education statutes, but her experience in family law and her clerkship in the Superior Court give her a unique perspective on the challenges our clients face. Sierra is a passionate advocate who understands that for our families, legal work is about more than just paperwork; it’s about securing their child’s future.”

A Comprehensive Approach to Advocacy

Sierra’s practice focuses on representing families in the development and implementation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and Section 504 Plans. She also brings vital experience to families navigating the transition to adulthood through the Guardianship process.

Before joining Barger & Gaines, Sierra served as a Judicial Law Clerk to the Honorable Magali M. François in the New Jersey Superior Court. Her work on the juvenile and special immigrant juvenile dockets provided her with deep insight into the judicial system’s impact on children. Most recently, her excellence in the field of family law was recognized by her peers, who named her a Super Lawyers Rising Star for 2025 and 2026.

Getting to Know Sierra

An enthusiastic New Jersey resident, Sierra’s global perspective—having lived in Thailand, California, and New York—informs her empathetic approach to client relations. When she isn’t advocating for students, she can be found exploring the New Jersey landscape as an avid birdwatcher and hiker.

To learn more about Sierra or to schedule a consultation regarding your child’s educational needs, please see her profile page and reach her by phone in our New Jersey office at (908) 242-3635 or by email at info@bargergaines.com.

About Barger & Gaines

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