We are proud to announce that Jennifer Swift, Counsel & Practice Manager at Barger & Gaines, is now also an Adjunct Assistant Professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice.

This appointment marks a meaningful return for Ms. Swift, who previously served as a 2016 Juvenile Justice Fellow at John Jay’s Center on Media, Crime and Justice before her career in education law.

In her new academic role, Ms. Swift has a first-hand perspective on the evolving classroom—including the widespread adoption of Generative AI tools among students.

As generative technology becomes a standard part of student life, middle schools, high schools, colleges, and universities across the country are struggling to keep pace. Institutions are rapidly enacting strict academic integrity policies and relying on automated AI-detection software that frequently yields false positives.

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.

Barger & Gaines is proud to announce that Attorney Sierra K. Chandler has been named to the 2027 edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America, marking her third consecutive year receiving this national honor (2025–2027).

The award highlights exceptional legal talent early in the careers of attorneys who have demonstrated professional excellence in private practice.

Attorney Chandler’s practice at Barger & Gaines focuses on New Jersey special education law. A steadfast advocate for students with disabilities and their families, she represents clients in complex matters involving Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), Section 504 Plans, and Guardianships, helping parents navigate the legal framework required to protect children’s rights as they transition into adulthood.

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.

New York stands at a crossroads. We can continue with ineffective half-measures that allow bullying to flourish, or we can lead the nation in creating comprehensive anti-bullying legislation with real consequences.