Sierra K. Chandler brings a unique blend of litigation experience and a lifelong commitment to educational equity to the Barger & Gaines team.
Specializing in New Jersey special education law, Sierra serves as a dedicated advocate for families navigating the complexities of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), Section 504 Plans, and Guardianships.
The child of an attorney and an educator, her passion for education law and disability rights led to her attending Rutgers Law School where she served as a Clerk with the NYC Department of Education’s Special Education department and as a clinical law student with the law school’s Education and Health Law Clinic. She is proud have been selected as a Marsha Wenk Fellow with the ACLU of New Jersey, gaining hands-on experience protecting the rights of students in New Jersey – a mission that remains the cornerstone of her practice today.
Following law school, she served as a Judicial Law Clerk to the Honorable Magali M. François in New Jersey Superior Court, overseeing the juvenile docket, children in court docket, and special immigrant juvenile docket. Prior to joining the firm, Sierra worked in the field of divorce and family law, earning the Super Lawyers Rising Star distinction in 2025 and 2026.
This background provides her with a sophisticated understanding of family dynamics and the strategic negotiation skills necessary to resolve sensitive disputes – as well as making her a vital resource for families navigating the Guardianship process for loved ones as they look toward the future. Sierra is committed to ensuring that the families of children with special needs have the legal framework in place to continue providing support and protection as those children transition into adulthood.
An enthusiastic New Jersey convert after living in Thailand, California, Ohio, and New York, she can be found birdwatching, gardening and hiking in her free time.