The latest 5-star Google review for Senior Counsel Giulia Frasca makes a key point in saying she “clearly understands” special education law, but just as notably the review cites important issues for the families that entrust Barger & Gaines with the educational futures of their children.

“She … truly understood me and my son,” the new review says. “During an incredibly stressful time, she removed the burden of feeling like I had to handle everything alone. I felt heard, supported, and confident throughout the entire process.”

That’s the DNA of how we advocate for our clients at Barger & Gaines.

Attorney Frasca focuses her practice on special education law and advocacy, general educational law, estate planning, guardianship, disciplinary matters, Child Protective Service and Association for Children’s Services matters, OPWDD appeals, and involuntary commitment and assisted outpatient treatment matters in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.

She has been successful in litigating against school districts for reimbursement for tuition, compensatory services and appropriate programs for students with special needs when the school districts failed to provide one. She has also represented children with special needs in disciplinary and bullying matters, in guardianship matters, and in matters against the Association for Children’s Services in New York City and Child Protective Services in Westchester County.

Reach her by phone at (914) 902-5918, or by email at info@bargergaines.com. See her profile page to learn more. https://www.bargergaines.com/giulia-frasca

We’re gratified that Barger & Gaines is able to make a significant difference for parents who trust our education and special education law team to achieve outcomes that secure “the best level of attention and education” for their children.

Our latest 5-star Google review for a New Jersey case begins by saying, “We don't know what we would have done without the kind, compassionate, professional guidance of this team!”

That team consists of Attorney Alyssa Drazin, her paralegal Nicole DeLouise, and Partner Lori Gaines.

Attorney Drazin focuses her practice on special education law, including Section 504 Accommodation Plans and Individual Education Plans (IEPs), general education law, guardianship matters, and harassment, intimidation, and bullying (HIB) matters. Reach her at 908-242-3635 or by email at info@bargergaines.com and see her website profile to learn more https://www.bargergaines.com/alyssa-drazin

Nicole is an ABA-Certified Paralegal who worked for law firms dedicated to a variety of practice areas before joining Barger & Gaines, including the world’s largest law firm dedicated to business litigation and arbitration. See her website profile to learn more https://www.bargergaines.com/nicole-delouise

Attorney Gaines, who 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, has been named to the Super Lawyers list for New Jersey each year since 2020 – an honor reserved for just the top 5 percent of attorneys in the state. Reach her by phone at 908-242-3635 or by email at info@bargergaines.com and see her website profile to learn more https://www.bargergaines.com/lori-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 https://www.bargergaines.com/ or call us at (914) 902-5918.

Partner Lori Gaines, based in the firm’s New Jersey office, earned praise in two new 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 says in part, while the other adds, “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 the University of San Diego Law School and embark on a career in special education law.

Attorney Gaines has been named to the Super Lawyers list for New Jersey each year since 2020 – an honor reserved for just the top 5 percent of attorneys in the state.

See her website profile to learn more https://www.bargergaines.com/lori-gaines and reach her by phone at 908-242-3635 or by email at info@bargergaines.com.

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 https://www.bargergaines.com/ or call us at (914) 902-5918.

We're pleased to receive another 5-star Google review for Partner Paul Barger and Barger & Gaines.

“The place to go if your child is having any issues in school. Paul and his team are kind, caring, compassionate. They know the law and they explain it in a way that actually helps families.”

Attorney Barger represents families in a variety of matters involving public schools. While many of his cases involve securing appropriate services for students with special needs, he also handles bullying cases, residency disputes, disciplinary hearings, and essentially all issues impacting public and private schools.

In addition, he represents students in matters involving colleges, universities and graduate programs -- and he also provides counsel to private schools on a wide range of matters.

Jennifer Swift is an astounding lawyer that goes above and beyond for her clients. She not only profoundly advocates but she diligently works for each and every one of her clients as if it was her own child. If I could give 10 stars, I would. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS FIRM!

I cannot thank Giulia Frasca, Esq. enough for all that she has done for me and my daughter. From the very beginning, she guided me with care, professionalism, and genuine compassion through one of the most stressful experiences of my life — fighting the DOE and finding the right school placement for my daughter.

Giulia went above and beyond to make sure I understood every step of the process. She was patient, thorough, and truly fought for my daughter’s best interests as if they were her own. Her knowledge of education law and her dedication to children’s rights are unmatched.

Because of Giulia’s guidance, my daughter had the right school but the seat was not enough and will be using her again when my daughter does not need as much childcare. I am forever grateful for her support, advocacy, and kindness throughout the entire process.

If you are a parent navigating the DOE system or special education issues, I cannot recommend Giulia Frasca highly enough. She is not just an outstanding attorney — she is a true advocate for families.

—Penny Levine, October 2025