Helpful Information
There are various ways of resolving special education disputes between students and schools. Find out more:
Attorney Profiles
The attorneys and staff at Ruderman & Knox, LLP are experts in special education law. Click on a name to learn more about our attorneys and staff:
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Attorneys |
Staff |
F. RICHARD
RUDERMAN brings more than 30 years of experience in law
and education to his practice representing children in special education
matters. Credentialed in both secondary math and social studies, Mr.
Ruderman was a public school teacher for eight years. He left teaching
to enter law school, and after graduation practiced education law on
behalf of public agencies.
Mr. Ruderman has focused exclusively on
special education law for more than twenty-two years, first as a hearing
officer for the California Special Education Hearing Office and then in
private practice. As a California Hearing Officer he adjudicated special
education cases for approximately 5 years and as a private attorney he
has represented over 400 children and their families. He has conducted
numerous presentations for attorneys, parent advocates, and public
agencies and has participated in training special education hearing
officers.
Mr. Ruderman received his B.A. degree from the University of
California at Berkeley and his J.D. degree from the University of San
Francisco, where he received the American Jurisprudence award in
Administrative Law.
CHRISTIAN M.
KNOX brings over 20 years of experience in working with
special needs children and practicing law. Previously, Ms. Knox served
as a Special Education Hearing Officer and traveled throughout the State
of California conducting administrative hearings and issuing decisions.
Ms. Knox has extensive experience with abused and neglected children and
previously served as a staff attorney with Sacramento Child Advocates,
representing children in all areas of law including education and
emancipation. During her tenure with the Fourth Judicial District Court
in Elko, Nevada, Ms. Knox served as Teen Court Judge, presiding over the
first-time offender program. In 2001, Ms. Knox received the Women’s Role
Model of the Year Award from the Attorney General for the State of
Nevada for her work with children in the foster care system.
In 1993,
Ms. Knox received her Juris Doctor from Western State University College
of Law, where she served as a tutor for disabled students. Ms. Knox
completed extensive undergraduate work in music therapy at Long Beach
State University and holds a Bachelor’s degree in law.
LINDSAY A. WHYTE is an attorney with Ruderman and Knox, LLP. Ms. Whyte received her
Juris Doctorate from the University of San Diego School of Law, in 2017. During law school, Ms. Whyte wrote for the USD Law Review. Upon
graduation, Ms. Whyte worked for a law firm practicing in land use and permitting. While at that firm, Ms. Whyte had the opportunity to work
on a pro bono special education matter and found her passion for special education law and advocating for students with special needs.
In 2019, Ms. Whyte
joined Ruderman and Knox, LLP, to follow that passion.
Staff Profiles
LINDSEY MEHLER is a Paralegal for Ruderman & Knox, LLP.
KATE CHILCOTE is a Legal Assistant for Ruderman & Knox, LLP.
ABIGAIL POPPERT is a Paralegal for Ruderman & Knox, LLP.
Abigail Poppert
