Athina is a founding Partner of the Firm and has 25 years of experience representing boards of education. She has significant experience in special education, personnel and student matters and has served as general counsel and special counsel to boards of education throughout the State. In the area of special education, Athina counsels school districts and handles all aspects of litigation including state and federal court matters as well as administrative agencies.  Through the relationships she has developed over the years as well as her long-standing reputation in this area, Athina’s collaborative approach results in creative and cost-effective solutions for boards of education.

 

Athina regularly attends board meetings; reviews policies and protocols; and provides legal opinions on special education matters, personnel, and student matters. 

 

Athina routinely provides workshops, seminars, and in-service for board members as well as educational professionals.  Her most recent programs addressed current trends in special education, including how to develop effective I.E.P.s, proactive efforts to avoid litigation as well as best practice in program development.  Athina also lectures in other areas such as affirmative action; harassment, intimidation and bullying, OPRA; and student confidentiality.  Athina is regularly requested to speak on behalf of the New Jersey School Boards Association, Seton Hall Superintendent Study Council, LRP Publications and Special Ed Connection, NBI, Lehigh University, N.J. CASE, and associations of various child study team disciplines.

 

Prior to becoming a founding Partner of the Firm, Athina was a shareholder in a mid-sized general practice firm where she co-chaired the Education Law Group. 

 

Since 2019 Athina has been recognized by the Super Lawyers as a leader in her respective area of practice.