I just needed to speak with someone quickly to get some answers on the best ways to approach a situation. I would have gladly paid for their time. However, I wasted several days just waiting for a return phone call. I called every day and could only leave a message with answering service. Finally gave up, and then four weeks later I received an email saying they were ready to schedule a consultation. Pretty sad. read more

I contacted Leigh Law Group in San Francisco regarding potential representation in an urgent ADA/504 education matter. Although my initial conversation with a partner was professional, I never received the follow-up materials or communication that were promised. Several days passed without any response, despite the time-sensitive nature of my case. Because timely communication is essential when managing active litigation--and especially important for clients with disabilities who need consistency, clarity, and support--I ultimately chose to withdraw my request for representation. My experience was disappointing, and I hope the firm improves both responsiveness and courtesy toward prospective clients moving forward. read more

Leigh Law Group supported me through my child's special education case and helped me achieve a successful outcome. I'm truly satisfied with the results. The process was stressful at times, but that is normal in situations like this, and their guidance made a real difference. They were knowledgeable, responsive, and helped me stay focused and organized throughout the case. I would recommend them to any family that needs strong representation in special education matters. Evelyn and Chris read more

A friend of mine reached out for a very time sensitive case and, on the intake call, a lawyer Jay had talked out the details with her and told her to expect a retainer fee within the week; we were excited with moving forward after a very positive initial call, very willing to pay the retainer fee. After multiple weeks (~6 weeks) and multiple follow-ups both through calls and emails from both me and her, no one got back to us. Even if the response was that they couldn't take the case, they refused to have any form of follow up even though Jay, during the intake call was VERY aware and experienced with the time sensitivity of the case. If they had followed up in 2 weeks with just a simple no, we would have been ok with the experience, but they couldn't even offer that tiny bit of professionalism. Every time we called, a desk lady said that she would put in a note and that we should expect a response soon, but we heard absolutely nothing for weeks following. I'm very disappointed by this experience, I understand that they are busy, but to truly do justice to your customers, at least have some accountability to follow up. read more

I reached out regarding an higher education ADA disability discrimination matter. Jay Jembeck said he has significant experience in this area and a strong track record, and the initial 45 minute call seemed promising. He specified the retainer amount, said I would receive an agreement to sign with a link to make payment, and to send all materials I have ASAP because it would take some time to review. After that, the communication stopped. Over the next two months, I followed up with multiple emails, messaged through the firm's website, and called at least three times asking for a callback or email from anyone to confirm whether he was taking the case so I could move forward. I received no reply. Knowing my case was time-sensitive, I should have made sure the firm was responsible, reliable, and in the very least will respond to basic inquiries within a reasonable timeframe so I can make informed decisions. This experience was absolutely awful. read more

I'm not going to tit for tat with Mandy over her response. She is an unethical attorney who has lied repeatedly to me and as further evidenced in her response here. Attorneys are not allowed to substitute their judgment or risk tolerance on decisions regarding the objective of representation or case strategy for a client's. They are to provide advice but the decision is ultimately up to the client (or the client's fiduciary, in the case of a parent vis-a-vis a child). Mandy's attempt to conflate the issue with referencing her "ethical obligations" is not only erroneous but an apparent intentional attempt to mislead the public about her (or any attorney's) ethical and professional obligations. There is no difference between the rules of professional conduct for special education attorneys or for those of us that are General Counsels for tech companies. Mandy's assertions and implications to the contrary are patently false. Also, to counter some of Mandy's shameful, misleading statements about my child: My child has NO academic issues or cognitive impairments. She reads several grade levels above her current grade, same with math (doing basic algebra in third grade), she's a local chess champion and has a 130+ IQ. She has ADHD and ASD (like many in her family, including her mother). Her struggles at school have only been behavioral, social and emotional (not academic). Her school personnel seemed/seem rather well intentioned but were being blocked at the district level in providing the appropriate supports and accommodations. As of now, it appears the District is finally complying with the law and my daughter is thriving in her school with the appropriate supports and accommodations -- a complete turn around from where we were 12-18 months ago. Also, let's be honest (if it's possible for you, Mandy) about why your engagement ended. You did not withdraw because I made decisions that were not in the best interest of my child as you imply in your response -- that is another lie. It was because I complained about you billing me for $720 for 1.6 hours of time for supposedly reviewing something that I told you explicitly not to review yet as I was waiting on some other information before having you perform that review. And then you produced absolutely NO work product -- no summary, no analysis, no nothing of this supposed "review". So I didn't (and don't) believe you actually did review the documents at all. I think this was another one of your lies. There is absolutely no value in an attorney reviewing documents if she/he doesn't produce any work product for a client -- even if it's only a 15 min oral summary over the phone (you did absolutely NOTHING). I also noted how you previously apparently double charged me for review of assessment documents. You supposedly spent 6.3 hours (or $2,835) reviewing the initial assessments, though my current advocate and I both did it in less than 2 hours. How did you with all your experience and expertise take more than 3x as long as both of us? In the end, I did not want to pay for something you were explicitly unauthorized to do and for which you produced no work product. What was your response? It was "..[a] review doesn't mean I am obligated to provide any other work..." and "I am authorized by our retainer to do that work." You then said you were withdrawing because my questioning these things did not "sit well" with you and you found it "micromanaging". Then you implied I was somehow risking running afoul of the statute of limitation for a CDE complaint -- but we had 10 more months before that deadline! I just didn't want to pursue an unnecessarily litigious action at that point and wanted to try to work it out in a more collaborative fashion with the school (which is what we ultimately did and my daughter is now thriving at her school). If you dare imply again, Mandy, that (1) my conduct has been unethical in any way, shape or form, (2) my child couldn't read, or (3) I had anything but her best interests at heart, I will pursue any and all legal remedies at my disposal, including a civil suit for defamation. Unlike you, my integrity is above reproach, always has been and I will vigorously defend it. Lastly, since my last review, I've engaged a very competent advocate (Galt Advocacy) that was recommended by our developmental pediatrician. She has already located (and rectified) three errors in the IEP that Mandy failed to identify. So, perhaps, Mandy is a good litigator. I cannot say either way, but her "expertise" on IEP drafting is considerably lacking in my opinion. Certainly not worth $18K when an advocate pointed out 3 errors in an initial one-hour consultation. If I could give 0 stars or negative stars, I would. If you think you are going to bully me, Mandy, in taking down my review with your libelous and egregious emails or responses here, you are sadly mistaken. You have absolutely no shame, Mandy, and are an embarrassment to our profession. read more

Thank you Mandy for an amazing experience advocating for our daughter through out the years and with multiple organizations. You are the best. A bulldog and a friend. Sarah is lucky to have you and we are forever grateful. Christine read more

We are forever grateful for the support and representation from Leigh Law Group. After moving from one school district to another, our child was left without a school and approved services for months, disrupting their learning and causing significant regression in behavioral & educational development. We tried on numerous occasions to work with the new district towards a solution, including attending school with our child for several months due to the districts inability to find and hire appropriate staff, so we went through multiple parenting groups on Facebook to find someone to represent our child and family in litigation. Leigh Law Group were recommended by parents all over California, so we made contact and that was the best decisions we could have made for our family. Mandy and Damien are incredibly well-versed in law and experienced in representing families in situations like ours. They listened to us and fought for us and every dollar was a dollar well-spent. I can't get into details on the outcome, but it was favorable and our child is in a much better situation than we could have imagined. We can't recommend Leigh Law Group enough - please contact them if your family is in need of help and support with representation, counsel, or advice navigating California school systems. read more

Mandy Leigh worked tirelessly for both of children and got them services I never could have gotten on my own. I highly recommend her. read more

Mandy is a money sucking leach. I have spent several months for my son to be exactly where he is at. She has her own agenda. She originally begged me to take my post down about her office and now I terminated her because of the continued bullying and unable to work with her because she doing her way or the highway. Be prepared to be in debt with this company and never be helped in an empathetic manner. Better just shut up and pay her and then just let her make decisions without. That was my experience. I would not refer her. The reason she has no bad reviews is because she calls them to take it down! read more

I could not disagree more with the review I read below (written by MT). First, It is not our job as parents to direct the attorney. As parents of a special needs child our job is to seek the best professional advice to guide us. Ultimately the attorney you hire represents the child who is the "client". The attorneys job is to skillfully navigate the system. Initially they should collaborate with the parents and child, gather input and then together develop the plan and write the IEP goals to address the issues at hand. From my experience the special education teachers also need guidance to help write the goals. Mandy excels at navigating the process, and getting the services needed to help our children. This process can be overwhelming. With her skillset, she brings clarity to the process so that parents can sit back at an IEP meeting listen and learn how to best help their child. Some of the guidance can be uncomfortable.... as parents we have an emotional component. in the long run if your child succeeds that's what counts. After many years of Mandy's dedication and support, my child is a Jr. at a great 4 year university and doing well. He has learned how to navigate and advocate for himself. We still have challenges, but he now has been given the tools to succeed. I found Mandy's representation to be amazing, As a single parent I was also fearful of fees, but I was NEVER overcharged. The billing was fair. I am very happy with my decision to hire Leigh Law Group, and strongly recommend her. As a professional that works with many attorneys I find her honest, trustworthy, responsive, and caring. What more could you ask for? read more

I had a positive experience working with The Leigh Law Group and with Mandy. Things had gone south after months of trying to work with my child's school district, and once they started using legal jargon on me, such as having met the requirements under state law, I knew that I needed representation. I did not know what my options where and new that I was getting lied to by the district who were more concerned about not admitting fault than providing an education for my child. All that to say that things were messy, urgent, and my child and I were underdogs when I called the Leigh Law Group after being referred by a civil rights law firm that couldn't help with . Mandy immediately got on the phone with me and confirmed what I had expected, that we were being seriously screwed over by the school, and what the other options we had were. She was very knowledgeable about the law and on-top of the situation at every meeting. Mandy was aggressive, which what was I needed since the district was not acting out of good intent, and she had to really push things through. We were in an emergency situation and it was the approach that we needed. She connected us with a good alternative placement and ensured that we got all of the things from that district that they were legally required to but tried not to at every step. I did have one other attorney on the case for a short bit of time that I didn't think did anything, but I was too busy to ask them about that bill or bring it up to Mandy so I can't really complain about it, plus she was not at the firm long at all. The other attorney that helped at the end of my case had a more reserved approach and that worked at that time since we were no longer dealing with the home district much. In all, the representation was great through the process, save for the one short-lived attorney. I would refer my own friends and family to the Leigh Law Group. read more

It is not an easy decision to make, hiring a lawyer to challenge your school district. It is intimidating and a big financial commitment, when there are no guarantees that you will win. Having said that, our biggest regret is not finding Mandy sooner. Our child struggled in mainstream school for years. If we had known then what we know now, we would have hired Mandy at the very beginning of the IEP process. The process of challenging the school district is a very lonely one, and our biggest worry was knowing who to trust. We can honestly say that the first time we felt a sense of relief was when Mandy agreed to take our case. Mandy is an expert in her field, she knows Education law, she knows the schools and the school districts and they know her, and what she brings. Mandy's communication is honest, direct and empathetic. She is caring and always focused on what is best for the child. She is also thorough, assertive and very professional. Her fees are fair, and her billing is very transparent. We appreciated how efficient and responsive the entire team at Leigh Law was, regardless of the time of day. We are very grateful to Mandy and to her team. Going forward, our hope is that Mandy will accompany us to IEP meetings and continue to support us to advocate for our child's right to an education. read more

We are very grateful for the legal help that Damien and Leigh Law Group staff provided to our family. Damien's expertise and rich experience in the Education law, clear communication and dedication were instrumental in getting the favorable outcome that our child deserved, we wholeheartedly recommend Leigh Law Group and Damien's services to any parents seeking help for top-notch legal representation for their children. We found Leigh Law on the Internet, it was a very stressful time for us as we never experienced the situation that our child put himself in and had very limited time to find a lawyer. In the first consultation, from the questions Damien asked us and the potential strategy he mentioned, we immediately felt that he knew this area very well. He already gave us useful guidance and tips at the free consultation meeting. After we signed the retainer agreement, based on the new information, Damien adjusted the strategy, he explained very clearly the pros, cons, risks and benefits and costs to us so we could assess and make informed decisions. He worked diligently, constantly replied to my emails after mid nights (I wrote to him at midnight as it was the only free and quiet time for me to deal with this issue after long working days, but I was expecting replies in the morning) and even on weekends. We rarely dealt with lawyers before, let alone education laws and related legal documents, we had many questions, Damien was always responsive and patiently answered our questions. With the strong case Damien put together using the information he strategically gathered, we settled the case with the school district, got a favorable outcome beyond what we originally hoped for, and more importantly, got the section 504 plan for our special needs child. The Leigh Law team is also very helpful and made it effortless for us to get the reimbursement and refund unused deposit. Thank you Damien and the LLG team! You are always our top choice for legal service in the Education Laws! read more

Trying to assess Mandy's ability to help our case, we had two phone consultations with her. By the end of the second, we had decided not to retain her services, and told her so. After the phone call, Mandy sent an unsolicited email message, followed by a series of three more email messages. Each message felt to me as rather unwelcome and unpleasant. However, these messages were revealing in that they made it clear to us that choosing not to retain Mandy was a very prudent decision. Since then, my wife discovered a series of reviews online critical of Mandy. Reading them after this experience, many of them seem to us as both credible and familiar. Suffice to say: My opinion is that one should avoid working with Mandy. read more

After several years of fighting for our son's educational rights, we enlisted Leigh Law Group. Our story began in 2017 and we finally received appropriate resolution in September 2021. This was only possible due to the Ms. Leigh's depth and breadth of knowledge and willingness to very strongly advocate for our son. I am confident that without her help, we would still be in a back and forth with our district. Back in 2017, we sought evaluations for our son due to behavior challenges we were noticing in the classroom. He already had a diagnosis, however we were not sure it was the reason for the challenges that we were seeing. The evaluation was a three ring circus. We went the entire process alone, thinking that surely these folks will understand and try to figure out solutions. The solution they provided was a complete disaster for our son. We pulled him out of school and advised the team of the trauma he experienced. We met at the end of the year to discuss the following years placement. We felt sure that they would understand and see that he was thriving in the private placement in general education with some supports. Nope. They wanted to return him to the classroom that caused the harm. I consulted an attorney regarding our initial issues. This attorney had his heart in the right place, but he was not a fighter. He told me as much. He told me I could do all this myself. I believed him. Unfortunately, no one that isn't an attorney or advocate can really advocate objectively for a child. Even a parent who has these credentials isn't objective. Emotion will get involved. When sides are pitted in opposition, it's imperative that objectivity and deep knowledge are present. The second go around we hired both an advocate and a recommended attorney. Ms. Leigh's name was discussed, but our prior attorney felt that we didn't need the "fire power". Our second attorney was good, but I feel she settled too quickly and missed some key elements of what as wrong. We thought we were done. We'd placed our kid privately and he was thriving. The district wanted us to go through a whole new full evaluation as a part of our settlement. I didn't worry at the time. I thought, what could possibly go wrong? UGH!!! I won't go into detail, but will say - the LEP began harassing me via email. I finally told her to stop as her behavior was completely unprofessional. We thought we were through everything and just skating through another IEP meeting that to us was pretty meaningless. Then things got weird. I could not agree with what was being said, nor could I understand it. I'm a pretty smart person. I believe when things don't make sense, they don't make sense. It isn't me that has to question myself, it's me who has to question those making the statements. I called Ms. Leigh's office. She made me prove to her that she should help my son. I get it. She wanted to know that I wasn't just starting a fight about nothing. She wanted to know that I would follow her instructions to the letter. She didn't want to take on a mess. I am a professional advisor, I completely get not wanting to clean up some other professionals mess or the mess a client made of things. Within a few short weeks and two meetings, we got a completely new plan in place. We have a new agreement. She also chastised the LEP in front of everyone for her nonsense. If you want an advocate lawyer who is on your side and will fight for you, your kid or someone you love. Call Ms. Leigh. I highly recommend picking up the phone, don't email initially. Just call. You won't regret it, you will rest easier knowing she has your back. read more

Mandy and her firm are incredible! She has done so much for our family. She's incredibly well-prepared, thorough, direct, and professional. She was a tireless advocate for our children and ensured that they received the care they needed. I couldn't recommend Mandy and the Leigh Law Group strongly enough! read more

My daughter was having multiple disability discrimination issues in graduate school, causing her much distress. Leigh Law group and especially Jay Jambeck helped her immensely. He was very supportive and understanding. His skill was apparent in dealing with school committees, offices and national organizations. He was always professional and answered our questions in a caring way. I would highly recommend this law firm and will keep it hem in mind for any future legal matters. read more

I have worked with Mandy and her team for four years in two school districts. Palo Alto and Berkeley. It was for my daughter (we moved). Mandy is the best. She is capable, responsive and knows her stuff. In both cases she worked with us to build a team for our iep and we got the outcome we wanted (placement in private school with the district paying). I honestly don't know any other firm that could have done better. And I say this as a lawyer myself. My family is grateful to have found her. read more

Our experience with Mandy was amazing from start to finish. She was clear and concise with the process we were up against from beginning to end. I cannot recommend her highly enough. read more

Nothing could have prepared me for the struggles that I faced with not just one of my sons but both requiring special services from the public school system. The battle was not something for which I was prepared. It was my naive hope that the school system was there to meet all my children's needs. Finding Mandy Leigh and the Leigh Law Group changed the trajectory of the future for both of my sons. They are now placed appropriately in a school that can best serve their needs. This was an incredibly stressful time and having the Leigh Law Group walk me through it was invaluable. read more

We engaged Leigh Law Group when a partner in their firm, Jay Jambeck, agreed to represent my wife in her ADA discrimination claim against her employer, a public sector organization in San Francisco. Jay communicated enthusiasm for our case and confidence that he could deliver an outcome which would do something, at least in a small way, to correct the organization's behavior for the benefit of future employees. After we engaged Jay and Leigh Law Firm, we had a few highly sporadic calls, and then nothing. We were incredibly disappointed by this experience, especially since it took all of my wife's emotional energy to commit to engage one attorney to fight her former employer for their illegal behavior. After being "ghosted" by Jay, she didn't have the energy to pick at this old scab again, and my wife's former employer "got away with it" and will continue to wrong others in the future. Thanks Jay! read more

If I can give Leigh 100 stars I would. I never would have thought that calling the first law firm we saw in the internet to advocate for my child would be one of the best decisions we have done in our life. Leigh helped moved my child's case forward. They are not just knowledgeable, they deeply care about the children. They will never come to the meeting unprepared. They WILL LISTEN TO YOU. They will follow up and check in even when ALL things are done. Damien and the team are hats off the best in the field. Damien is our favorite! Thank you Leigh! Call them right now and you will never be sorry. read more

Mandy Leigh and her team are the most knowledgable, skilled and empathetic legal advocates for families with children who have special needs I know. When a school district is not being responsive or acknowledging the unique learning needs of one of my clients I connect them with Mandy. Mandy fights tooth and nail to make sure families are fairly represented and has always found a SOLUTION that works for my clients. As a credentialed education specialist and educational therapist, Mandy and her team are my "go to's" for advocacy needs. If you are lucky enough to be taken on as a client by Mandy, you will not be disappointed. She is scholar of the law and a fierce advocate for people with special needs! read more

Working with Mandy was great. Echoing what others have said she truly is an expert in her field. After trying on our own with the school district we came to the conclusion we were in over our heads and needed help. My wife is an attorney and we still could not navigate this area of law. The fact is, you will not get as far on your own without legal help. We are very grateful for the help we received from Mandy and her team. Our district is particularly difficult to work with and we plan to use Mandy's services going forward. We highly recommend this attorney! read more

This firm had the audacity to reach out to me via email and aggressively attempt to convince me to take my review down. One thing about me is, -everyone- who truly knows me, knows that I don't back down from speaking truth -no matter what-. They indicated that I am free to post my review and that they weren't so-called emailing me based on the review I made, yeah ok. THEN, they wrote that they will respond to my review because I wasn't telling the full story, lol!!! What they don't know is, I study law as well and I know they were attempting to get me to remove my review and THAT is illegal. I was offered the "free consultation" they never initially provided -and- they admitted that their website could better accurately display information regarding their "free consultation". HOWEVER, their attempts to insult me regarding the documentation I provided and only provide reasons why they wouldn't represent me -after- and BECAUSE I made my review was NOT professional in any way shape or form. This law firm has responded similarly to another individual who poorly reviewed them as well. They threatened that they'd post their -entire- response and I promised them the same. This is -not- my entire response but Leigh, I'll be actively looking on Yelp daily to see if you have kept your promise and should you, I'll keep mine by posting the full response I gave you. As indicated in the response I gave them, if they weren't happy with the review I made, they could have -easily- fixed it by addressing me professionally. I have a -strong- personality and I am an advocate who is not easily manipulated and controlled NO MATTER WHAT I GO THROUGH. Using your "scare tactics" and ways of manipulation will not work with me. Lastly, when someone asks you to "cease and desist" contacting them, as an attorney, you'd think you know better. read more

We hired Leigh's Law Firm in November 2021 to help us advocate for IEP services and placement. By March 2022, we had the placement and services. We worked closely with Damien. Damien is very humble, listened to our concerns, advised us the law and options. Most of all, he didnt sugar coat anything, which I respected. He always took the time to ask about how our child was doing. Before our IEP meeting he meet with us to prepare us for the day of the meeting (this was super bowl Sunday, that alone shows the dedication). His demeanor was always professional and honest. When it came to the IEP meeting and speaking with the districts attorney he was knowledgeable, respectful and straightforward with our request and ensured my child's needs were taken into consideration. This procress can be long and dwindling and being patient, organized, transparent, and knowing want you want for your child is important. I'm grateful we hired Leigh's Law Firm and had the pleasure to work with Damien. Mandy also took the time to respond as needed when Damien was unavailable. Thank you again, Damien! read more

Leigh law group is the angel I needed while dealing with one of the largest institutions in the world. My issues were many and went over a period of six years. I was overwhelmed and didn't know where to start. Attorney Jay Jambeck was gracious to me and my family! He was professional and friendly and answered both my phone calls and emails on time. I felt at peace knowing that he was handling my issues. He is exceptionally skilled in dealing with universities, committees, offices, and national boards. He is the reason I have my medical degree today. I highly recommend Leigh Law Group to everyone dealing with employment, discrimination, and disability issues. Thank you, Jay, for your support. read more

Called to get a consult. Gave background. First question is whether I plan to pay attorney fees or go in contingency. Then I'm told IF I get a callback hat means they will take my case, if I don't hear from them that means they won't be taking my case. So they won't even call me for a consult to check with me directly AND I just have to sit there and wonder? Are you kidding????? read more

After reading some of the other reviews, I felt the need to leave one. I hope whom ever reads this will consider hiring Leigh Law Group. We hired Leigh Law Group 4yrs ago to help us with my son's school legal and disability matters. Even though our case has been settled, I email Mandy with occasional updates on my son because his success was made possible by her. Mandy and her staff were compassionate, knowledgeable, and on top of a situation that felt hopeless. It is because of her intervention that my son is successful today. Our situation unfortunately is not a unique one. We found that the school district is it's own investigator, prosecutor, judge, and jury. Without an attorney, we didn't have a leg to stand on and had to go with their decisions. I urge you to call and find out for yourself if this is the Law firm to represent your situation. I can tell you that for my situation, I have no regrets and recommend Leigh Law firm 100%. read more

Mandy Leigh was absolutely fantastic to work with! I had never required legal services before, but there comes a point where you can't do it on your own and need to call in the reinforcements. Mandy absolutely advocated for our 8 & 17 year year old when we were faced with challenges and what services and supports our kids need in the education setting to allow them to access the materials and feel welcome and accepted. Mandy was meticulous and kept us informed every step of the way. You can tell that Mandy takes great pride in her work and her expertise was so greatly appreciated. Even in these odd times that we find ourselves in with regards to Covid-19 she was very responsive and showed immense dedication to our case. I am so grateful and happy that I picked up the phone and called her, I feel like we truly made the right decision, because of Mandy. Mandy is a very skilled attorney but what impressed me most was her HONESTY along with her compassion, understanding, kindness and patience. Mandy was very responsive and always readily available to be by your side through the challenges and always reassured us she was there to support our kids needs and fight for there educational rights and supports. read more