Lindsay Steinmetz

Ms. Steinmetz joined HLG in October 2016 and has extensive experience and expertise in a wide range of issues impacting public agencies, including matters arising under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, California Education Code, State Complaints, student discipline, Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), California Public Records Act (CPRA), and charter schools. Adept at the art of written advocacy, Ms. Steinmetz handles much of HLG’s drafting and legal research, such as for responses to due process complaints, federal appellate briefs, and responses to compliance and discrimination complaints investigated by the California Department of Education and Office for Civil Rights, with excellent success rates. Clients appreciate the hands-on approach Ms. Steinmetz takes to supporting them before, during, and after IEP meetings to navigate potential challenges and guide teams in developing legally compliant IEPs. Ms. Steinmetz has presented at the annual Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) Symposium in Palm Desert as a legal expert in special education.

Prior to becoming an attorney, Ms. Steinmetz worked as an ABA-trained behavior therapist for children with autism and as a program leader in a non-profit after school program designed to improve educational outcomes for at-risk and low income youth. During law school, Ms. Steinmetz was an active member of the Public Interest Law Foundation and dedicated her time to public interest endeavors and children’s law, earning multiple prestigious public interest scholarships and awards including the Segal Americorps Education Award, Lee Memorial Scholarship for Public Interest, and Commitment to Service Award. Ms. Steinmetz earned her Bachelor’s degree from Chapman University, cum laude, in 2008, and earned her J.D., cum laude, and Certificate in Advocacy and Dispute Resolution, from Chapman University School of Law, in 2012.

Education:

• Chapman University, B.A.
• Chapman University School of Law, J.D.

Bar Admissions:

• State Bar of California
• United States District Court, Central District of California
• United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit