David brings his trial experience as a litigator, unique knowledge of special education process and services, and formidable passion to his special education practice. David has served as Executive Director of Pacific Autism Center for Education (PACE) and Rebekah Children's Services. David opened Tollner Law Offices in 2007 and has since built it into one of the largest disability law firms in Northern California, serving children and adults with special needs.
Jim served as a District Attorney for 25 years and has become an advocate for special needs students and their families after raising an autistic son. Jim has tried over 150 jury trials to verdict, had four affirmances on appeal published, and drafted three pieces of legislation. Jim has served as a consultant for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, a certified instructor for the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training, and a member of the Governor’s High Tech Crime Advisory Committee.
Sarah has been a civil rights attorney, working on behalf of individuals with disabilities, since 2005 when she received a Juris Doctorate from University of San Francisco. Sarah has specialized knowledge of the Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act (the “IDEA”) as well as other civil rights laws such as Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act. Sarah has been a part of the Tollner Law Offices team for 5 years.
Amanda joined TLO in 2015 and represents families in all special education law matters, discrimination and tort claims, and limited conservatorships. Amanda has worked as a habilitation provider for children with disabilities, and is the proud sister of two siblings with disabilities. While in law school, Amanda was a Children's Rights Fellow and participated in her school's pro bono Special Education Legal Clinic.
Joshua is a civil rights attorney with a passion for advocating for children with special needs. Joshua has represented students at IEP meetings, mediations, and due process hearings for clients from all over Northern California. He graduated cum laude from U.C. Hastings College of the Law, and he has won numerous jury trials as a public interest attorney. Joshua also speaks Spanish.
Mark brings to TLO almost 30 years of litigation experience in state and federal courts. He has extensive civil jury trial experience and has successfully mediated over 75 cases in his career. He has a son with special needs and therefore extensive experience with special education law from a parent perspective. Mark came to TLO in 2018 and represents families in special education law matters as well as discrimination and ADA claims in civil courts.
Bonnie Yates is an expert in autism cases and a zealous advocate that provides counsel to clients through all stages of life, from early intervention, school based services, and transition to adulthood. Bonnie also has extensive experience in working with non-public agencies.
Devan joined TLO in 2019 and will be based in the Southern California offices. She brings to her role a passion for special education and disability rights law and more than 12 years of direct advocacy experience on behalf of children with disabilities and their families.