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.
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.
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.
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.
Ray comes to TLO as the parent of a special needs child for whom he fought, year after year, against the school district for appropriate services. Ray brings his impressive trial experience and passion for helping others to TLO to assist in our mission of providing the nation’s best legal support for children with special needs.
For over 30 years, former Chief Assistant District Attorney, Mr. Buller, was responsible for various functions of the District Attorney’s Office. In addition to taking over 100 jury trials to verdict, he was a leader within the office on matters related to Juvenile Justice and has been a member of the San Jose Mayor’s Gang Prevention Task Force since 1993. Marc developed multiple community and school outreach programs that include an inter-agency committee on law enforcement and schools and Youth Court at local high schools, as well as establishing the Law Related Education Program (LRE) for 5th grade students.
Wilmary's passion for Special Education Law stemmed from her experience teaching students with various disabilities. She continues to advocate for students outside the law firm as a mentor in an organization called Minds Matter Southern California. Minds Matter supports low-income students' access to college.
As a late speaker, Nida experienced first-hand a perplexing educational system that left her family bewildered and unaware of her educational rights and educational-related violations that followed. Since then, Nida has dedicated her legal career to representing the disenfranchised. Before joining TLO in 2021, Nida spent four years practicing civil litigation as a plaintiff-side attorney against powerful institutions and players. At TLO, Nida works as part of a team dedicated to aiding children, young adults, and their families in knowing their rights, enforcing their rights, and finding resolutions so they can enjoy and attain an education every child and adult deserves.
Emily joined TLO in 2021 and is based in the Southern California area. Emily gained experience in special education advocacy beginning in 2019 when she joined her law school’s pro bono Children’s Rights Clinic. She brings her knowledge and training in advocacy, negotiations, and litigation to zealously advocate on behalf of her clients.
Kelly joined TLO in 2021 and is based in the Southern California area. While in law school, Kelly represented students with disabilities in special education matters as an advocate in both Southwestern’s Children’s Rights Clinic and Frank D. Lanterman Regional Center’s Clinic. Kelly’s passion for special education law is supplemented by her comprehensive educational background in alternative dispute resolutions and advocacy training.