Ryan Ford

Ford Law Firm focuses exclusively on education law matters and is located in the Pacific Northwest. We are committed to serving parents and students from preschool to college with high-quality legal service. We believe in a collaborative student-centric approach that places students first. Our practice areas include Special Education, Civil Rights (Section 504, Title VI & Title IX), Student Discipline, Student Bullying and Harassment and Student Injuries.

• Free Consultation
• Credit Cards Accepted
• Contingent Fees

California

Since 2015

Washington

Since 2016

University of San Diego School of Law

J.D. (2014)

Honors: - CALI Award Special Education and the Law - Most Outstanding Legal Intern Special Education & Disability Legal Clinic - Pro Bono Service Award

University of California - Santa Barbara

B.A. (2009) | Political Science

Honors: Cum Laude

Washington State Bar Association  # 50628

Member

Current

State Bar of California  # 308102

Member

Current

Q. I live in Washington state can a school district force a parent to put them in a residential school out of state?

June 23, 2022

A: This is a complex question that requires additional information. There are circumstances where a school district can force a placement but the parent then has the option of filing for due process or revoking special education services. Depending on the circumstances, I'm often able to negotiate these matters to a favorable outcome for my client. If you would like to schedule a consultation with my office, please contact my office at info@fordlawfirmpllc.com or (425) 908-7692.

- Ryan

Q. my son told me he was molested 2 years ago by another kid. the bus and the school failed to notify us what can we do?

January 30, 2019

A: Do you have reason to believe that the bus driver or school or school district was aware your son was molested by the other child?

Q. Can you record conversation that you are a party too?

January 25, 2019

A: No. Pursuant to RCW 9.73.030, you may not record your conversation with the office employee without her consent. RCW 9.73.030 does, however, offer a caveat:

"Where consent by all parties is needed pursuant to this chapter, consent shall be considered obtained whenever one party has announced to all other parties engaged in the communication or conversation, in any reasonably effective manner, that such communication or conversation is about to be recorded or transmitted: PROVIDED, That if the conversation is to be recorded that said announcement shall also be recorded."

RCW 9.73.030(3).

If you do decide to move forward with the recording, I recommend you contact an attorney. For about an hour of the attorney's time, she/he could explain to you the limitations of RCW 9.73.030(3). For example, what happens if you tell the office employee you are recording the conversation and the office employee requests that she not be recorded. Does RCW 9.73.030(3) act as a safe harbor or must you stop recording? An attorney could help you understand the contours of the law and your liability for recording.

The above response is general information ONLY and is not legal advice, does not form an attorney-client relationship, and should NOT be relied upon to take or refrain from taking any action. I am not your attorney. You should seek the advice of competent counsel before taking any action related to your inquiry. ... Read More