Meet Lyndsey Gallagher | Attorney at Law

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lyndsey Gallagher and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lyndsey, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?

In the fall of 2015, my oldest son was receiving in-home occupational therapy by Ellen Bridge OTR/L. Little did I know that she was about to change not only my son’s life but mine. I was a stay-at-home mom of three with a 3-year-old, a 1-year-old, and an infant at the time and had not been in a courtroom in a couple of years. When she asked if I was an attorney, I answered that I was not practicing. She shared with me her troubling concerns that the school-aide belonging to one of her long-time wheelchair-using patients with cerebral palsy, was bullying him at school. She shared several heartbreaking examples, including being left alone in the school quad during an active shooter drill.

At that point, I had only clerked and worked for the District Attorney’s office in Santa Barbara. I only had criminal law experience and was in the trenches of raising my children. I told her it was an area of practice outside my scope but would help her find a reputable referral. For the next three nights, I couldn’t sleep. All I could think about was this human being deserved dignity and equality. With the help of some colleagues, I made it my mission to contact the top civil rights attorneys in our Golden State in search of the best help. Every education attorney in this niche had full caseloads. Thankfully, one of them said, “I can’t this on but, do you have a legal pad and pencil? Start taking notes.” That day, Andrea Marcus became my mentor. Within two weeks, I opened my practice and had six clients. I’ve had a full caseload ever since.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?

My firm and I are dedicated to protecting the civil and education rights of children with disabilities and survivors of childhood sexual abuse. I also work with The Zalkin Firm in an “Of Counsel” capacity on cases involving sexual abuse, sexual harassment, and bullying in school districts. Often times, these areas overlap due to the vulnerable nature of children with disabilities who are often the target of sexual abuse, bullying, and the like.

What sets me apart is that I deeply care about the families and survivors that I represent—probably too much at times. I genuinely take them on like I would my own son because I believe every child is worth fighting for. And every family is deserving of compassion as they navigate the complex world of special needs and mental health in the wake of abuse. I think my passion for this field is measured by the success I have had in my career.

It was not easy getting where I am today. When we first moved to the area, we knew no one, and my husband traveled frequently for work. Many nights I put my three children to bed, put on a pot of coffee (ok and made a batch of cookie dough) to pull an all-nighter researching, writing, preparing for trial, and the like. I worked out of my car and coffee shops for the first few years. In time, I opened an office and expanded my practice. I think when you are passionate about something, and you believe in it as much as I do, these are not seen as setbacks or hardships; it’s all just part of the roadmap to success. Along the way, I have learned to never give up, to take the setbacks in stride, and recognize that there is no defining moment. You are not defined by your best or worst moment in life or your career rather, it’s a sum of all of the little moments of growth which you can learn and spring from.

I’d say that I want the world to know there are skilled attorneys out there who care deeply and will fight alongside you for what is right. As a society, we need more mental health support for our children and families overwhelmed with supporting kids with special needs – particularly with respect to serious mental illness and trauma. If I could win the lottery, I would create the Four Seasons of mental health facilities that would provide a gold standard of care for children who have endured unspeakable trauma and that have other special needs– as well as create a respite, support, and safe space for the families of those children suffering because it impacts the entire family unit.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

If a dear friend was visiting, I’d whisk them away to the coastal town of Santa Barbara. Inching up the 101 northbound from L.A., I’d stop in Summerland at Field and Fort for a coffee and pastry and stroll around the iconically curated apothecary while waiting for our goodies. Next, I would pause along Coast Village Road to check out boutiques like Montecito Collective, owned by the lovely Virginia Barlow. For lunch, I would continue into Santa Barbara at the harbor and snag an outdoor spot at Brophy’s overlooking the Marina. Brophy’s is a local spot known for its ridiculous clam chowder and signature bloody Mary’s. From there, I’d hop over to Lower State Street, do some wine tasting at Melville, and then continue into the Funk Zone. There are dozens of galleries, shops, and wine-tasting rooms dotting the streets in that area. For dinner it would be a toss-up between Loquita and The Lark, both in or near the Funk Zone. After dinner, I’d head back to Coast Village Road for a stop at Honor Bar or possibly slip into the secluded Manor Bar at Miramar for live music and cocktails.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

Absolutely. My shoutouts go first to my family – my husband and three boys- for recognizing the importance of this work and supporting me every step of the way in opening my practice. To my oldest son, who inspires me every day to see and champion children who are shattering goals most take for granted. To Ellen Bridge OTR/L without whom I would have never found my destiny, thank you. Finally, I sincerely thank my legal mentors, Andrea Marcus, Mark Gross, and Irwin Zalkin. I’m so lucky to have learned from the best, both as skilled professionals and remarkable humans.

Website: https://www.lagallagherlaw.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lyndsey-a-gallagher-24a70152/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lyndseygallagherlaw

Image Credits
Headshot: Caroline Malouf Photography
Child: Kacie Jean Photography