Meeting the needs of the disabled and their families.

The Disabilities Law Group at Cohn Lifland Pearlman Herrmann & Knopf LLP represents individuals with disabilities, their families and the organizations that serve the disabled. Our practice is integrated and collegial. We recognize that there are challenges unique to each disability and work with each client and his or her family to solve their specific legal or long term planning needs. We are experienced trial attorneys and offer counseling, planning, litigation, mediation and/or collaborative law as best suits each client.

Our attorneys’ experience spans a variety of practice areas including Special Needs Education Law, Family Law,  Estate and Trust Planning, the full range of litigation services necessitated by traumatic injuries from any cause (malpractice, product defects, accidents), Employment Discrimination and the Formation and Development of Not-for-profit Organizations.

Click here for Publications and News pertaining to disabilities law

Barry A. Knopf, senior partner, is a trial lawyer who has recovered millions of dollars on behalf of his clients. He has also participated in significant malpractice, personal injury and class action cases. He has been a Certified Civil Trial Attorney since 1982, and was recertified in 1989, 1996, and 2004. A published author, Mr. Knopf’s works include, most recently, LexisNexis Practice Guide New Jersey Personal Injury Litigation (Mathew Bender/ Lexis-Nexis 2007)(editor). Mr. Knopf serves on the Board of JESPY House Inc., a non-profit organization whose goal is to enable adults with learning and developmental disabilities to lead independent lives and achieve their full potential.
Richard A. Schnoll, partner, is the primary trial attorney in the special education practice. In addition, he has many years of experience in personal injury and complex commercial litigation. His experience as the father of a 22 year old with Tourette Syndrome has provided and continues to provide him with insight into the lives of children with special needs and their families. He is the former Managing Attorney for Jacoby & Meyers and Assistant District Attorney, Kings County, New York. Mr. Schnoll authors the NJcaraccidentlawblog.com and is an adjunct professor at Montclair State University.
Mary Ann Stokes, partner, has a wealth of experience in a full range of family law matters. She is an Accredited Professional Mediator highly regarded as such in the Family Courts throughout New Jersey. She is also trained in collaborative law. In addition, Ms. Stokes serves as a parenting coordinator in many high conflict cases. She is particularly sensitive to family dynamics of special needs children, her great nephew having been diagnosed with pervasive developmental disorder.
Lisa McCauley Parles, counsel, the mother of a 20 year old with autism and activist in the autistic community, understands the issues facing the disabled and their families. She has helped numerous families and not-for-profit organizations over the years. She practices in the areas of labor and employment law, in addition to special education and disabilities law. She is a founder of the Quest Autism Foundation and the Special Quest Recreation Program. Ms. Parles has been a member of the faculty for over nine years at Seton Hall University in the Department of Legal Studies. In addition, she is a frequent lecturer and has appeared on a number of broadcasts, including Nightline and World News Tonight.
Denise Dimson Rekem, associate, works primarily in the Special Education practice. Ms. Rekem worked for several years at Weil Gotshal & Manges before taking time off to raise her three children, one of whom is diagnosed with ADHD. Her experience advocating for her son led to her interest in advocacy for children with special educational needs. 
Julie L. Kim, associate, handles family law matters. Ms. Kim served as a judicial law clerk to the Honorable Harold C. Hollenbeck, J.S.C., Superior Court of New Jersey, Bergen County, Family Part. Prior to her legal career, Ms. Kim worked in the financial industry, giving her particular insight into varied investment portfolios in the context of matrimonial litigation or estate planning, a particular concern for families with disabled children.
Jason C. Tuchman, associate, has family law experience that runs the gamut of the practice area, including preparing and negotiating prenuptial, postnuptial and separation agreements, resolving contested custody and parenting issues, analyzing equitable distribution of marital assets in each case, including identifying and handling complex valuation issues, and dealing with spousal and child support. He has worked on these matters with families that have special needs children. Mr. Tuchman served as judicial law clerk to the Honorable Michael K. Diamond, P.J.F.P, Superior Court of New Jersey, Passaic County.