MARY JO WHATELEY, ESQ.

Ms. Whateley has over 20 years of experience representing children with disabilities in both state and federal proceedings. She worked as an associate in the Law Offices of Sussman & Goldman in Goshen, New York, representing plaintiffs in lawsuits based on violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Title VII, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (Section 504), Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act (IDEA). In addition, Ms. Whateley provided counsel and advice to disabled students and their parents and representation at both CSE meetings and impartial hearings.

Previously, Ms. Whateley had worked for 10 years at Legal Services of the Hudson Valley as a senior staff attorney in its Children’s Unit where she represented disabled individuals, primarily, children with disabilities by advocating for appropriate placement and services under the IDEA, No Child Left Behind Act, the ADA and Section 504. Her experience includes representation seeking enforcement of the IDEA, the ADA, and Section 504 through federal litigation.

Ms. Whateley is a frequent speaker and trainer on issues related to the rights of children with disabilities. She is a recipient of the Liberty Bell Award presented by the Orange County Bar Association and the Women’s Bar Association of Orange and Sullivan Counties in recognition of her dedication to public interest law.

In her free time, her interests include kayaking, mountain biking, hiking, and being entertained by her Tabby cat, Toby.

• State of New Jersey
• State of New York
• Second Circuit Court of Appeals
• United States District Court for the District of New Jersey
• United States District Court for the Southern District of New York
• United States District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania (pro hac vice)