Dedicated to Protecting the Rights of People with Disabilities and Students in North Carolina

How we can help you

Areas of Practice

Who We Are

We are a North Carolina law firm dedicated to protecting the rights of students and children with disabilities throughout North Carolina. Although we concentrate in education law, we also provide lifespan planning for children and young adults with disabilities. Our goal is to educate parents, so they can obtain the services and supports for their child to progress and be successful in every aspect of life. Depending on your child's individual needs, we can assist with early intervention services, education plans and school medical plans, school placement and transfer, funding for non-public schools, vocational services, guardianship and powers of attorney, and college accommodations. We look forward to partnering with you to ensure your child's academic, vocational, and financial well-being.

Our Services

Our Team

Attorneys

• 

  Stacey
  Gahagan

  Stacey Gahagan graduated magna cum laude from North Carolina State University in 1991, with a degree in Spanish Language and Literature and a K-12 teaching license. She studied in Seville, Spain for a year, where she became fluent in Spanish. She was a member of the first class of North Carolina Teaching Fellows. During her teaching career, she taught students Spanish from preschool through the community college level, including teaching English as a Second Language, and was honored as the Teacher of the Year multiple times. In 2000, Stacey founded the Washington Montessori Public Charter School and served as the Head of School - a role that included a myriad of duties including Exceptional Children Director, 504 Coordinator, and Human Resources Director.

  Stacey was selected to participate in the Principal Fellows Program, but she opted to pursue a law degree and combined her passion for the law and education. She attended the University of North Carolina School of Law where she served as the Editor in Chief of her law journal, tutored fellow students, and was selected as an Honors Writing Scholar. She graduated with honors and has exclusively practiced education law with an emphasis on special education since 2012.

  In 2014, Stacey opened the doors of The Gahagan Law Firm representing disabled students in schools and universities across North Carolina, public school teachers, and families facing issues such as school assignment issues, bullying, and suspension. In 2019, the Gahagan Law Firm combined with Ann Paradis Law to become the largest firm in the state with a focus on representing parents in special education disputes throughout North Carolina. Stacey regularly advocates for students with disabilities to be included with their non-disabled peers. In addition, Stacey also represents disabled students facing academic issues in higher education and students in Title IX cases. Stacey is passionate about protecting the civil rights of students and ensuring that students receive the due process to which they are entitled by law.

  Stacey is happily married and the proud mother of five children. She enjoys exercising, cooking, sewing, and spending time with her family.

• 

  Ann
  Paradis

  Licensed in Massachusetts in 1991 and then in North Carolina in 1993, Ann has a broad and extensive background providing services including legal services to low income individuals, elderly persons, students, children and their families, and people with disabilities including mental disabilities. She believes that every person needs to be listened to and understood.

  Ann studied law at Western New England College School of Law in Springfield, Massachusetts. She is admitted to the state courts in North Carolina and the United States District Court, Eastern District of North Carolina.

  Ann has worked for Legal Service and Legal Aid organizations in Massachusetts and North Carolina. She has worked in private practice in Johnston County and Wake County. As a member of the North Carolina Advocates for Justice, the North Carolina Bar Association and the Council of Parent, Attorneys and Advocates, Ann is passionate about protecting people’s rights.

  Ann lives in Apex, North Carolina with her husband and children.