Lead Attorney

G. Emerson Dickman III, Esq.

Emerson specializes in special education advocacy, special needs estate planning, and learning disabilities. He's been in practice for over 40 years and has represented families in over 1000 cases. He is past president of the International Dyslexia Association and has won many awards for his work including the Margaret Byrd Rawson Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012. 

Education

C.W. Post College
B.S., Engineering, 1965

Rutgers Law School
J.D., 1972

New Jersey Bar, 1972

U.S. District Court for New Jersey, 1972

New York Bar, 1985

U.S. Court of Appeals 3rd Circuit, 1986

Awards & Honors

• The Margaret Byrd Rawson Lifetime Achievement Award, International Dyslexia Assn., 2012

• Outstanding Achievement Award, International Dyslexia Assn., NJ Branch, 2010

• New Grange School Service Award, 2009

• International Dyslexia Assn., Hall of Honor, 2009

• Bergen County Bar Foundation, Community Service Award, 2000

• The Orton Dyslexia Society, NJ Branch, Community Service Award, 1996

• Community Resource Council, Lawyers Committee Award, 1993

• NJ Council for Exceptional Children Division of Early Childhood, Professional Recognition Award, 1993

• NJ Council for Exceptional Children Division of Early Childhood, Parent Recognition Award, 1993

Licensed clinical Social Worker

Kim Ventresco

Focusing on Special Education Advocacy; Supporting Adults with Disabilities;  “Next Friend” Home Monitoring; Applying for eligibility for NJ Division of Developmental Disabilities, Medicaid, and SSI.

Education

COLLEGE OF NEW ROCHELLE, NY

Credits toward Graduate Certificate Program in School Administration and Supervision, 1993-Present

NEW YORK UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK, NY, NY 

M.S.W, 1981

CLARK UNIVERSITY, Worcester, Ma.

B.A., 1979, Psychology and Education

Kim has been working at the Law Offices of Emerson Dickman for over 20 years as a non-attorney advocate for individuals with disabilities and their families. 

Formerly she worked in public and private schools as an administrator, child study team member, case manager, and clinician. These experiences have helped her identify and respond to the educational needs of children with learning, social-emotional, physical, and/or developmental differences. 

She participates in Special Education Consultations with Emerson and as a team, they draw on their legal and clinical backgrounds and knowledge of informed educational practices to address the needs of children and/or empower their parents to become more effective advocates for their children. 

Kim also helps clients connect with other specialists, behavioral, NJ State and social service agencies (DVR, DDD, Support Coordinators, Medicaid, SSI, SSD, Performcare, Bergen’s Promise) for services and benefits to build a network of support which will enable the individual with a disability to live as safely and independently as possibly. 

Through “Next Friend” services, families may engage Kim to provide case work services often consisting of home visits to provide companionship to their loved ones with a disability, monitor their well being, and report back any concerns. 

Office Manager

Justine Garcia

Justine has managed the law offices of G. Emerson Dickman III, Esq. for over 20 years.

Special Education Advocacy

For 40 years the law office of Emerson Dickman has been representing families to identify the special needs of their children and to ensure that they receive timely and appropriate educational interventions through Early Intervention, Pre-School, and Special Education Planning.  

These plans are intended to enable such children to acquire the skills necessary to transition to a post-secondary college, work, or supported home/community environment.  We provide legal, scientific, and research-based information and work closely with clinicians, evaluators, various consultants, and educators to promote effective partnerships and improve outcomes for children. 

Adult Advocacy

The law office of Emerson Dickman provides a continuum of services that addresses the special needs of individuals and their families throughout their lifetimes.  

As adulthood approaches, additional legal, advocacy, and support services are often necessary to protect the interests of individuals with disabilities while also preserving their quality of life.  We help individuals and families respond to the unique challenges encountered in the home, school, office, or community settings.  

Such services may include Guardianships, Transition Planning, and assistance with applications for Supplemental Security Income, Social Security, Medicaid, or the NJ Division of Developmental Disabilities.  We also provide social work, case management, and home monitoring services and consult regularly with guardians, Support Coordinators, and service providers to develop effective networks of support.  

SPECIAL NEEDS ESTATE PLANNING

Our Special Needs Estate Planning program addresses those unique considerations that must be incorporated into your Will, Trust, and Health Care Directive to provide comfort and confidence that your family member with special needs will have a quality of life consistent with your wishes and desires; even after you are gone. 

As practitioners and consultants, we can help ensure that your Will and Trust supports the survival of your values as well as protecting your assets and providing a foundation for future decision making.  Our office provides guidance regarding Probate, Special Needs Trusts, Protective Arrangement Trusts, and Medicaid Qualifying Trusts.   

Our Person-Centered Planning concepts include features that are personal to your situation and are tailored to reflect a deep understanding of the abilities as well as the challenges of the individual with special needs.