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Denise Dimson Rekem

 

E-mail: Denise@ParlesRekem.com

Tel: 973-564-0055

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Denise Dimson Rekem
Professional info

 

Denise Dimson Rekem, Esq., focuses her practice on the representation of individuals with special needs and their families in the areas of early intervention, special education, transition and adult services, residential placements, guardianships, bullying and discipline. 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 AD/HD and the other two with CAPD. Her experience advocating for her sons led to her interest in advocacy for children with special educational needs. She returned to the practice of law focusing on the rights of persons with disabilities.  In 2014 Ms. Rekem became a founding member of Parles Rekem. A passionate, persistent advocate, Ms. Rekem is committed to ensuring that the rights and protections of families and their children with disabilities are not denied. Ms. Rekem has expertise in navigating the complexity of the funding systems for educational and residential placements.  

 

 

Ms. Rekem has testified before various State agencies and community organizations highlighting the problems in the current version of the New Jersey State Transition Plan and New Jersey’s limiting of funding and programs for those with disabilities.  Ms. Rekem is a frequent lecturer in the community, speaking at local schools, Autism New Jersey and to local parent groups.

 

 

Ms. Rekem is a Board Member of JESPY House in South Orange, NJ, an organization serving adults with disabilities to enable them to live successfully in the community  and has volunteered for organizations in the disabilities community throughout the years.  She is also a frequent lecturer in the community. She has published a number or articles addressing the rights of persons with disabilities.

 

 

Ms. Rekem received her JD from New York University School of Law where she was a member of the Review of Law and Social Change journal. She received her BA with distinction from the University of Michigan.

Presentations & Publications

 

Presentations 

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  • "High Functioning Autism and the Criminal Justice System – what can be done to avoid charges and to navigate this unfamiliar and tricky minefield for securing justice," with Rubin Sinins, Esq., ASPEN NJ Fall Conference Webinar (October 2022)

  • "Free Legal Webinar For Parents: Protecting Your CHild's Right to Compensatory Education," Education Law Center & Volunteer Lawyers For Justice Webinar (June 2021)

  • Participated on panel for the 2021 Administrative Law Forum Webinar, Institute for Continuing Legal Education (December 2021)

  • "Free Legal Webinar For Parents: Preparing and Filing Emergent Relief for Stay-Put," Education Law Center & Volunteer Lawyers For Justice Webinar (June 2021)

  • “Filing Due Process and Invoking Stay-Put When You Disagree with Your Child's Graduation," Education Law Center & Volunteer Lawyers For Justice Webinar (June 2021)

  • "Return To School - Special Education Update, Including Question & Answer Session" Parles Rekem Webinar, with Judith Weinstock (April 2020)

  • "New Jersey’s Statewide Transition Plan (STP): What you should know about the STP’s impact on housing and service choice,” with Lisa McCauley Parles, Esq.,  Jespy House, South Orange, New Jersey (August 2016)

  • “New Jersey’s Statewide Transition Plan (STP): What you should know about the STP’s impact on housing and service choice,” with Lisa McCauley Parles, Esq., Bergen County Special Services CAPE Resource Center, Paramus, New Jersey (June 2016)

  • “Accessing Housing and Residential Services Across the Life Span: Residential Placements for Children and Adults,” with Lisa McCauley Parles Esq., New Jersey Regional Family Support Planning Council #8, Williamstown, New Jersey (May 2016)

  • "Funding Sources for Children with Disabilities," ICLE, Autism 101:  Legal Issues from Early Intervention through Adult Services, New Jersey Law Center, New Brunswick, NJ (May 2015)

  • "NJ Funding for Residential Placements and Day Services for Adults with Developmental Disabilities," ECLC Chatham Campus, Chatham, NJ (April 2015)

    "Housing for Children and Adults with Developmental Disabilities," Rutgers Douglass Developmental Disabilities Center, New Brunswick, New Jersey (January 2015)

  • "An Evening of Free Workshops In Honor of Autism Awareness Month: "Navigating the System" Paramus, New Jersey (April 2014)

  • “Defending Juveniles and Adults With Special Needs,” NJAJ Boardwalk Seminar, Atlantic City, New Jersey (April 2014)

  • "Practical Strategies for Collaborating with your School District," ASPEN, Edison, New Jersey (March 2014)

  • "Housing for Children and Adults with Developmental Disabilities," The C.A.P.E. Center, Paramus, New Jersey (December 2013)

  • “Essential Planning for Adults with Disabilities,” Millburn Free Library, Millburn, New Jersey (October 2013)

  • “Representing clients with Special Needs – What Every Attorney Should Know,” Union County Bar Association, Summit, New Jersey (October 2013)

  • “Special Education Law for the Divorce Attorney,” Union County Bar Association – Matrimonial Bar Section, Cranford, New Jersey (June 2013)

  • “Essential Planning for Adults with Disabilities,” M-SPEC – Millburn-Short Hills Special Education Committee, Millburn New Jersey (June 2013)

  • “FORWARD THINKING: Essential Planning for Special Needs,” JCC of Central NJ Special Needs Parenting Group, Scotch Plains, New Jersey (June 2013)

  • “Essential Planning For Adults With Disabilities”, EPIC School, Paramus, New Jersey (January 2013)

  • “Your Child’s Rights to Special Education,” Livingston PPEC, Livingston New Jersey (October 2012)

  • “Essential Planning for Adults with Disabilities,” The C.A.P.E. Center, Paramus, New Jersey (October 2012)

  • “Navigating the Bureaucracy – How to Get Efficient and Effective Services for Your Family Member with Special Needs,” MetroWest ABLE, West Orange, New Jersey (October 2012)

  • “Accessing Alternate Sources of Funding for Special Needs Students,” 2012 School Law Conference – NJICLE (February 2012)

  • “Guardianship & Special Needs Trusts,” MetroWest Able Symposium on Future Planning: All You Need to Know to Ensure Your Child’s Care, JCC MetroWest, New Jersey (January 2012)

  • “Divorce and Special Needs Law,” Saddle Brook, New Jersey (November 2011)

  • “Your Child’s Rights to Special Education in New Jersey,” Essex County School Nurse’s Association Conference (March 2011)

  • “Your Child’s Rights to Special Education in New Jersey,” JCC Special Needs Symposium, Scotch Plains, New Jersey (February 2011)

  • “Work, Discipline and Anti-Bullying Protections and the Law,” CHADD Conference on Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Atlanta, Georgia (November 2010)

  • “Dealing with Autism: The Legal Issues You Need to Know,” Bergen County Bar Association, Hackensack, New Jersey (November 2010)

  • “Your Child’s Rights to Special Education in New Jersey,” Community Special Needs Symposium, JCC of Central NJ, Scotch Plains, New Jersey (October 2010)

 

Publications

 

  • “Compensatory Education and the COVID-19 Pandemic," Denise Dimson Rekem, Judith Weinstock and Joanne Butler. New Jersey Lawyer Magazine, April 2022

  • "Services for Disabled Children: Funding Sources in the State of New Jersey,” Lisa McCauley Parles & Denise Dimson Rekem. New Jersey Lawyer Magazine, December 2013/No. 285

  • "Special Needs and Divorce: What You Should Know,” Jason C. Tuchman, Esq. & Denise Dimson Rekem, Esq., Club JCC, Issue 8/July 2010

  • “Choosing an Attorney for Your Child’s Special Education Case,” Denise Dimson Rekem, Esq., Club JCC, Issue 7/January 2010

Denise Dimson Rekemlick me.

Associations

 

  • New Jersey State Bar Association

  • Essex County Bar Association

  • Union County Bar Association

  • New Jersey Special Education Practitioners Group

Disability Community Activities

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  • Board Member, Jespy House, South Orange, New Jersey

  • Book Fair Chair, Fundraising Chair, Auction Technology Chair, Golda Och Academy (formerly Solomon Schecter Day School) Parents' Association, West Orange, New Jersey (2003-2008)

  • Volunteer, MetroWest ABLE, New Jersey

Bar Admissions

 

  • State of New Jersey

  • State of New York

  • United States District Court, District of New Jersey

  • United States District Court, Southern District of New York

Denise Rekem honored by Jespy House with Judy Peskin & Susan Weinstock

2010 - present

2010 - present

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