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Lisa McCauley Parles

 

E-mail: Lisa@ParlesRekem.com

Tel: 973-564-0055

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Lisa McCauley Parles
Professional info

 

Lisa McCauley Parles, Esq., is a partner in the Clark, New Jersey law firm Parles Rekem, LLP and the parent of a 33 year old son with autism. Her practice focuses on representing individuals with disabilities and their families in the areas of early intervention, special education, transition and adult services, residential placements, reasonable accommodations, insurance coverage and guardianships.

 
In addition to representing individuals with disabilities and their families, she has also represented numerous non-profit organizations in the disabilities community. She serves on the Board of Trustees of Circle Haven, Inc., a non-profit organization that addresses the needs of adults with developmental disabilities and is currently in the process of developing an innovative, intentional community in south Jersey. She is a frequent lecturer and has appeared in numerous television and radio broadcasts, including Nightline and ABC World News Tonight. She has participated as a panelist and moderator for numerous continuing legal education seminars and has published a number of articles in peer reviewed journals and bar association publications.  


Lisa is a founding member of The National Council on Severe Autism, a non-profit organization that advocates for recognition, policies and solutions to address the needs of the growing population of individuals, families and caregivers affected by severe forms of autism and related disorders. She has played a central role in national advocacy efforts in Washington, D.C., particularly in the area of housing. In addition, Lisa was the founder of the Quest Autism Foundation and the Special Quest Recreation Program.

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Lisa was a speaker at the United Nations for World Autism Awareness Day in 2017 and was an invited expert on the United States General Accountability Office’s panel in Washington, D.C. entitled “Youth With Autism – Transitioning to Adulthood” in 2016. She has also been an invited speaker before the New Jersey State Senate Legislative Oversight Committee as well as the New Jersey State Assembly Human Services Committee. She tirelessly advocated for changes to New Jersey’s Statewide Transition Plan and federal regulations in order to ensure that a full array of services and choices are available to the developmentally disabled.


Lisa served as the Director of Leadership Studies Program at Seton Hall University Stillman School of Business and an adjunct Professor in both the undergraduate and MBA programs where she received the Adjunct Professor Excellence Award. She has also been the recipient of the New Jersey Community Health Law Project’s “Ann Klein Advocate Award,” the MarbleJam Kids “Community Impact Award,” Alpine Learning Group’s “Meeting the Challenge Award” and RNN-Cablevision New Jersey’s “Everyday Hero Award.” She has also been recognized by 201 Magazine as one of its “Parent and Professional Leaders in Autism.”

 
Lisa earned her B.A. with honors from Hamilton College in 1984 and her J.D. from Rutgers University School of Law Newark in 1987. She was a General Editor of the Rutgers Law Review and the Notes and Comments Editor of the Women’s Rights Law Reporter. She began her career as an Assistant District Attorney in the Sex Crimes/Special Victims Bureau of the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office and has been in private practice for over thirty five years. She is admitted to practice in New Jersey and New York.  

Lisa Parles with NJ Senate President Steve Sweeney, Autism NJ's Executive Director Suzanne Buchanan and The North Ward Center CEO Michele Adubato celebrating STP revisions at recent News Conference

Lisa McCauley Parles honored by MarbleJam Kids - Pictured: Lisa McCauley Parles, recipient of the Autism Advocacy Award, Joey Travolta, Denise Rekem and JESPY president Elaine Katz.

Presentations & Publications

 

Presentations 

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  • "Navigating the Transition to Adult Services," Autism New Jersey Annual Conference, Atlantic City, New Jersey (October 2023)

  • "Innovative Housing Options for Individuals with Autism in NJ," Alpine Learning Group Innovation in Autism Webinar Series (April 2023)

  • "Advocating for Adults with ID/DD Individuals Living in Residential Programs," Office of Congressman Andy Kim, ID/DD Panel Discussion (September 2022)

  • "Dealing with Autism: The Legal Issues," NJ Institute for Continuing Education (June 2022)

  • "Innovative Housing and Employment for Individuals with Development Disabilities," WSOU 89.5 F.M., Thank God it's Monday (April 2022)

  • "Key Questions When Selecting (or Creating) a Program for Individuals with Autism/IDD and Challenging Behaviors," Rutgers Community Living Education Program (December 2021)

  • "Transition Planning: Practical Tips for IEPs," National Council on Severe Autism (August 2021) 

  • "Practitioners Guide for Advocating for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities," NJ State Bar Association Annual Meeting (May 2021)

  • "Accessing Housing and Residential Services for Individuals with Autism and Developmental Disabilities,"  Dean's Speaker Series, Rowan University College of Science and Mathematics (April 2021)

  • “COVID - Issues Impacting Adult Services Update” (August 2020)

  • "Residential Options for Individuals with Autism and IDD," Princeton Neuroscience Institute (October 2019)

  • "Funding for Housing and Residential Placements in New Jersey," NJ institute for Continuing Legal Education (June 2019)

  • "Key Questions for Program Serving Individuals with IDD and Challenging Behaviors," Navigating Autism (February 2019)

  • "My Life, My Plan: Transition to Fee for Service," Statewide Family Support Planning Council, Statewide Family Council Education Day (June 2018)

  • “Funding for Residential Placement,” Autism New Jersey Annual Conference, Atlantic City, New Jersey (October 2018)

  • “GPS: Great Public Service, “TD Bank Spring Management Conference, Atlantic City, New Jersey (May 2018)

  • “Transition Services – Critical Considerations,” The Alliance of Private Special Education Schools in New Jersey Annual Conference, Morristown, New Jersey (April 2018)

  • “Meeting the Needs of Individuals with Acute Medical and Behavioral Needs,” CAPE Resource Center, Paramus, New Jersey (March 2018)

  • “Meeting the Needs of Individuals with Acute Medical and Behavioral Needs,” New Jersey Family Support Planning Council, Statewide Meeting, Hamilton, New Jersey (November 2017)

  • “Funding for Housing and Residential Placement in New Jersey,” Autism New Jersey Annual Conference, Atlantic City, New Jersey (October 2017)

  • “Autism Across The Life Span: Legal Issues from Diagnosis to Adult Services, New Jersey Institute for Continuing Legal Education, New Brunswick, New Jersey (June 2017)

  • “Essential Transition Planning For Students With Disabilities,” CAPE Resource Center, Paramus, New Jersey (May 2017)

  • “New Jersey’s Statewide Transition Plan,” Autism New Jersey Transition Conference, Edison, New Jersey (May 2017)

  • “Toward Autonomy & Self-Determination,” World Autism Awareness Day, United Nations, New York, New York (April 2017)

  • "Funding for Residential Placements,” Autism New Jersey Annual Conference, Atlantic City, New Jersey (October 2016)

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

  • “The New Jersey Statewide Transition Plan,” Autism Society Southwest New Jersey Affiliate #532 and Futures4All, Westampton, New Jersey (July 2016)

  • “New Jersey’s Statewide Transition Plan (STP): What you should know about the STP’s impact on housing and service choice,” with Denise Dimson Rekem, 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 Denise Dimson Rekem, Esq., New Jersey Regional Family Support Planning Council #8, Williamstown, New Jersey (May 2016)

  • “Planning for Transition to Adulthood for Students on the Spectrum,” LaSalle University Annual Autism Conference, Building Bridges: Preparing For a New World, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (May 2016)

  • “GAO Expert Panel: Youth with Autism Transitioning to Adulthood,” U.S. Government Accountability Office, Washington, D.C. (March 2016)

  • “Accessing Adult Services for the Developmentally Disabled,” 17th Annual Trusts and Estate Forum,  New Jersey Institute for Continuing Legal Education, Speaker (October 2015)

  • “Funding For Residential Placements in New Jersey for Children and Adults with Autism,” with Denise Dimson Rekem, Esq., Autism NJ Conference, Atlantic City Convention Center, Atlantic City, New Jersey (October 2015)

  • “Organization Supported Housing — Highlighting Opportunities and Challenges,” EASI Foundation and Families CCAN Conference, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (October 2015)

  • “Autism 101 – Services, Systems and Funding Sources,” Hackensack University Medical Center, Department of Pediatrics, Spectrum of Pediatric Challenges: 2015 Annual Conference, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina (May 2015)

  • “Adult Services Eligibility for DDD Services and Recent Changes to Funding Process in New Jersey,” and “Hot Topics in Guardianship,” Autism 101: Legal Issues from Early Intervention Through Adult Services, New Jersey Institute for Continuing Legal Education, Moderator/Speaker, New Brunswick, New Jersey (May 2015)

  • “Planning for Transition to Adulthood for Students with Disabilities,” Northern Highlands Regional High School Parent Group, Allendale, New Jersey (April 2015)

  • “New Jersey’s Statewide Transition Plan: Barriers to Services for Persons with Developmental Disabilities,” Families Speaking Up, New Castle, Delaware (April 2015)

  • “Funding for Residential Services,” Rowan University Autism Awareness Month, Rowan University Department of Psychology, Glassboro, New Jersey (April 2015)

  • New Jersey Alliance for Children Youth and Families, Annual Symposium, Panelist on Meeting the Needs of Youth with Different Abilities: Intellectual Disability Services in New Jersey,” Mercer Community College, West Windsor Township, New Jersey (March 2015)

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

  • “Changes to the System: New Jersey Funding for Residential Placements and Day Services for Children and Adults on the Autism Spectrum,” with Denise Dimson Rekem, Esq. The CAPE Resource Center, Paramus, New Jersey (December 2014)

  • “Funding for Residential Placements in New Jersey for Children and Adults with Autism,” with Denise Dimson Rekem, Esq., Autism NJ Conference, Atlantic City Convention Center, Atlantic City, New Jersey (October 2014)

  • “Transitioning to Adult Services,” An Evening of Free Workshops in Honor of Autism Awareness Month, Paramus, New Jersey (April 2014) 

  • “Basic Employment Rights,” presented at 9 to 5 National Association of Working Women regional meeting, Bergen County Women’s Center, Englewood, New Jersey (December 2002).

  • “Advocating for Non-Educational Services for the Autism Community,” Education Lecture Series, Upper Saddle River, New Jersey (November 2002)

  • “The Biggest Company Secrets,” New Directions for Women, Cablevision, Morristown, New Jersey.  Appeared as guest on cable television program (May 2001).

  • “Dealing with Discrimination in the Workplace,” presented at Women, Work and Careers Conference, Ramapo College, Mahwah New Jersey (March 2000).

  • “Families Taking Leadership Roles in the Disabilities Community,” presented at annual conference of the Family Support Center of New Jersey, Edison, New Jersey (October 2000).

  • “Essential Transition Planning for Adults with Disabilities,” Northern Highlands Regional High School Special Education Advisory Group, Allendale, New Jersey (March 2014)

  • “Housing for Children and Adults with Developmental Disabilities,” The CAPE Resource Center, Paramus, New Jersey (December 2013)

  • “A Model for Developing Housing in New Jersey,” with Tom Toronto of United Way of Bergen County, Autism NJ Conference, Atlantic City, New Jersey (October 2013)

  • “Employer and Employee Rights and Responsibilities,” Autism NJ Conference, Atlantic City, New Jersey (October 2013)

  • “Grasping Legal Strategies for Employers and Employees,” SOAR 2013 Annual Conference, Vernon, New Jersey (September 2013)

  • “Employment Law and Workplace Protection For Those With ASD,” ASPEN 2013 Annual Spring Conference, Iselin, New Jersey (April 2013)

  • “The IEP Process,” Allendale Parents of Children with Special Needs, Allendale, New Jersey (March 2013)

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

  • “Hot Topics in Special Education,” New Jersey Institute for Continuing Legal Education, New Brunswick, New Jersey (November 2012)

  • “Autism and Related Disabilities: The Legal Issues You Need To Know,” NJAJ Conference, Meadowlands Sheraton, East Rutherford, New Jersey (November 2012)

  • “Essential Planning For Adults With Disabilities,” The Cape Resource Center, Paramus, New Jersey (October 2012)

  • “State and Federal Employment Law: Protections for Individuals with Disabilities,” Autism NJ Conference, Atlantic City, New Jersey (October 2012)

  • The Americans with Disabilities Act: A Review of Workplace Protections for Persons with Disabilities,” BCSS CAPE Resource Center, Ridgewood, New Jersey (October 2011)

  • “One on One with Steve Adubato,” WNET TV.  Featured on cable television program to discuss the critical residential issues facing the disabled in the State of New Jersey and the need to close Developmental Centers in New Jersey in favor of community and campus based residential options (September 2011)

  • "Transition Law in Special Education," New Jersey Institute for Continuing Legal Education, 2011 Administrative Law Forum, New Brunswick, New Jersey (April 2011)

  • "Discipline, Bullying and Harassment," POAC Autism Conference, Lincroft, New Jersey (April 2011)

  • "Mediation and Due Process in Special Education Cases," Saddle Brook, New Jersey (March 2011)

  • "The IEP Process and Legal Rights of Students," Bergen Community College Saturday Series, Paramus, New Jersey (January 2011)

  • "Special Needs Estate Planning and Guardianship," Saddle Brook, New Jersey (November 2010)

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

  • "Autism 101," Saddle Brook, New Jersey (November 2010)

  • "Discipline, Bullying and Harassment," Autism NJ Annual Conference, Atlantic City, New Jersey (October 2010)

  • "Guardianship and Adult Services," West Milford, New Jersey (September 2010)

  • "Tips for a Successful School Year for the Special Education Student," Saddle Brook, New Jersey (September 2010)

  • "Dealing with Autism: the Legal Issues You Need to Know," New Jersey Institute for Continuing Legal Education, New Brunswick, New Jersey, Moderator (June 2010)

  • "Key Aspects of the IEP Process," Upper Saddle River, New Jersey (April 2010)

  • "Transition Services and Securing Adult Services for the Special Education Student," West Orange, New Jersey (March 2010)

  • "Employment Law for Law Firms," New Jersey Institute for Continuing Legal Education,  Speaker, New Brunswick, New Jersey (February 2010)

  • "Transition Services and Securing Adult Services for the Special Education Student," Saddle Brook, New Jersey (February 2010)

  • "Accessing Support Services for the Special Education Student," Saddle Brook, New Jersey (January 2010)

  • "How to Find the Perfect Employee," Autism: Today's Workforce, Bergen Community College, Paramus, New Jersey (May 2009)

  • "Accessing Non-educational Services," Parents Support Group, Paramus, New Jersey (March 2009)

  • “The Do’s and Don’ts of Job Interviewing:  What You Can and Cannot Ask Prospective Employees,”  Webinar, New Jersey Institute For Continuing Legal Education, New Brunswick, New Jersey (June 2008).

  • “Ethical Considerations of E-Discovery,” Moderator, New York State Continuing Legal Education Board, New York, New York (May 2008).

  • “Autism and Insurance,” ABC World News Tonight, interviewed regarding legislation mandating insurance coverage for autism related services. (March 2008).

  • “Student Disability Training for Lawyers,” Moderator, New Jersey Institute For Continuing Legal Education, New Brunswick, New Jersey (October 2007).

  • “Defining Hostile Work Environment and Workplace Discrimination,” Thank God It’s Monday, Pilot Program,  WSOU, South Orange, New Jersey (May 2006).

  • “Sarbanes-Oxley: A Proposed Survey on Impact and Implementation” North Atlantic Regional Business Law Association, Babson College, Babson Park, Massachusetts (April 2006).

  • “To Find The Words,” ABC Nightline, Featured on Nightline episodes addressing accessing autism services (March 2001 and February 2005).

  • “Title VII Liability After Ellerth and Farragher: An Employer’s Duty to Conduct Prompt, Thorough and Impartial Investigations of Sexual Harassment Complaints,” presented at North Atlantic Regional Business Law Association, Boston, Massachusetts (April 2003).

  • “Accessing Family Support Services,” presented at COSAC annual Autism Conference, Atlantic City, New Jersey  (May 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2007).

 

Publications

 

  • “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

  •   “Sarbanes-Oxley: An Overview of Current Issues and Concerns,” St. John’s Review of Business, Vol. 27, No. 3 (Spring/Summer 2007)

  • “Title VII Liability After Ellerth and Farragher: An Employer’s Duty to Conduct Prompt, Thorough and Impartial Investigations of Sexual Harassment Complaints”, 36 Business Law Review 153 (Spring 2003)

  • Contributing author, “Family Violence Manual” Suffolk County Bar Association (1989)

  • Amicus Brief: In the Matter of Baby M.” 14 Women’s Rights Law Reporter 243 (Spring-Fall 1992)

Lisa McCauley Parles attorney New Jersey

Disability Community Activities
 

  • President, Board of Trustees, Circle Haven, Inc.

  • Founding Member, Baord of Trustees, National Council on Severe Autism 

  • Founder, Special Quest Recreation Program, ARC of Bergen and Passaic Counties;

  • Founder and former Member, Board of Directors, Quest Autism Programs, Inc, Wyckoff, New Jersey;

  • Former Member, Board of Directors, Winslow Therapeutic Riding Center, Warwick, New York;

  • Former Member, Autism Task Force, Catholic Charities of New Jersey, Inc., Newark, New Jersey;

  • Former Member, Professional Advisory Committee Family Support Council of New Jersey, Brick Township, New Jersey;

  • Former Member, Human Rights Committee, Alpine Learning Group, Inc., Paramus, New Jersey;

  • Founder, “Celebrating Differences” presentation for typical peers on accepting individuals with disabilities, Allendale, New Jersey; and Trainer, Green Circle Program, Hillside School, Allendale, New Jersey.

Honors

 

  • Humanitarian Award of the Year, ASAH Private Special Education Schools (2019)

  • Anne Klein Advocate Award, Community Health Law Project (2018)

  • Autism Advocacy Award, Marble Jam Kids (2017)

  • Adjunct Professor Excellence Award, Stillman School of Business at Seton Hall University (2014)

  • “Meeting The Challenge Award” Alpine Learning Group (2011)

  • “Parent and Professional Leaders in Autism,” 201 Magazine (2006)

  • “Everyday Hero Award,” RNN, Cablevision of New Jersey (2006)

  • “5 of 5” Teaching Evaluation, Stillman School of Business, Seton Hall University (2006)

  • Research Excellence Award, Stillman School of Business, Seton Hall University (2005 and 2007))

  • Recognition Award for Contributions in the Field of Law, La Tribuna Newspaper of Hudson County (1999)

  • Program Enhancement Award, Bancroft Young Autism Program (1997)

  • Outstanding Woman in Law, Town of Brookhaven, New York (1991)

Associations

 

  • New Jersey State Bar Association, Elder and Disability Section

  • New Jersey Special Education Practitioners Group

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

  • United States District Court, Eastern District of New York

2010 - present

2010 - present

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