Jacqueline Dodd was born and raised in El Paso, an international city located in far West Texas on the border with Mexico, and was actively engaged in her multicultural community. She grew up with siblings who received special education services in the public school system and, from a young age, knew her lifelong passion was to help others. Dodd attended Texas Tech University for both undergraduate and law school, and is a lifelong Red Raider. She obtained her undergraduate degree in Human Development and Family Studies with an emphasis in Early Childhood Development. Additionally, prior to attending law school, she obtained her Texas Teacher’s Certification.
Dodd’s career began with the Dallas District Attorney’s office and she spent the majority of her time in the area of juvenile law. While working at the DA’s office, she was actively engaged in her community and volunteered at Children’s Medical Center in Dallas and at the SPCA. After leaving the DA’s office, she expanded her career in juvenile law, family law, special education law and represented parents and children in Texas Department of Family & Protective Services cases. Dodd’s love for children inspired her to protect their futures and, in 2008, she obtained her Board Certification in Juvenile Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.
Dodd Law Offices, PLLC handles juvenile, family and special education law to help individuals protect their futures. “At our office, we do not represent nor refer to our clients as criminals. We represent children who have been falsely accused or those who have made poor choices,” said Dodd. “Each client is a unique individual with a specific set of needs.” In addition to helping juveniles, the firm handles all family law cases including: divorces, child custody issues, modifications of parent-child relationships and suits affecting parent-child relationships. According to Dodd, “These types of situations can be very emotionally draining and difficult while one’s family is being restructured. We will help restructure families and assist them in making a transition in a smooth and efficient manner, all while protecting their children, assets, and future.” Licensed in Texas, Dodd handles juvenile and family law cases within the Dallas/Ft. Worth Metroplex and its surrounding counties; she travels and handles special education law statewide.
As the parent of a child with special needs, Dodd has been in the special education arena as both a parent and an attorney. “Our practice handles everything from attending special education ARD meetings, reviewing ARD/IEP paperwork, advocating for evaluations, and informal settlement negotiations, all the way through filing a request for a due process hearing and assistance in either mediation or a final trial,” said Dodd. She is a single mother of a son with Down syndrome and his special needs created a heightened knowledge and experience in her legal practice. “We realize that educational programs encompass all areas of a student’s life: academic, social, emotional, and behavioral,” said Dodd. In her experience, Dodd has worked with parents who were overwhelmed with the abundance of information provided by their school regarding its special education program and she is able to help families navigate their way through that system. “We aid in educating families as to their rights and what their children are entitled to, under the law, in their academic environment. We also educate as to resources available in the school setting, and assist families and children who have difficulty advocating for themselves,” stated Dodd.
Dodd’s family lives in Allen, TX and they are actively involved in the community. The family attends its local high school football games, is involved with their church, and participates and supports Allen Special Olympics and Special Olympics Texas. She is an active member of the Leadership Allen Fairview Class XXX, the Allen/Fairview Chamber of Commerce, and is excited this opportunity brings her closer to her community.
You can visit Dodd Law Offices, PLLC on online at: www.doddlawtexas.com.
For more information, or to interview Dodd, contact Diane Buckner at (214) 724-1303 or diane@bluetickllc.com.
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