Gabrielle C. Sereni has a lot to be proud of: advancing the field of special education law; starting her own firm, which recently expanded in exciting new directions; and giving back to her community. Her passion for her career comes across easily during conversation, but she lights up even more when the discussion turns to her three sons. “The real definition of success is not a law firm,” she says. “Nothing else I do really matters compared to being their mom and watching them find their way in life.” Of all that she has accomplished in her life so far, Sereni remains most proud of her three sons. Her oldest is currently majoring in psychology at Immaculata University. Her middle child is preparing to study pre-law at Washington and Lee University. Her youngest is a high school student and volunteer firefighter considering making that his future profession. In their mother, they have a shining example to emulate. The daughter of two university professors, Sereni became a teacher herself before switching gears and enrolling in law school. Upon graduation, she began a federal clerkship and then discovered the relatively new practice area of special education law, which arose when Congress reauthorized previous policy and established the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) mandating that schools meet the needs of children with disabilities. In the nearly 30 years since she started her legal career, Sereni has emerged as a respected litigator, an authority in her field, and an in-demand guest speaker. In November 2023 she founded Sereni Law Group, a defense firm representing school districts, including public and private institutions, to resolve conflicts with students and their families. Her ultimate goal: to provide the best path forward for each child. S