Associate
Stephanie Véniez
Stephanie Véniez is an associate at Best Best & Krieger LLP (BBK) where she advises public agencies throughout California, with a particular focus on school districts and educational institutions. Stephanie's practice encompasses a broad range of education law matters, including regulatory compliance, investigations, board governance, charter school issues, special education, disability access, student services, labor and employment and day-to-day operations.
Stephanie regularly works with school governing boards, superintendents, administrators and district staff to address sensitive and complex legal issues. A significant portion of her practice involves special education and student-related matters. She assists school districts in navigating the IDEA, resolving IEP disputes, disability accommodations, pupil discipline, and due process complaints. Stephanie works closely with administrators to address both regulatory requirements and the individualized needs of students. Stephanie’s approach emphasizes practical and defensible guidance that helps districts meet their legal obligations while maintaining effective governance and positive relationships with the public.
Outside the office, Stephanie enjoys sustainable landscaping and spending time outside. She was raised in Montréal, Canada, and is a lifelong hockey fan. She is a lover of dogs, video games and iced coffee.
- Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America, Municipal Law, 2026
- Office of Administrative Hearing (OAH), Special Education Advisory Committee Member
Publications
- “Department of Justice Delays Compliance Deadlines for ADA Web Accessibility,” PublicCEO, April 23, 2026
- “WCAG Deadlines Looming: review Key Compliance Tips Now,” Special Ed Connection, Quoted, Mar. 13, 2026
- “New Digital Accessibility Requirements in 2026,” PublicCEO, Jan. 20, 2026
- “Pending Deadline to Comply with AB 2158 – Mandatory AB 1234 Ethics Training for School Board Officials,” PublicCEO, Nov. 24, 2025
- “Building a Resilient Malibu School District: Emergency Preparedness in Fire-Prone Communities,” Riverside Lawyer Magazine, May 2025 Issue
Presentations
- "Coral Clarity: Bringing ADA Accommodations and Modification into Focus," California Joint Powers Insurance Authority, Annual Risk Management Educational Forum, Oct. 7, 2026
- "Understanding and Navigating the Brown Act and the Conflict-of-Interest Code," California Association of Sanitation Agencies Winter Conference, Jan. 14, 2026
- “Minors in Restrictive Settings,” Disability Rights California and the Office of Clients’ Rights Advocacy, Feb. 23, 2023