Gutman Vasiliou, LLP
At Gutman Vasiliou, we are dedicated to staying at the forefront of the legal industry with our state-of-the-art technology and our highly experienced attorneys. We have built strong partnerships with renowned experts in the field of special education, including neuropsychologists, behavior analysts, and speech language pathologists, to provide our clients with the most comprehensive and effective representation possible.
Our client-focused approach means that we prioritize making the legal process as stress-free and straightforward as possible for our clients. We believe that you shouldn't have to sift through pages of complicated documents or navigate a confusing legal system on your own. That's why our attorneys have one goal in mind: to help you get the support and resources you are entitled to. When you are a client of Gutman Vasiliou, you can trust that we will work to advocate for your needs and ensure that your rights are protected.
Meet The Team
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Mark Gutman, Partner
Mark Gutman has dedicated his career to fighting for the rights of students and families. He graduated from St. John's University School of Law and was awarded the Pro Bono Service Award for his work in the Criminal Defense Clinic. Upon being admitted to the New York State Bar, Mark began practicing criminal defense and represented clients throughout NYC and Long Island. It was during this time that he discovered his passion for education law and fought tirelessly to ensure that every child under his care had access to an education.
After working as an associate attorney and then a supervising attorney at one of the largest special education firms in the country, Mark opened his own practice where he focuses on providing the best results for his clients through direct litigation and avoiding lengthy settlement disputes. He also currently holds the position of Adjunct Professor at St. John's University School of Law, where he coaches and judges students in Moot Court competitions.
In 2022, Mark Gutman obtained a CAS (Certified Autism Specialist) certification from the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), making him and his firm, Gutman Vasiliou LLP, the only attorneys in NY to have obtained this qualification.
Shortly after launching Gutman Vasiliou, LLP, Mark Gutman was selected to the SuperLawyers 2022 New York Metro Rising Stars List, an honor reserved for only 2.5% of attorneys in the New York Metro area. Super Lawyers selects attorneys using a multiphase selection process consisting of 12 indicators of professional achievement including verdicts, experience, honors/awards, pro bono service, and more. He was once again selected in 2023 and 2024.
Mark also has two courses on education law published on lawline.com, a Continuing Legal Education resource for attorneys, as well as one course on lawpracticecle.com and SproutEd.
Anthoula Vasiliou, Partner
Anthoula Vasiliou is dedicated to working with families to ensure that students with disabilities receive a quality education. She received her B.A. in Sociology and International Political Economy from Fordham College at Rose Hill, graduating summa cum laude, before going on to earn her J.D. from Fordham University School of Law.
During her time at Fordham Law, Anthoula was a Stein Scholar in the Public Interest and a recipient of the Archibald R. Murray Public Service Award. She served as the President of the Education Law Collaborative, Director of the Fordham chapter of the Suspension Representation Project, and was a member of the Fordham Urban Law Journal. In addition, she volunteered as a high school debate coach for Legal Outreach. In 2022, Anthoula obtained a CAS (Certified Autism Specialist) certification from the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES).
With a strong commitment to education law and a dedication to underserved communities, Anthoula has helped dozens of students receive the necessary services and supports that they are entitled to, whether that’s seeking an award of compensatory services, obtaining comprehensive independent educational evaluations, or locating a placement in specialized private programs all across New York City. Anthoula also enjoys providing trainings to parents and related professionals on their rights in special education law. Anthoula is a native of Queens, New York and is fluent in Greek.
After a significant number of verdicts in the firm's first year, Anthoula was selected to the SuperLawyers 2023 New York Metro Rising Stars List, an honor reserved for only 2.5% of attorneys in the New York Metro area. Super Lawyers selects attorneys using a multiphase selection process consisting of 12 indicators of professional achievement including verdicts, experience, honors/awards, pro bono service, and more. She was once again selected in 2024.
Katie Whiting, Head of Legal Operations
As the firm's Head of Legal Operations, Katie is dedicated to ensuring that children receive the services they need before, during, and after litigation.
With a background in education and a passion for the law, Katie is perfectly suited to help ensure that children are properly evaluated and placed. She graduated from the College of Charleston before working as a teacher in Vietnam. Following her return to the United States, she moved to New York and began working as a legal writer at the Appellate Law Office of Stephen N. Preziosi, drafting appellate briefs and motions before every court in New York State as well as the federal courts including the Second Circuit Court of Appeals.
Katie went to New York Law School on a full merit scholarship and after obtaining significant experience through her education law classes and clinic, she graduated cum laude with her J.D. in May of 2024. Her focus throughout her life has been in education and the law, and working to help ensure that children are properly evaluated and properly placed is the perfect synergy of her life’s passions. Outside her work in the education and legal fields, Katie practices yoga and enjoys working on her Spanish and Portuguese language skills.
Kat Timofeyev, Law Clerk
Katherine Timofeyev is a dedicated law clerk and advocate, committed to ensuring that children receive the educational support they deserve.
Kat is currently pursuing her Juris Doctor at Fordham University School of Law, where she holds several leadership roles. She is the Education Advocacy Chair for the Suspension Representation Project, a Notes Editor and Assistant Symposium Editor for the Environmental Law Review, and a 1L Advisor for the Board of Student Advisors. She is also actively involved in Fordham Law Women and the Fordham First Generation Students organization. Kat’s commitment to education law is further demonstrated through her role as a member of the Education Law Collaborative, as well as through founding the mental health practicum "Happy Hopes" under the Fordham Social Innovation Collaboratory.
Prior to entering the legal field, Kat's earlier experiences include working as a Teaching Assistant at the Kumon Math and Reading Center, where she tailored educational strategies for special needs children, showcasing her adaptability and commitment to inclusive education. Kat's extensive background in education and law, coupled with her unwavering dedication to advocacy, makes her an invaluable asset to our firm.