Overview

Anna M. Wood is an Associate in Lozano Smith's Los Angeles Office. Ms. Wood primarily represents public school district clients on issues related to labor and employment, special education and other student matters.

Experience

Ms. Wood represents local educational agencies in various legal forums in California, including the Office of Administrative Hearings, state court, and federal court. This includes representing school districts in special education due process matters, appeals of OAH decisions, and appeals of expulsion decisions. She has obtained successful decisions related to manifestation determination reviews, appropriate special education assessments, and a school district’s right to implement an IEP without parental consent to exit a student from special education.

In addition to her special education and student work, Ms. Wood provides legal guidance on labor and employment matters. She conducts legal research and advises clients on issues including employee benefits, leave provisions, applicability of the Labor Code to public entities, conflicts of interest for board members, and personnel matters involving probationary status and termination. She also supports litigation involving claims of discrimination, retaliation, sexual harassment, and wrongful termination.

Ms. Wood regularly attends IEP meetings, reviews assessments, advises on the 504 process, and ensures compliance at all stages. She also advises clients on student matters including discipline, student records, student fees, student health, and interdistrict transfers.

Education

Ms. Wood earned her Juris Doctorate from the University of California, Irvine School of Law. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from the University of Georgia and received the Mary Frances Early Scholarship Award. While in law school, she attended Columbia University's Center for Public Research and Leadership program, where she gained invaluable experience working with school district clients in the areas of special education, literacy curriculum, and digital learning.

Mahmoud v. Taylor: Supreme Court Affirms Parental Opt-Out Rights in Curriculum Dispute

By: Sloan Simmons, Anna Wood- 07/11/2025

E102 Understanding Educational Rights: Custody Orders, Caregivers, and Special Education

By: Amanda Cordova, Anna Wood- 06/12/2026

Who has the authority to make educational decisions for a student? In this episode, host Michelle Cannon is joined by Lozano Smith attorneys Amanda Cordova and Anna Wood to discuss the legal framework surrounding educational rights, including special education considerations. The conversation explores custody arrangements, caregiver authority, AB 495, and when students hold their own educational rights. Join us as we explore practical guidance for navigating custody orders and other common educational rights issues faced by school districts.