About Dina Coster
Dina Coster Kaplan is a licensed attorney admitted to practice law in the State of California. She was admitted to the California State Bar in 1980 and holds bar number 93693. Her license is currently in active status. Ms. Kaplan is a partner at Vanaman German LLP, a law firm specializing in special education law, located at 14001 Ventura Boulevard, Sherman Oaks, California. She has been practicing law for over 40 years, focusing on advocating for the educational rights of students with disabilities throughout California.
Ms. Kaplan earned her Juris Doctor degree from the College of Law in 1980. Prior to law school, she completed her undergraduate education at the University of California, Los Angeles, receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science in 1977. During her time at the College of Law, she was a member of the Moot Court and Law Review, which provided her with a strong foundation in legal research and writing.
Ms. Kaplan concentrates her practice in the areas of special education law, civil rights, and developmental disabilities. She represents families in matters involving Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings, Due Process Resolution Conferences, mediations, and hearings related to special education issues. Her practice encompasses all stages of litigation, including initial case evaluation, discovery, mediation, settlement negotiations, and trial proceedings in both state and federal courts. She also represents families in Fair Hearings with Regional Centers and addresses issues related to injury and abuse in school environments.
Throughout her career, Ms. Kaplan has handled cases in the Superior Court of California for the County of Los Angeles, the United States District Court for the Central District of California, and the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. She has also appeared before the California Court of Appeal on multiple occasions. Prior to joining Vanaman German LLP, she worked as an associate at a mid-size litigation firm in Century City for five years. She is also the Executive Director of The K.E.N. Project, a non-profit organization that provides parent support and education for parents of children with disabilities.
Ms. Kaplan is an active member of the California State Bar Association and the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA). She holds membership in the American Bar Association Section of Litigation. She is also a certified mediator through the Los Angeles County Superior Court mediation program. Ms. Kaplan is fluent in English and Spanish, allowing her to serve the diverse communities of Los Angeles County effectively.
