Hope N. Kirsch

Hope was born in Queens, New York, on February 21, 1955. She obtained her undergraduate degree (B.S., cum laude in special education) from Boston University in 1975, and a Master's Degree (M.A. in special education) from New York University in 1977, and obtained thirty post-graduate credits in educational supervision and adminstration. Hope was a special education teacher and school administrator for 18 years in New York City. She was awarded a Dean's Merit Scholarship to attend Brooklyn Law School's evening division while continuing her work in special education. She obtained her J.D. in 1991 and was admitted to the State Bar of New York and the State Bar of new Jersey. Hope began her legal career as judicial law clerk to Honorable Jack B. Kirsten of the Superior Court in Newark, New Jersey. She then joined an insurance defense firm where she handled complex litigation and toxic torts (lead paint, mold, IAQ, pesticides), attorney malpractice, and general liability in both New York and New Jersey. Hope was admitted to the Arizona State Bar in 1998 and moved to Arizona in 1999. Hope is also admitted to the federal bars in New York, New Jersey and Arizona. Her practice areas include construction, insurance, commercial litigation and special education law. She lives in Scottsdale with her husband Barry Kluger, and is an avid runner and skier.

Special Education Licenses and Certifications

Licensed Teacher of Health Conservation (Neurologically Impaired, Emotionally Handicapped), New York City 1975
Certified Special Education Teacher, New York State 1977
Licensed Teacher of Emotionally Handicapped, New York City 1981
Certified School Administrator/Supervisor, New York State 1986
Licensed Assistant Principal of Special Education Schools, New York City 1987
Licensed Supervisor of Special Education, New York City 1988