Public Counsel is proud to share that Tara Ford, Senior Counsel, has been named one of the Daily Journal’s Top Women Lawyers for 2026. In its profile of Tara, the Daily Journal highlighted her career-long commitment to children and families, her background as a young single parent who came to law with a deep understanding of the stakes facing families, and her record of litigation, policy reform, and community engagement on behalf of children in foster care, students with disabilities, and Native children, families, and Tribes.
Tara’s recent work includes major litigation to protect the rights and well-being of children and youth across multiple systems. In Kevin S. v. Blalock, Tara has helped lead a long-running federal class action seeking essential care, stability, treatment, and support for children in New Mexico’s foster care system. Following a 2020 settlement and later corrective agreement, Tara’s team secured additional remedial orders in 2025 and 2026 to advance a more trauma-informed, community-based system of care for children and families.
The Daily Journal also spotlighted Tara’s work in Kerri K. v. State of California, a case challenging the unlawful use of restraint and seclusion at Floyd I. Marchus School, a Contra Costa County public school serving students with disabilities. After landmark settlements with the California Department of Education and the Contra Costa County Office of Education, Tara has remained closely involved in implementation efforts with families, advocates, and monitors. By July 2025, the school reported its first quarterly period with no restraint or seclusion incidents.
Across her work, Tara combines exceptional legal skill with deep compassion and a sustained commitment to ensuring that legal victories translate into meaningful change for children, youth, and families. Please join us in congratulating Tara on this well-deserved recognition.
