Resources 1b
Elder Law Resources
The National Elder Law Foundation
This is a national organization that certifies practitioners of elder and special needs law. NELF’s Certified Elder Law Attorney designation, also certified by the American Bar Association, requires that an attorney demonstrate expertise in elder law and special needs, pass an examination, maintain continuing education and involvement standards, and be recognized by his or her peers and colleagues. You can search for an attorney through the website’s locator. (There are about 20 CELAs on Long Island and over 500 CELAs across the country.)
National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys
Members of this organization specialize in dealing with legal issues affecting seniors and people with disabilities. (Members pay annual dues of up to $525.) The website offers a “Find an Attorney” link, which enables you to locate elder law attorneys within a certain distance of your ZIP code. The site also has tips for interviewing and selecting an attorney.
Life Care Planning Law Firms Association
This association is a national network of holistic law practices that offer legal services, care coordination, and advocacy support to help older clients and their families respond to the challenges of aging, long-term illnesses, and disabilities. Life Care Planning law firms rely on an interdisciplinary team that works to identify present and potential future care needs, locate appropriate care, and ensure high-quality care. This approach focuses on the development of ongoing relationships with families, rather than crisis-oriented transactions. The website has a locator to search for LCPLFA members by geographic area.