Virginia Business Magazine recently released its annual list of “Legal Elite,” and I have been included in that list once again in the category “elder law.” This award is voted on by attorneys across the state, each of whom are emailed a ballot. I am so proud of this recognition!
From the time I was a child spending time with my grandparents, I have always been drawn to older people. Now that I have 24 years in the practice law under my belt, I am becoming an “older people” myself!
The best part of the practice elder law for me is tackling problems that are happening right now. Often the problems involve finding care for someone when family can no longer serve as caregivers as well as figuring out how to pay for that care. Medicaid is a very difficult area of the law to learn because the law is state-specific, and there is no one complete reference that has the answers. You learn it by doing it. I can also draw on my personal experience with most every nursing facility in the Roanoke Valley (while serving as guardian for many incapacitated adults over the years), as well as the experience of my clients, to help guide families choosing a facility. When I meet with families whose family members are in a care facility, I will often ask how the family feels about the care provided in the facility. I file that information to share with others later.
I am thankful I have chosen this area of the law. It’s unlike other areas of the law where there is constant conflict. It’s a collaborative area of the law, and the persons with whom I collaborate are families. I love working with families.
