Elder Law Attorneys Job Description, Duties & Salary

Overview

Elder Law Attorney—Career Q&A: Professional Advice and Insight

Lawyers, or attorneys, work in our legal system as advocates and advisers. As advocates, they represent the rights of their clients in trials and depositions or in front of administrative and government bodies. As advisers, attorneys counsel clients on how the law affects business or personal decisions, such as the purchase of property or the creation of a will. Lawyers can represent individuals, businesses, and corporations. Elder law attorneys are lawyers who specialize in providing legal services for the elderly and, in some cases, the disabled. Unlike other lawyers who deal with one field of law, such as tax lawyers, elder law attorneys often deal with several fields of law when providing services to their clients. Some of the most common elder law issues include guardianship or conservatorship, public benefits (Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security), probate and estate planning, health and long-term care planning, and elder abuse cases. The National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) reports that its current membership is more than 3,800. In addition, there are thousands of attorneys who practice elder law as a part of a law practice that encompasses a range of other areas.

Salary Range

$50,000 to $100,000+

Minimum Education Level

Law Degree

Certification/License

Required

Outlook

Much Faster than the Average

Personality Traits

Organized

Problem-Solving

Realistic