2021 ELDER LAW Q&A

Susan I. Jean

The Heritage Law Group, Yorktown

Title: Owner

Other legal specialties: Estate planning

Birthplace: Fort Benning, Georgia

Education: Bachelor’s degree, Cleveland State University; law degree, University of Dayton School of Law

Spouse: Chip Jean

Children: Lauren Schultz, Lindsey Jean, Calla Jean

Fan of: Peninsula Pilots baseball team, Clemson football, Cleveland Browns football,
cheesy disaster movies

Recently read book: Recently re-read “Dune,” by Frank Herbert, in anticipation of
the movie

Hobbies: I’ve been working as a lawyer and as a sole business owner for so long that I’ve almost forgotten hobbies and pastimes! Playing the horn, playing VR games, watching football and summer league baseball.

Favorite vacation spot: OBX! Also, Edenton and Asheville, North Carolina

Career mentor: Chip Buxton

What are the latest trends in elder law? Because of the threats of COVID, accessing home health care is HUGE right now. But because of the high cost of home health care, it is often critical to assisting clients with qualification for Medicaid and advising regarding eligibility for veterans’ benefits to help pay for home health care.   

What are the most common issues that you handle? Estate planning and Medicaid qualification are my primary areas of expertise.

What did you learn from your time as president of the Virginia Academy of Elder Law Attorneys? Oh my, it’s been years. Mostly what I remember is herding cats, since attorneys are by nature opinionated and verbal.