2020 Legal Elite — Elder Law Profile

Title: President
Birthplace: Houston
Education: Bachelor’s degree and law degree, University of Virginia
Spouse: Maureen E. Hook
Children: Alexis H. Mangan and Lauren A. Hook
First job as a lawyer: Associate attorney for the Hon. Robert F. Babb
Fan of: Bruce Springsteen
Hobbies or pastimes: CrossFit, swimming, yoga and jogging
Favorite vacation spot: Charlottesville wine country
Career mentors: Babb (my first boss), Thomas D. Begley Jr. (my elder law mentor) and Kurt W. Taves (my CPA and business adviser)
What are the latest trends in elder law?
Traditionally, elder law firms relied on Medicaid planning to assist clients and their families pay for long-term care services and estate planning. Today, these same clients and their families want a more comprehensive service offering. Many clients are also seeking assistance with tax planning and tax return preparation, special needs planning, financial planning, estate and trust administration, guardianship and conservatorship and fiduciary litigation.
How does elder law differ from a typical estate/trust practice?
Elder law focuses on assisting clients who are suffering from a chronic illness, including obtaining and paying for necessary long-term care services and management of the client’s affairs during periods of incapacity or disability. An estate/trust practice typically focuses on efficiently transferring the client’s wealth upon his or her death. The elder law attorney is frequently involved with issues relating to public benefits, including veterans’ compensation and pension benefits, Social Security retirement income, Social Security disability income, Supplemental Security Income, Medicaid and Medicare. Elder law attorneys provide counsel concerning the benefits available to the client, assistance with applying for these benefits and any reporting required to retain these benefits.

See more from our 2020 Legal Elite package:

• 2020 Legal Elite: Elder Law list
• The 21st edition of the Virginia Business Legal Elite

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