Legal Elite 2023: Elder Law Q&A

Title: Owner and founding attorney

Other legal specialties: Estate planning

Education: Bachelor’s degree, University of South Florida; law degree, Washington and Lee University

Family: Spouse, Dan; children Janine Howe and James Leitner; grandchildren Audrey, 8, and Carys, 6

Career mentors: Roger D. Groot, Washington and Lee School of Law; attorneys Linda Suzzanne Griffin and John Flora

Hobbies: Reading, biking, playing piano and spending time with my granddaughters

When did you know you wanted to be an attorney? I got my first job in a law office when I was in high school. The attorney I was working for encouraged me to go to law school, but I decided to go to paralegal school instead. After 15 years of working as a paralegal in many different areas, I was fortunate enough to work for an estate planning attorney who was an incredible mentor, so not only did I know I wanted to be an attorney, but I also knew I wanted to be an estate planner.

What’s the trickiest aspect of elder law? I think the most challenging aspect of elder law, which also makes it the most rewarding, is having honest and difficult conversations with clients about their health and their finances. Clients who seek out the guidance of an elder law attorney need our legal expertise, but they also need our care and compassion.

What’s the biggest misconception about elder law and estate planning? Many people believe that estate planning is only for wealthy individuals. The reality is that having a comprehensive and up-to-date plan for incapacity and death is important for everyone to ensure their wishes are carried out regarding their assets, health care decisions and caring for their loved ones. Elder law, despite the name, is not only for older individuals.

Check out the rest of the 2023 Legal Elite.