About Us

The National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, Inc.,  (NAELA) is a non-profit association which assists lawyers, bar organizations and others who work with older clients and their families.  Established in 1987, the Academy provides a resource of information, education, networking, and assistance to those who deal with the many specialized issues involved with providing legal services to the elderly.

Founded in 1992, the Massachusetts Chapter of NAELA has grown to include more than 350 elder law attorneys.  Membership in the Chapter provides NAELA members the opportunity to network with attorneys and other related professionals regarding Massachusetts issues affecting the elderly in our state.  The Chapter has participated in the public policy arena by drafting and promoting legislation relative to the Medicaid transfer of assets rules, spousal impoverishment, and estate recovery, and by assisting in the development of regulations relative to nursing homes, Medicaid, and estate recovery.

Membership in the Massachusetts Chapter costs $40.00 per calendar year and is open to attorneys in open practice as well as those in legal services, judges, and law students.  In order to join the Chapter, one must be a member of NAELA.  NAELA provides its members with two elder law publications – NAELA Quarterly and NAELA News – as well as continuing legal education programs through its annual Institute and Symposium.

            The Chapter holds approximately six dinner meetings per year focusing on substantive areas in the field of elder law.  Meetings are usually held in the Route 128/Mass. Pike area.

            Some of the topics covered at the meetings include:

·         Health Care Policies

·         Medicaid Practice and Updates of Law

·         Special Needs Trusts

·         Durable Powers of Attorney and Guardianships

·         Malpractice Prevention

·         Keeping the Client at Home – Alternatives to Nursing Home Care

             In addition to providing the latest information on developments in elder law, chapter meetings offer an opportunity to network and to exchange practical tips and ideas.

Learn more about the benefits of becoming a member or go straight to the NAELA site to register online.