Elder Law Attorney Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the era of an aging population, the significance of Elder Law Attorneys has become increasingly apparent.

As society grapples with the complexities of elder care and estate planning, the demand for legal experts who can navigate, specialize, and defend our senior citizens’ rights escalates.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s really expected of an Elder Law Attorney?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker looking to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the ideal candidate,
• Or simply curious about the intricacies of elder law,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Elder Law Attorney job description template, designed for straightforward posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s get started.

Elder Law Attorney Duties and Responsibilities

Elder Law Attorneys are legal professionals who specialize in laws concerning elder care and the aging population.

They navigate complex legal matters such as estate planning, Medicaid, guardianship, and retirement, among others.

An Elder Law Attorney has the following duties and responsibilities:

• Provide legal advice to older clients in areas including estate planning, wills, and healthcare directives
• Assist in planning for possible long-term care needs, including nursing home care
• Interpret laws and advise clients about changes in the law that may affect their plans
• Handle legal aspects of retirement and related issues
• Coordinate with medical professionals, psychologists, and other relevant experts for cases
• Advise on and execute powers of attorney and forms of guardianship
• Assist with probate proceedings and the administration of estates
• Advocate for elder rights, abuse, neglect, and fraud cases
• Mediate family disputes and advise on family law matters when necessary
• Stay updated on regulations and legislation that affect the elderly

 

Elder Law Attorney Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a skilled Elder Law Attorney to join our legal team.

The Elder Law Attorney will specialize in matters related to older or disabled people, including issues related to health care, long term care planning, guardianship, retirement, Social Security, Medicare/Medicaid, and other important matters.

Our ideal candidate has a strong understanding of the legal and personal issues that affect our aging population and has a proven track record of protecting the rights and interests of older or disabled people.

 

Responsibilities

• Provide legal counsel and advice to older or disabled clients on relevant legal issues, particularly related to estate planning and elder law
• Prepare and draft legal documents, including wills, trusts, and powers of attorney
• Represent clients in court or before government agencies
• Manage and resolve complex elder law matters
• Communicate with clients, court personnel, and other professionals in a courteous and professional manner
• Stay current with the latest developments and changes in elder law
• Adhere to legal and ethical standards as established by the state bar association

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as an Elder Law Attorney
• J.D. degree from an accredited law school and a license to practice law in the state
• Strong understanding of laws related to elder care, estate planning, probate, and guardianship
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and research skills
• Ability to handle sensitive matters with tact and discretion
• Strong ethics and a high level of personal and professional integrity

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Continuing education opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Elder Law Attorney
• Work Environment: Office setting. Some travel may be required for court appearances or client meetings.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Senior Partner or Managing Attorney.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: Depending on experience and location
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does an Elder Law Attorney Do?

Elder Law Attorneys primarily focus on providing legal assistance to senior citizens and their families.

They help clients understand and navigate the complicated laws and regulations related to aging.

This includes areas such as retirement planning, estate planning, Medicare and Medicaid, nursing home costs, and issues related to guardianship.

Elder Law Attorneys provide advice and advocacy on a wide range of issues affecting older adults, such as long-term care planning, healthcare, social security, and retirement benefits.

They also assist with drafting and reviewing legal documents like wills, trusts, and power of attorney.

They also may handle disputes involving elder abuse, neglect, and fraud.

Some Elder Law Attorneys also aid in setting up guardianships, conservatorships, or help in finding suitable housing, home care providers, or nursing homes for their clients.

They work closely with their clients and their clients’ families to ensure their rights are protected and their wishes are respected.

 

Elder Law Attorney Qualifications and Skills

Elder Law Attorneys need a combination of legal expertise, interpersonal skills, and understanding of elderly issues.

Here are some of the necessary skills and qualifications for the role:

• A Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school and passing the bar examination in the state they wish to practice.
• Expert knowledge in areas of law that impact older adults, such as estate planning, Medicare/Medicaid, elder abuse and fraud recovery, and guardianship cases.
• Strong research skills to stay updated on the latest laws, case precedents, and regulations related to elder law.
• Excellent communication skills to explain complex legal concepts to clients and their families, and to negotiate effectively with other parties.
• Interpersonal and empathy skills to understand and address the unique needs and challenges of older adults.
• Problem-solving skills to devise legal strategies that serve the best interests of the clients.
• Detail-oriented to ensure all paperwork, contracts, wills, and other legal documents are correctly drafted and filed.
• Patience and persistence, as cases may take a long time to resolve.

 

Elder Law Attorney Experience Requirements

To become an Elder Law Attorney, a person must first obtain a Juris Doctorate (JD) degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association.

They must then pass their state’s bar examination to gain licensure to practice law.

Elder law is a specialized field, so it’s beneficial for an attorney to have experience in areas such as estate planning, social security, retirement, long-term healthcare, and guardianship.

This experience can be gained by working in related legal fields or through internships while still in law school.

Many states offer certification in elder law that requires a lawyer to have practiced in the field for a certain number of years, typically three to five.

The certification process also usually involves a peer review and passing an examination.

Mid-level to senior Elder Law Attorneys may have a minimum of 5 to 7 years of experience.

This experience often includes handling complex elder law cases, estate planning, and possibly managing a legal team or running a private practice.

Attorneys with more than 10 years of experience in elder law may be ready to take on senior partner roles in law firms, or offer their expertise as consultants in other fields such as healthcare or social work.

 

Elder Law Attorney Education and Training Requirements

Becoming an Elder Law Attorney requires a considerable amount of education and training.

The first step is to earn a bachelor’s degree in any discipline, although fields such as political science, history, or philosophy may provide a good foundation for legal studies.

Following this, prospective Elder Law Attorneys need to attend law school to earn a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree.

This typically involves three years of study, during which students learn about all areas of law.

However, they can choose to specialize in elder law by taking related courses, participating in relevant internships, and conducting research in this area.

After graduation, individuals must pass the bar exam in the state where they plan to practice.

The bar exam is a challenging test that evaluates knowledge of the law and its application.

Once they have passed the bar exam, attorneys can begin practicing law.

However, to specialize in elder law, they might need to gain experience in areas such as estate planning, social security, long-term care planning, and other issues affecting seniors.

In addition, Elder Law Attorneys may choose to earn certification from the National Elder Law Foundation (NELF).

This certification demonstrates a high level of competence in elder law and can increase an attorney’s credibility and job prospects.

Finally, Elder Law Attorneys need to participate in continuing education to stay up-to-date with changes in laws and policies affecting the elderly.

This might involve attending workshops, seminars, or courses focused on elder law.

 

Elder Law Attorney Salary Expectations

An Elder Law Attorney can expect to earn an average salary of $98,930 (USD) per year.

The actual earnings can differ greatly based on the lawyer’s experience, specializations, location, and the size and prestige of the law firm.

 

Elder Law Attorney Job Description FAQs

What skills does an Elder Law Attorney need?

Elder Law Attorneys need a deep understanding of the laws related to seniors and their unique needs.

They must have excellent communication skills to convey complex legal terminologies in layman’s terms, great empathy to understand the needs of their senior clients, and problem-solving skills to develop the best possible strategies.

They also require research skills and the ability to stay updated with changes in elder law.

 

Do Elder Law Attorneys need a special degree?

To become an Elder Law Attorney, one must have a law degree from an accredited law school and pass the bar exam.

Though not required, a certification in elder law from an accredited organization such as the National Elder Law Foundation can help demonstrate expertise in this specialized field.

 

What should you look for in an Elder Law Attorney resume?

An Elder Law Attorney’s resume should demonstrate their law degree, state bar certification, and any additional certifications in elder law.

It should also highlight their experience dealing with issues relevant to the elderly, such as estate planning, long-term care planning, and guardianship.

Any history of advocacy for elderly rights, public speaking engagements, or published articles on elder law topics would be an advantage.

 

What qualities make a good Elder Law Attorney?

A good Elder Law Attorney has a deep understanding of the legal issues that affect the elderly.

They are empathetic, patient, and have strong communication skills to explain complex legal issues in a way their clients can understand.

They are also diligent, detail-oriented, and proactive in handling cases to ensure their clients’ best interests are protected.

 

Is it difficult to hire Elder Law Attorneys?

Hiring an Elder Law Attorney can be challenging due to the specialization required for the role.

A suitable candidate must have a firm grasp of elder law, a high level of empathy, and a genuine interest in advocating for the elderly population.

The demand for Elder Law Attorneys is growing due to an aging population, so finding a skilled and committed professional may require a comprehensive hiring strategy.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve illuminated the integral role of an elder law attorney.

And guess what?

It’s not just about understanding the law.

It’s about navigating the complexities of aging, one legal decision at a time.

With our comprehensive elder law attorney job description template and authentic examples, you’re primed to make your move.

But why stop there?

Explore further with our job description generator. It’s your ideal tool for crafting precise job listings or polishing your resume to brilliance.

Remember:

Every legal decision plays a crucial role in shaping the future of our elders.

Let’s advocate for that future. Together.

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