Elder Law Specialist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In an era of increasing longevity, the need for Elder Law Specialists has never been more significant.

As our population ages, the demand for professionals who can navigate, interpret, and protect the rights and interests of older adults is escalating.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from an Elder Law Specialist?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply intrigued by the intricacies of elder law,

You’ve come to the right place.

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

Let’s dive right in.

Elder Law Specialist Duties and Responsibilities

Elder Law Specialists provide legal advice and services to older adults and their families, focusing on issues related to healthcare, long-term care planning, guardianship, retirement, Social Security, and more.

Their main duties and responsibilities include:

• Provide advice on legal matters concerning older adults, such as elder abuse, neglect, or fraud
• Assist with estate planning, wills, trusts, and probate procedures
• Consult with clients regarding long-term care planning including nursing home rights, Medicaid, and health insurance
• Handle legal matters related to retirement, including social security and pension benefits
• Advocate for the rights and welfare of older adults in different circumstances, such as in nursing homes or other long-term care facilities
• Provide representation in court for guardianship proceedings and other legal matters
• Work with medical professionals to create a comprehensive care plan for clients
• Stay updated with changes in laws and regulations affecting older adults
• Educate clients and their families about their legal rights and options

 

Elder Law Specialist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are searching for a dedicated and experienced Elder Law Specialist to join our team.

Your primary role will involve providing legal advice and services related to issues affecting the aging population, including estate planning, wills and trusts, health care, long-term care planning, guardianship, retirement, and social security.

Our ideal candidate is compassionate, detail-oriented, and has a deep understanding of elder law and relevant legislation.

You should be able to effectively communicate complex legal principles and concepts to clients in an understandable manner.

 

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice to elderly clients and their families
• Prepare and execute legal documents such as wills, trusts, estate plans, and power of attorney
• Advise clients on their rights and obligations under the law
• Represent clients in court hearings and disputes
• Stay updated with the latest laws and legislation related to elder care
• Conduct research to support legal proceedings
• Provide guidance on issues related to Medicaid, Medicare, and social security benefits
• Plan and present educational seminars and workshops on elder law topics

 

Qualifications

• JD degree from an accredited law school
• Proven work experience as an Elder Law Specialist or similar role
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Valid state license to practice law
• Strong research and analytical skills
• Experience with elder law issues, including estate planning, wills, trusts, guardianship, etc.
• Compassionate and understanding of the unique needs of elderly clients

 

Benefits

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

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Elder Law Specialist
• Work Environment: Office setting, court appearances, and occasional visits to clients’ homes or healthcare facilities. Some travel may be required.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Lead Attorney or Practice Manager.
• Salary: Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $80,000 minimum to $150,000 maximum
• 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, a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience, and a copy of your current state law license to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does an Elder Law Specialist Do?

An Elder Law Specialist is a legal professional who focuses on laws and issues related to elderly people.

They work on a variety of legal matters affecting an older or disabled person, including issues related to health care, long term care planning, guardianship, retirement, Social Security, Medicare/Medicaid, and other important matters.

Elder Law Specialists often assist their clients in planning for possible future health care needs, including setting up a power of attorney, living will, and planning for long-term care requirements.

They also deal with matters of estate planning, helping their clients to compose a will, establish a trust, or execute an estate plan, ensuring the protection of the client’s assets and the security of their heirs.

These specialists often work as advocates for the elderly, fighting against elder abuse and neglect, and providing legal support to victims of such instances.

They may also provide legal counseling to families of the elderly, helping them understand the complex legalities of caregiving and the rights of their elderly loved ones.

Their role requires a great deal of empathy, understanding, and patience, as they often deal with clients who are in vulnerable and stressful situations.

 

Elder Law Specialist Qualifications and Skills

An Elder Law Specialist should have the skills and qualifications that align with your job description, such as:

• Strong knowledge of elder law, including issues relating to estate planning, long-term care, healthcare, and social security.
• Excellent communication skills to discuss sensitive matters with elderly clients and their families, explaining complex legal terminologies in a simple and understandable manner.
• Empathy and patience to understand and handle concerns of elderly clients, often dealing with emotionally charged matters such as end-of-life planning and potential incapacity.
• Problem-solving abilities to navigate complex legal issues, finding solutions that best serve the interests of the client.
• Research skills to stay up-to-date with changing regulations and laws regarding elder care and protection.
• Negotiation skills, as elder law often involves working with various institutions and agencies to ensure the rights of elderly clients are protected.
• Ethical judgment and integrity to handle sensitive personal information and matters in a confidential and professional manner.
• A Juris Doctor (JD) degree and preferably a certification in elder law from a recognized institution.
• Experience in elder law practice, indicating a proven ability to handle and manage a variety of elder law cases.

 

Elder Law Specialist Experience Requirements

Elder Law Specialists generally must possess a Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school and have passed a state’s bar examination.

This involves several years of intensive study and application of law theory and practice, including internships or clerkships at law firms specializing in elder law.

Entry-level candidates may have 1 to 2 years of experience in practicing law, often gained through working as an associate at a law firm or in a legal aid setting.

These professionals can also gain on-the-job experience by working on cases related to elder law, such as estate planning, Medicare issues, or elder abuse.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience often deepen their understanding of elder law by working on a broad range of cases involving senior citizens.

They may also have gained valuable experience in negotiating settlements, preparing legal documents, and litigating in court.

Those with more than 5 years of experience may have developed a specialty within the field of elder law, such as guardianship disputes or long-term care planning.

They may have also gained some leadership experience in their background and could be ready for a senior or partner position within a law firm.

In addition to these experience levels, Elder Law Specialists may be certified by the National Elder Law Foundation (NELF).

This certification requires a minimum of five years of law practice, with at least half of that time specifically in the area of elder law.

Additionally, candidates for certification must have handled a certain number of elder law matters and have undergone peer review.

 

Elder Law Specialist Education and Training Requirements

Elder Law Specialists typically possess a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.

Admission into law school usually requires a bachelor’s degree, though the major can vary.

Law school curriculum typically covers a wide range of legal topics, but students with the goal of specializing in elder law might focus on topics like estate planning, Medicare, Medicaid, and social security laws, elder abuse and fraud recovery, disability, and age discrimination.

After earning a J.D., students must pass their state’s Bar Examination to become licensed attorneys.

Some states offer a specific certification for elder law.

The National Elder Law Foundation provides a certification program that is recognized by the American Bar Association.

This certification requires a license to practice law, significant involvement in elder law, completion of continuing legal education, peer references, and passing a certification examination.

Continuing legal education (CLE) courses in elder law are important as the field often changes due to revisions and updates in government policies.

Elder Law Specialists must stay updated on legal issues and changes that affect the elderly population.

In addition to these educational and licensing requirements, Elder Law Specialists must have strong communication and interpersonal skills to work with elderly clients and their families.

They may also benefit from understanding medical terminology and issues that commonly affect older people.

 

Elder Law Specialist Salary Expectations

An Elder Law Specialist earns an average salary of $95,000 (USD) per year.

This salary can vary depending on the professional’s level of experience, education, geographical location, and the complexity of the elder law cases they handle.

 

Elder Law Specialist Job Description FAQs

What skills does an Elder Law Specialist need?

Elder Law Specialists should possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills, as they will be interacting with elderly clients and their families.

They need to have empathy and patience, as well as strong legal knowledge, particularly in areas of estate planning, Medicare, social security, and elder abuse.

They should also be organized and have problem-solving skills, as they will often need to navigate complex legal issues for their clients.

 

Do Elder Law Specialists need a degree?

Yes, Elder Law Specialists need a law degree (J.D.) from an accredited law school.

After graduation, they need to pass the bar examination in the state where they wish to practice.

Some may also choose to pursue a Master of Laws (LL.M) degree in elder law or a similar specialty.

 

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

In addition to ensuring the candidate has a law degree and has passed the bar examination, check for experience in elder law or related fields.

Look for any additional certifications or training in elder law, such as a certification from the National Elder Law Foundation.

Previous experience working with elderly clients or in environments like nursing homes or hospitals can also be beneficial.

 

What qualities make a good Elder Law Specialist?

A good Elder Law Specialist is someone who is patient, empathetic, and has a genuine interest in assisting the elderly.

They should have a strong understanding of the legal issues that affect the elderly population and be able to explain these in a way that is easily understood by their clients.

They should also be proactive in staying up-to-date with changes in the law that may affect their clients.

 

Is it difficult to hire an Elder Law Specialist?

Hiring an Elder Law Specialist can be challenging due to the specific knowledge and skills required for this role.

It’s important to find a candidate with a solid background in law, specifically elder law, and a deep understanding of the unique needs and concerns of the elderly population.

This may limit the pool of qualified candidates, making the hiring process more challenging.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve delved into the intricate role of an Elder Law Specialist.

Surprised?

It’s not merely about knowing the law.

It’s about safeguarding the rights and interests of the elderly, one case at a time.

With our comprehensive Elder Law Specialist job description template and practical examples, you’re ready to make your next career move.

But why not delve deeper?

Explore our job description generator. It’s your next step towards meticulously tailored job listings or perfecting your resume.

Remember:

Each case you handle is a part of a larger mission.

Let’s champion the cause of our elders. Together.

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