The National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, Inc. (NAELA) is a professional association of over 4,200 attorneys who are dedicated to improving the quality of legal services provided to seniors and people with special needs. NAELA members assist their clients with public benefits, probate and estate planning, guardianship/conservatorship, and health and long-term care planning, among other important issues.

The NAELA membership is comprised of attorneys in the private and public sectors, as well as judges, professors of law, and students. Our membership directory is available online and is also published (in print) annually.

NAELA was founded in 1987 as a professional association of attorneys who are dedicated to improving the quality of legal services provided to people as they age and people with special needs.

The focus of the Academy is to provide members continuing legal education programs on a broad range of Elder Law topics. Face-to-face meetings and workshops facilitate networking and professional growth opportunities for like-minded attorneys practicing throughout the country. Virtual and archived seminars offer convenient educational opportunities for members, while simultaneously providing specialized education needed to strengthen practice skills.

The Academy seeks to provide support to other organizations serving people as they age and people with disabilities. NAELA also examines and advocates on public policy issues facing seniors and people with special needs, but does not provide direct legal services

State-focused
Members are eligible to join any of NAELA’s 31 state chapters. Membership in a state chapter provides a great opportunity to become involved in the practice of Elder Law at the grassroots level. State chapters offer professional growth experiences at the local level such as continuing legal education meetings, conferences, networking events and newsletters. The chapters actively keep members abreast of the latest developments in Elder Law in their states.

Advocacy on important public policy issues
The Academy seeks to provide support to other organizations serving seniors and people with disabilities. NAELA also advocates on public policy issues facing seniors and people with special needs, but does not provide direct legal services to the public.

For additional information, please refer to the NAELA consumer resources page HERE