The National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) and Stetson University College of Law have entered into an agreement to collaborate on the Stetson Law Dispute Resolution Board’s inaugural Elder Law Competition, scheduled for October 24–25, 2026, at Stetson University College of Law in Gulfport, Florida. The competition will be held immediately following Stetson’s National Conference on Special Needs Planning and Special Needs Trusts.
The collaboration is designed to advance law student education in elder law, promote awareness of elder law practice, and support a realistic competition experience focused on issues affecting older adults. NAELA will work to encourage participation from its volunteer leaders and members, invite members to serve as judges, and establish a focus group of attorneys to review and provide feedback on the competition fact pattern.
“This collaboration reflects NAELA’s broader commitment to promoting elder and special needs law in law schools and developing a strong pipeline for future professionals,” said Alexander T. Graham, Chief Executive Officer of NAELA. “By supporting opportunities like Stetson’s Elder Law Competition, we can help introduce students to the meaningful, complex, and growing field of elder and special needs law.”
Stetson University College of Law and its Dispute Resolution Board will lead the planning, administration, and operation of the competition, including logistics, student and volunteer coordination, scheduling, competition materials, and communications with participating law schools.
Through this effort, NAELA and Stetson aim to create an educational experience that deepens student understanding of elder law and highlights the important role attorneys play in serving older adults and individuals with disabilities.
For more information on the competition, contact Sy-Woei Hao, Practitioner in Residence and Assistant Director, Dispute Resolution, Stetson University College of Law, [email protected].