Why Us
Our firm boasts a distinguished team of legal and financial experts led by our Founding Attorney, Stephen Spano. Stephen holds the prestigious distinction of being one of only three Massachusetts attorney members of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys’ Council of Advanced Practitioners. Additionally, he and Attorney Andrea Witt are among the exclusive group of 29 Massachusetts attorneys certified as Board-Certified Elder Law Attorneys (CELAs) by the National Elder Law Foundation.
Comprising attorneys Stephen Spano, Francine Dawicki, Andrea Witt, and Christine Hurley, along with a diverse team of expert staff, we bring a wealth of experience and compassion to our clients’ legal needs. Our collaborative approach ensures comprehensive protection of our clients’ rights and interests. With backgrounds in various disciplines, including paralegal work, legal assistance, and life care expertise, our team is dedicated to alleviating your stress and efficiently resolving any issues you and your family may encounter.
As members of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys and the Life Care Planning Law Firms Association, our attorneys are equipped with the latest knowledge and techniques to serve our clients effectively. Moreover, our team is certified by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to assist veterans with benefit applications. With a shared commitment to quality service and client advocacy, each member of our firm is prepared to represent you and your family with skill and dedication.
We have a proven track record of working closely with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and its courts on various legal matters, including probate, guardianship, conservatorship, MassHealth applications, estate planning, and trust administration. Continuously updating our skills through ongoing education and participation in national and state conferences, our team remains at the forefront of legal expertise to better serve you and your family.
Why You Want a Board-Certified Elder Law Attorney
When it comes to elder law, estate planning, and probate-related matters, it’s important to recognize that not all attorneys are created equal. When facing family crises or navigating the complexities of elder law, having the right legal support is paramount. According to AARP, board-certified Elder Law Attorneys (CELAs) are considered the pinnacle of expertise in this field.
Certification through the National Elder Law Foundation (NELF) sets these attorneys apart, ensuring they possess advanced knowledge, skills, experience, and ethical standards necessary to handle sensitive cases involving mature individuals, persons with special needs, and their families. In Massachusetts, where the demand for such expertise is high, there are only 29 CELAs.
Becoming a CELA involves a rigorous process: a minimum of five years’ practice with a primary focus on elder and special needs law, a significant number of cases across various categories in this field, and passing a comprehensive written exam with a historically low pass rate. Additionally, candidates undergo peer reviews assessing their competence and ethical conduct in representing elder and special needs clients.
