Elder Law & Special Needs Section

Awards

Scholarships

Honorable Joel K. Asarch Elder Law and Special Needs Section Scholarship

The Elder Law and Special Needs Section encourages law students, through an elder law clinic experience, to learn about important legislative developments, regulations, and case laws impacting the elderly and disabled and to provide representation to those clients struggling with a variety of legal issues and problems related to aging and incapacity.

Through the scholarship, the Section aspires to advance opportunities for the disabled by implementing a preference for awarding the scholarship to a student who demonstrates a present and permanent physical or mental disability that substantially limits one or more of the major life activities of the individual.

The ultimate goal of the scholarship is to create a network and cultivate relationships among lawyers whose practice focuses on elder law and special needs planning and law students planning to practice in these areas to encourage the practice of elder law and special needs planning among lawyers throughout the State of New York.

Mentor Program

Elder Law and Special Needs Section Offers Opportunities for Mentoring

The Elder Law and Special Needs Section is pleased to announce it is accepting applications for the 2020 mentorship program. As in prior years, this program will pair an experienced elder law attorney with a Section member new to the practice of elder law for the coming year.  The term is for one year, commencing April 30, 2020 and ending May 1, 2021.  The mentoring program will provide

• A one-on-one mentoring initiative matching experienced Elder Law and Special Needs attorneys with those who are newer to the practice; and

• Opportunities to work together on section programs, reports and events that will enhance careers and the profession.

The mentoring relationships will incorporate a number of different elements, encompassing a mix of formal and more “ad hoc” opportunities for mentors and mentees to collaborate.  Section Committee Chairs are poised to welcome mentor/mentee pairs to work together on committee projects, reports, events, etc.  As for ad hoc opportunities, we look forward to seeing what pairs come up with, and to learning from one another.  We plan that there will be at least one communication per month, whether in person, by telephone or email, to keep continuity and maximize the value to the participants.

TO BE A MENTEE:

1. You must be practicing elder law for 5 years or fewer;
2. You must be a member in good standing of the Elder Law and Special Needs Section of NYSBA; and
3. You must attend at least 2 Section meetings.

We are hoping to make 21 matches this year:

7 matches for Mentees living or practicing in the 1st, 2nd, 12th and 13th Judicial Districts.
7 matches for Mentees living or practicing in the 9th, 10th and 11th Judicial Districts.
7 matches for Mentees living or practicing in the 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th Judicial Districts.

While we are hoping to accommodate as many pairings as possible, in the event we receive more requests for Mentees than we have available Mentors, selection of Mentees will be made randomly.

If you are interested in applying to be a Mentor or Mentee, please fill out the appropriate form below and email to JulieAnn Calereso (julieshevylaw@gmail.com).

We look forward to making this a rewarding experience for both Mentors and Mentees!

• Prospective Mentor Application
• Prospective Mentee Application
• Guide to the Section
• Guidelines