Program Overview

In the Elder Law Clinic (ELC), interns represent clients and often their families, grappling with a variety of legal issues and problems related to aging and incapacity. We work primarily in the areas of adult guardianships, estate and incapacity planning, and government benefits. Interns examine the theory, doctrine and practice of elder law, and develop the skills necessary to provide high quality representation focused on understanding and responding to the client’s goals and wishes. Legal interns appear in court on adult guardianship and estate administration cases, develop expertise in planning and drafting, and work with community groups on legal education and advocacy activities related to law and aging issues.

Highlights of the Elder Law Clinic

• Serving as Court Evaluator and representing parties in Adult Guardianship proceedings in Supreme Court
  
  
• Representing clients by drafting wills, trusts, and advance directives
  
  
• Counseling clients about government benefits, including Medicaid, Medicare and Social Security
  
  
• Representing clients in Surrogate’s Court proceedings involving probate of wills and administration of estates
  
  
• Working together in a supportive and challenging atmosphere focused on creating a positive learning experience for each intern and developing the necessary legal skills and knowledge to enter practice