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The National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, Inc. (NAELA) is a non-profit professional association of attorneys in the United States dedicated to improving the quality of legal services provided to the elderly and people with disabilities. NAELA focuses on elder law and special needs law, providing resources and advocacy for its members to better serve older clients and those with disabilities.
History
editThe National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) was established in October 1987 in San Francisco by a group of attorneys with a shared interest in addressing the legal needs of older adults and individuals with disabilities. With a focus on elder law and special needs law, NAELA became a professional network dedicated to advancing the quality of legal services in these areas. By 1989, NAELA had grown to more than 500 members and held its first national symposium in Tucson, Arizona, which provided an opportunity for attorneys to exchange ideas and enhance the practice of elder law. In 1991, NAELA introduced the Advanced Elder Law Institute in San Antonio, Texas.
To support state-specific legal concerns, NAELA began establishing state chapters in 1992, strengthening its presence at both national and regional levels. NAELA now includes 31 state chapters and more than 3,800 members actively engaged in education and advocacy within the elder law community. In the same year, NAELA contributed to the professionalization of elder law by supporting the founding of the National Elder Law Foundation (NELF). NELF introduced the Certified Elder Law Attorney (CELA) certification, which the American Bar Association approved in 1994 as a recognized credential in elder law.
As technology advanced, NAELA launched its first member listserv in 1995 and website in 1997 to facilitate communication and access to resources for attorneys nationwide. In 2003, NAELA expanded its mission to include special needs law, reflecting its commitment to serving individuals with disabilities. In 2004, NAELA established the Senior Rights Political Action Committee (SR-PAC) to support advocacy for elder and special needs law on Capitol Hill. SR-PAC has enabled NAELA to actively participate in legislative discussions on healthcare policy, Medicare, Medicaid, and other relevant topics. In 2009, NAELA moved its headquarters to Washington, D.C.
NAELA launched the NAELA Foundation in 2012 on the organization’s 25th anniversary. The Foundation promotes elder law and special needs law through scholarships, advocacy, research, and education. Today, NAELA has over 4,500 members, continuing to provide resources, education, and professional support to attorneys specializing in elder and special needs law across the United States.
Advocacy and Chapters
editAs an advocacy organization, NAELA actively lobbies for laws and policies that support and protect seniors and individuals with disabilities. NAELA members engage in direct lobbying efforts on Capitol Hill and file amicus curiae briefs in significant legal cases impacting elder and special needs law. The Senior Rights PAC further supports these efforts by funding political advocacy initiatives.
NAELA has both national and state-level chapters, allowing members to engage with local issues while benefiting from the resources of a national organization. The largest state chapter is the Academy of Florida Elder Law Attorneys (AFELA), which focuses on elder law issues specific to Florida.