Established in 1987, the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, Inc. (NAELA) is a non-profit association that assists lawyers, bar organizations and others who work with older clients and their families. The NAELA membership is comprised of attorneys in the private and public sectors who deal with legal issues affecting the elderly and disabled. Members also include judges, professors of law, and students. The mission of the NAELA is to establish NAELA members as the premier providers of legal advocacy, guidance and services to enhance the lives of people with special needs as they age. NAELA's vision is to be the recognized leader inspiring and empowering attorneys to enhance the quality of life for the elderly.
The Academy provides a resource of information, education, networking and assistance to those who deal with the many specialized issues involved with legal services to the elderly and people with special needs. The primary focus of the Academy is education. The Academy sponsors continuing legal education programs on elder law for attorneys throughout the year, and provides publications and educational materials to its members on a wide range of elder law topics.
Some of the issues NAELA members assist their clients with include, but are not limited to: public benefits, probate and estate planning, guardianship/conservatorship, and health and long-term care planning.