According to the wrongful death complaint, Carle suffered severe neglect during her time at the facility, including multiple preventable falls and inadequate supervision. The lawsuit alleged that staff failed to properly monitor residents with dementia and high fall risks, failed to implement appropriate fall prevention measures or provide sufficient assistance with daily living activities, and delayed obtaining emergency medical care as Carle’s health deteriorated.

“While no award can undo their loss, we are honored to have stood with Lily’s family as they fought for accountability after an unimaginable loss. Our clients sought accountability for a death they believe could have been prevented with proper care and attention,” said Spencer Payne, Esq., founding partner of Moore Payne Law and lead counsel on the case. “What is especially troubling is that the evidence showed Lily’s case was not an isolated failure. This facility had prior warning signs involving the safety of memory care residents, yet the same types of preventable lapses continued, and inadequate insurance coverage at facilities like this is a pattern that raises serious questions about accountability.”

The case comes amid broader scrutiny of safety practices and staffing challenges within assisted living and memory care facilities in Florida and across the U.S. The Waverly recently faced public attention following separate reported incidents involving memory care residents, including the death of an 83-year-old dementia patient who allegedly wandered undetected from his room and was found dead in the facility’s walk-in freezer. These tragedies highlight a pattern of severe lapses in resident supervision, safety protocols, and accountability at The Waverly and other long-term care facilities. 

Both attorneys Payne and founding partner Geoff Moore, Esq. are passionate advocates for systemic change in nursing home reform and are active in state government efforts to expand the rights of nursing home residents. The firm motto, “Big Injuries, Big Justice, Bigger Purpose,” drives Moore Payne Law’s mission to effect change both through results for their clients and accountability of big businesses and insurance companies.

Moore Payne Law is currently accepting new clients and offers free consultations to help individuals understand their rights and legal options. For more information or to schedule a consultation, please visit moorepaynelaw.com or call 407-216-1000.

CASE INFORMATION

Sixth Judicial District – Pasco County, FL
The Estate of Lily Carle, by and through Stephanie Baerkland, Personal Representative, V. Wellness Center of Trinity, LLC d/b/a The Waverly
Case No. 2025-CA-000530

The annual awards program recognizes the extraordinary talent and achievements within Florida’s legal community, celebrating individuals and teams who have made significant contributions to the industry. The Managing Partner of the Year category honors outstanding leaders who successfully balance their caseloads with the management of their firm’s day-to-day affairs and long-term strategic vision. 

Payne co-founded Moore Payne Law in February 2025 to provide client-focused, personalized representation for Florida’s most complex catastrophic injury, medical malpractice, and institutional negligence cases. Under his leadership, the intentionally low-volume firm saw remarkable growth within its first year of business, multiplying case filings tenfold and tripling its team size. Payne also spearheaded the responsible use of AI-assisted litigation and management tools within the firm to improve trial preparation workflows, regularly counseling other plaintiff lawyers across Florida and nationwide on ethical AI use from intake through trial.

“It’s quite an honor to be recognized alongside such outstanding leaders dedicated to serving Florida’s fast-growing legal landscape,” said Payne. “From day one, my approach has centered around building trust, both with my team and with my clients, by leading with integrity and ensuring attorneys and staff keep our client-focused principle top of mind.”

As a trial attorney, Payne specializes in high-stakes litigation, regularly taking on medical malpractice, nursing home abuse, wrongful death, and catastrophic personal injury cases. Having begun his legal career in insurance defense, he brings a strategic advantage and unique insights to clients facing claims against healthcare facilities and insurance companies. Since dedicating his practice to representing plaintiffs, he has amassed over $65 million in settlements and $18 million in verdicts. 

Beyond the courtroom, Payne and founding partner Geoff Moore, Esq. are active advocates for systemic change in nursing home reform, working with the state government to expand the rights of nursing home residents. Their motto, “Big Injuries, Big Justice, Bigger Purpose,” drives the firm’s mission to secure results for their clients while holding large corporations and insurance companies accountable.

Moore Payne Law is currently accepting new clients and offers free consultations to help individuals understand their rights and legal options. For more information or to schedule a consultation, please visit moorepaynelaw.com or call 407-216-1000.

The event is scheduled for 1 to 2 p.m. at the Unitarian Church of Harrisburg, 1280 Clover Lane. Organized by the church’s group, the session is intended for older adults, family members, and caregivers who are navigating decisions about health care, finances, and long-term support.

Hazen is a Certified Elder Law Attorney who plans to guide attendees through the key documents that can determine who will make decisions and how those decisions will be carried out if a person becomes ill, disabled, or passes away. Among the topics are powers of attorney, health care directives, wills and trusts, along with the practical questions that arise when those documents are put to use.

“In many families, the legal framework is not in place until a crisis exposes the gaps,” Hazen said in advance of the event. “Having clear, well-drafted documents can reduce conflict, help honor a person’s wishes, and make it easier for loved ones to act when time and health are uncertain.”

The May 13th program is sponsored by the Unitarian Church of Harrisburg as part of its broader effort to support congregants and community members through later-life transitions. Organizers say the series reflects a recognition that aging is not only a personal experience but also a civic and legal one, shaped by policies, courts, and planning decisions made years in advance.

The program, “Speaking Early: Easing Tough Medical Choices Through Family Dialogue,” will take place from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Kesher Israel Congregation, 3200 N. Third St. in Harrisburg. The event is sponsored by Kesher Israel Congregation and will feature Rabbi Jason Weiner, Executive Director of the Spiritual Care Department at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, along with a panel of local practitioners who work with families facing serious illness.

The discussion is expected to range from the practical — such as health care powers of attorney and living wills — to the emotional and spiritual dimensions of end-of-life and crisis care. Organizers say the goal is to give attendees tools to begin conversations long before a crisis arrives.

“By the time families are in an intensive care unit, it is often too late to ask what a loved one would have wanted,” Hazen said. “Thoughtful planning and open dialogue can reduce conflict, provide clarity, and allow medical decisions to reflect a person’s values as closely as possible.”

Hazen, a certified elder law attorney based in Harrisburg, regularly advises individuals and families on issues such as long-term care planning, capacity, guardianship, and surrogate decision-making. She said legal documents are only one piece of a broader process that requires ongoing communication in families.

The program is open to the public, and attendees will have an opportunity to ask questions following the panel discussion. Hazen said she views the event as part of a broader effort in central Pennsylvania to normalize conversations about illness and mortality.

As Vice Chair, she will assist in organizing the committee’s activities, contributing to educational programs and helping to coordinate input on legislative and regulatory initiatives affecting the agricultural sector.

The Agricultural Law Committee examines legal issues affecting rural and agricultural communities across Pennsylvania. The committee reviews questions and problems farmers and agricultural businesses face and tracks legislative and regulatory proposals. In her role on the committee, Straub is expected to continue contributing to discussions on how state and federal law affects farm families, agribusiness operations and the broader rural economy.

Straub is looking forward to the opportunity to continue contributing to those efforts as Vice-Chair. Straub’s law practice at Hazen Law Group centers on representing clients in the agricultural sector, particularly in succession and farm transfer planning. She advises farm families and agribusiness owners on long-term ownership and management transitions, with attention to preserving both the viability of the enterprise and the interests of family members who may or may not be directly involved in farming.

Slowik Estate Planning focuses on helping individuals and families organize their affairs in anticipation of life changes, incapacity, and the transfer of assets to the next generation. It will continue to serve both current and new clients from its new headquarters, offering legal guidance for estate planning, elder law, wills and trusts, asset protection, and probate and trust administration.

The move places the firm closer to a growing corridor of professional services and medical offices along the Glenridge Connector, an area that has seen an influx of families and retirees in recent years. The new location is intended to offer greater convenience to existing clients while accommodating the steady increase in inquiries about wills, trusts, and long-term care planning.

The Sandy Springs-based firm is led by attorney Jake Slowik, a Harvard Law School graduate with more than a decade of experience in estate planning and related matters. The firm’s approach is grounded in careful documentation and in communicating options in plain language, particularly for older adults and families navigating complex financial and medical decisions.

To learn more about the firm, visit https://slowikestateplanning.com/.

Estate planning attorney Jake Slowik said many Atlanta families assume that placing assets in a trust automatically shelters income from taxation or eliminates filing obligations, an assumption that can lead to penalties and interest when returns are missed.

“People are often surprised to learn that, in many cases, trust income is fully taxable and must be reported on a separate federal return,” Slowik said. “If trustees wait until the last minute to sort out whether their trust is a grantor or non-grantor trust, they risk filing late or filing incorrectly.”

For tax purposes, revocable living trusts are commonly treated as grantor trusts. In those cases, all income is reported on the grantor’s personal Form 1040, and the trust does not file its own federal income tax return while the grantor is alive and in control.

By contrast, non-grantor trusts are separate taxpayers. They generally must file Form 1041 if they have any taxable income or at least $600 in gross income for the year. The trust pays income tax on amounts it retains, while income distributed to beneficiaries is deducted by the trust and reported to beneficiaries on Schedule K‑1.

“The federal income tax brackets for trusts are compressed,” Slowik said. “In 2026, a non-grantor trust can reach the top 37 percent bracket after only about $16,000 of taxable income, compared with more than $640,000 for an individual. That gap makes it critical to know whether income is being taxed at the trust level or to beneficiaries.”

Georgia’s rules add another layer. Trusts with a Georgia connection generally face the state’s flat income tax rate on their taxable income in 2026, whether they earn $5,000 or $500,000. Trustees must account for both federal and state rules when determining whether and how to file.

The filing deadline for calendar-year trusts typically matches the April 15 individual deadline. Trusts that expect to owe at least $1,000 in federal tax after credits may also be required to make quarterly estimated payments, a requirement that some individual trustees overlook until they receive IRS notices.

Slowik noted that irrevocable trusts raise additional planning questions. Under IRS guidance issued in 2023, assets transferred as completed gifts to certain irrevocable trusts may not receive a step-up in basis at the grantor’s death if they are excluded from the taxable estate, potentially increasing capital gains taxes when those assets are sold.

“Trusts are powerful tools, but they do not operate outside the tax system,” Slowik said. “As April 15 approaches, trustees should confirm how their trusts are classified, whether income has been distributed properly, and whether all required Forms 1041 and K‑1 will be filed on time.”

Slowik added that reviewing the trust document, recent account statements and prior-year tax returns together can help trustees and families avoid last-minute confusion and reduce the risk of costly filing mistakes as the deadline nears.

Trapp joins from a distinguished medical malpractice defense firm, bringing extensive experience representing clients in comprehensive medical malpractice actions, as well as and personal injury cases. At Moore Payne, Trapp will provide valuable insight to injured individuals and families seeking accountability. Trapp earned his B.A. in business management from Barry University and his J.D. from Florida A&M University College of Law where he was a member of the Mock Trial Team, co-founder of the Student Animal Legal Defense Fund, and a judicial clerk in the Ninth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida.

“After years in medical malpractice and other complex litigation, I’ve seen firsthand how devastating these cases can be to families,” said Trapp. “I look forward to working alongside Geoff, Spencer, and the entire Moore Payne team, knowing that together we can do a lot of good for our clients.”

In addition to his litigation practice, Trapp remains deeply involved in the Central Florida community. Since 2016, he has served as a Volunteer Guardian Ad Litem through the Legal Aid Society of the Orange County Bar Association, advocating on behalf of children in the dependency system. His pro bono service earned him the society’s Pro Bono Award of Excellence, along with prior recognition for his volunteer work. As a lifelong athlete, Trapp also dedicates time coaching and training youth basketball players at a regional YMCA and with TnT Elite Hoops.

“Zack is a seasoned trial attorney who understands how medical practice cases are built and defended,” said Geoff Moore, Esq., co-founder of Moore Payne Law. “Our clients will benefit from his courtroom experience and commitment to the community, making him a powerful advocate and strong addition to our team.”

For more information about Moore Payne or to request a free consultation, visit moorepaynelaw.com.

The new law eliminates a scheduled reduction that would have cut the exemption roughly in half to approximately $7 million per person in 2026. For married couples who plan together, the combined exemption now stands at $30 million.

“Many families created estate plans specifically designed around the expected 2026 exemption reduction,” said Jake Slowik, estate planning attorney and owner of Slowik Estate Planning. “Now that the rules have changed, those plans may contain provisions that no longer make sense. This is a good time for families to revisit their documents and make sure everything still aligns with their goals.”

Key Provisions of the Act

Under the new law, the federal estate, gift, and generation-skipping transfer (GST) tax exemptions increase to $15 million per taxpayer, with annual inflation adjustments beginning in 2027. The top marginal tax rate for amounts exceeding the exemption remains at 40 percent.

The step-up in basis at death remains intact under the Act. This provision allows heirs to receive inherited assets with a cost basis equal to fair market value at the date of death, which can reduce capital gains taxes when those assets are later sold.

The annual gift tax exclusion—the amount that can be transferred to any individual each year without using lifetime exemption—continues at $19,000 per recipient for 2025 and 2026 under existing inflation adjustment rules.

Implications for Georgia Residents

Georgia does not impose a state-level estate tax or inheritance tax. As a result, Georgia residents are subject only to federal estate taxes, and the higher exemption means fewer families will face federal estate tax liability.

However, estate planning attorneys note that the tax law changes may require families to review existing documents. Plans created in anticipation of the 2026 exemption reduction may contain strategies or formula clauses that no longer serve their intended purpose under the new rules.

Considerations for Existing Estate Plans

According to Slowik Estate Planning, families who implemented aggressive gifting strategies to use their exemption before the anticipated reduction should evaluate whether those transfers still align with their overall financial goals.

Estate plans containing formula clauses, particularly those directing assets to credit shelter trusts or GST trusts based on the exemption amount,may produce unintended results under the higher thresholds. In some cases, these formulas could direct more assets to trusts than intended or result in missed opportunities for basis adjustments at the surviving spouse’s death.

For individuals who previously used most of their lifetime exemption through taxable gifts, the increase to $15 million provides additional exemption capacity for future wealth transfers.

Planning Beyond Tax Considerations

Estate planning addresses matters beyond federal taxes. Proper planning can help families avoid probate costs and delays, establish incapacity protections, minimize potential disputes among beneficiaries, and ensure assets pass according to the individual’s wishes.

Families with estates below the federal threshold may still benefit from reviewing their plans to confirm that documents reflect current circumstances and goals.

The complaint filed in the case alleged the financial elder abuse and isolation of an elderly Los Angeles man with dementia. According to the complaint, the three defendants (a woman unrelated to the victim and her two daughters) allegedly exploited the elderly male victim financially by taking three real properties he owned in Los Angeles and all his life savings. The complaint alleged that the trio squandered the victim’s money on themselves, living lavishly and shopping at high-end stores, and taking trips to Miami, New York City, and Europe, all on the elderly man’s money. According to the allegations in the complaint, while defendants were in Europe spending the victim’s money, the elderly man was found by the police unconscious on the side of a road. He was completely destitute, and had no home to return to, since one defendant had deeded the elderly man’s home to herself, according to the complaint.

The victim, his son, and his granddaughter retained Ingrid Evans and Evans Law Firm, Inc. to bring a financial elder abuse action against the three abusers and recover his property and money. Judge Daniel Juarez held a bench trial at Stanley Most Courthouse in Los Angeles on December 1, 2025 and reached a judgment after trial of $41.865 million against one defendant and $2.65 million against each of her two daughters who were co-defendants. The judgments included twice the value of the property taken from the victim under Probate Code Section 859, $8,000,000 in pain and suffering and emotional distress damages, and $27,000,000 in punitive damages for the defendants’ oppressive, malicious and fraudulent conduct towards the elderly victim.

For press inquiries contact Ingrid Evans at 415-441-8669 or ingrid@evanslaw.com

About Ingrid M. Evans and Evans Law Firm, Inc.

Evans Law Firm, Inc. founded by Ingrid M. Evans, is a plaintiff’s law firm with its principal office in San Francisco. Evans Law Firm, Inc. focuses on financial elder abuse cases in particular ranging from individual cases involving financial abuse of elderly victims by caregivers or others to complex State and national class actions involving financial elder abuse of groups of seniors through sales of unsuitable annuities or life insurance products, misrepresented products or violations of statutory safeguards for seniors.

As a former San Francisco Deputy City Attorney, Ms. Evans brought the first financial elder abuse case on behalf of a 76-year-old man who was being manipulated and stolen from by his 40-year-old “friend.” After leaving the San Francisco City Attorney’s Office, Ms. Evans sought to rectify the problem of “living trust mills” by bringing national attention to, and starting impact litigation against, various trust mills and insurance companies responsible for supporting the concept of living trust mills to increase their sales of deferred annuities. In these cases, she was named as a Finalist for California Consumer Attorney of the Year in 2009 for the case of Buhs v. American International Group where she recovered approximately $5 million in restitution for 750 senior victims that were sold deferred annuities by AIG and its agents, and also named as a Finalist in 2012 and 2015 for Consumer Attorney of the Year for the case of Rand v. American National Insurance Company where she recovered over $9,000,000 for 17,000 senior victims and 2015 in Negrete v. Allianz Life Insurance Company where she and co-counsel represented over 200,000 senior victims. She also recovered an estimated $100 million dollars in compensation for other senior victims against insurance companies in other legal actions.

As a result of her involvement in these national cases, Ms. Evans testified before California senate and congressional committees, the Department of Insurance, and have organized senior victims to testify before a United States Senate subcommittee on issues involving the protection of senior citizens. She has also written legislation to protect seniors that has been enacted into law. The elder abuse cases she has handled appeared on NBC Nightly News, The Today Show, Fox News, San Francisco’s local KRON Channel 4 and KGO Channel 7 stations, the New York Times, San Francisco Chronicle, California Lawyer and the Miami-Herald.

You can read more about the firm and Ingrid’s work on the firm’s website:  https://www.evanslaw.com/bios/ingrid-evans/

CASE INFORMATION

Superior Court of Los Angeles County – Probate Division
In re Durable Power of Attorney of Dock Dean
Case No. 23STPB13044

Somerville, New Jersey – The tragic deaths of Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, and the subsequent arrest of their son Nick have raised numerous legal and financial questions for many people. Among those questions is, can and should Nick, as the accused killer, still receive his inheritance? The short answer is not likely.

Although parricide is rare, it accounts for approximately 2% of homicides in the United States, and of that number, only about a quarter involve the killing of both parents.

While investigators work to piece together evidence in this parricide case, and try to bring the Reiner family justice through the criminal system, important legal and financial questions remain for the three other Reiner children: Jake, Romy, and Tracy (adopted). Rob Reiner, an accomplished Hollywood director, and his wife, Michele, had an estimated net worth of over $200 million. Many have asked whether Nick Reiner would still be entitled to any inheritance from his parents.

Under California’s Probate Code, sections 250-259 (also known as the “Slayer Statute”), if Nick is found to have “feloniously and intentionally” killed his parents, he would be precluded from receiving “any property, interest, or benefit under a will of the decedent, or a trust created by or for the benefit of the decedent or in which the decedent has an interest.” California’s Slayer Statute goes on with more specificity as to all kinds of other prohibitions against Nick, but the overall spirit and language of the law is clear. Children who kill a parent are not entitled to receive estate benefits from the person they killed.   

Of course, since Nick Reiner has not yet been convicted, and is still presumed innocent under the law, he could try to make an argument that he is entitled to at least some portions of his parents’ estate until the conclusion of the murder trial. Such monies could help fund his legal defense. However, if the other beneficiaries of the estate desire to stop such preliminary distributions, they also could bring their own action in California Probate Court to try prevent any proceeds from being distributed until after the murder trial has concluded.

What all of this means is that, while all four Reiner children will have to say goodbye to their parents, Nick likely will also have to say goodbye to his parents’ money.

Theresa A. Lyons, Esq., MSW is a lawyer, social worker, and the Managing Partner of Lyons & Associates, PC, a law firm that represents clients in many matters, including estate planning and litigation issues.  Fabian T. Ardila is a law student at Seton Hall University and also serves as a 2ndLieutenant Firefighter in Raritan New Jersey. They can be reached at 908-575-9777.  www.lyonspc.com 

Together, Bauer and Petry have built a platform dedicated to one mission: helping women rise through change—not just survive it.

A Digital Lifeline for Women in Transition

Life’s turning points—divorce, career shifts, fresh starts—can be isolating and overwhelming. The She Who Wins app offers women a place to land, reflect, rebuild, and rise with clarity and confidence.

“Women deserve accessible support at any hour of the day,” says Bauer. “This app gives them expert guidance, community, and encouragement right in their pocket.”

Available now on iOS and Android, the app is free to download and is already gaining attention for its supportive, mission-driven approach.

The app was built for women who are:

• Going through or healing from a divorce
• Facing personal or professional crossroads
• Rebuilding their confidence after a setback
• Seeking community during a major life change
• Ready to step boldly into their next chapter

Built by Leaders Who Understand the Journey

Bauer brings nearly two decades of experience working with women through divorce and reinvention. Petry contributes a deep background in operations, brand development, and community building. Their combined expertise shapes an app that is both emotionally supportive and action-oriented.

“She Who Wins isn’t just technology—it’s a lifeline,” says Petry. “Our goal is to remind women that they are powerful, capable, and never alone, no matter what chapter they’re stepping into.”

A Movement, Not Just an App

Bauer’s motto—“You don’t have to be broken to want something different”—is woven into every corner of the app. This is support without judgment, empowerment without fluff, and guidance without overwhelm.

After a bestselling book, and She Who Wins live event series, the app represents the next evolution of Bauer’s mission: to democratize access to support for women worldwide.

Download She Who Wins

The app is available now and free to download:

App Store
Google Play

Christian completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Denver and graduated with his Juris Doctor from Rutgers Law School. During his time at Rutgers, he assisted in running the Planning Estates Project (PEP) where he worked on drafting Wills, Durable Powers of Attorney, and Living Wills for elderly South Jersey residents.

“We’re very proud to welcome Christian to our team in an attorney capacity,” says Ethan J. Ordog, Esquire. Christian has been a valuable member of our Team while studying at Rutgers prior to his graduation and successful admission to the bar. He has primarily assisted families, to date, with the Guardianship process and in the administration of estates, while also assisting in other areas of the firm’s practice. Christian’s compassion and dedication to the individuals and families he works with is evident in his thoughtfulness and thoroughness, and he looks forward to expanding his involvement on other client matters.

“It’s truly an honor to do what I love at one of the most preeminent Elder Law firms in the country,” Christian stated.

Christian’s hometown is Saddle River, New Jersey, and he is currently a resident of Philadelphia. Christian enjoys traveling, cooking, and spending time with friends and family outside of work.

The Best Lawyers’ selection process is stringent, beginning with nominations from peers and followed by detailed evaluations from currently recognized practitioners within the same field and region. The feedback gathered is instrumental in identifying the nation’s top legal talent, ensuring nominees are in good standing with their local bar associations.

Hazen Law Group’s inclusion in this prestigious list underscores its commitment to serving seniors, individuals with disabilities, and their families. Through active advocacy on both state and national platforms, Hazen Law Group strives to create effective plans to protect its clients’ interests and provide peace of mind.

Marielle Hazen, the firm’s founder, is distinguished as a certified elder law attorney by the National Elder Law Foundation. Her leadership extends to her role on the board of directors of the Special Needs Alliance. Hazen’s accolades include repeated recognition as a Super Lawyer and as one of the top 50 women attorneys in Pennsylvania, reflecting her dedication to her clients and the legal community.

Hazen Law Group’s approach is rooted in understanding the unique needs of each client, serving a diverse array of families with varying backgrounds and goals. This client-centered philosophy, paired with Hazen’s extensive legal experience, has garnered national recognition, including a long-standing acknowledgment by U.S. News and World Report.

The firm’s latest recognition by Best Lawyers not only highlights its legal excellence but also underscores the trust and respect it has earned within the legal community. As the 2026 Best Law Firms awards continue to spotlight exceptional legal practice areas and emerging trends, Hazen Law Group’s standing is a testament to its ongoing dedication to excellence in law.

Mt. Sinai, New York – Robert F. Brogan, CELA, of Brogan Law Group, P.C., Brick, New Jersey, has been elected president of the Special Needs Alliance. A long-time member and past board officer, Brogan brings decades of experience in elder and special-needs law and a deep personal commitment to helping families navigate complex systems of care.

“My goal is to nurture what makes this organization exceptional,” Brogan said. “The Alliance’s strength comes from both its professional expertise and its sense of community. We hold ourselves to the highest standards of practice while supporting each other like family. That collegial spirit is what I hope to preserve and pass on to the next generation of members.”

Brogan’s priorities for the coming year include fostering mentorship opportunities, maintaining rigorous membership standards, and ensuring the organization’s continued vitality through engagement and shared learning.

2025–2026 Executive Officers

• President: Robert F. Brogan, CELA — Brogan Law Group, P.C., Brick, NJ
• President-Elect: Bryn Poland, Esq. — Mayo & Poland, PLLC, Baytown, TX
• Vice President: Christopher W. Smith — Chalgian & Tripp Law Offices, PLLC, Southfield, MI
• Treasurer: Elizabeth Noble Rollings Friman, Esq. — Fleming & Curti, PLC, Tucson, AZ
• Secretary: Larry H. Rocamora, Esq. — McPherson, Rocamora, Nicholson & Hinkle, PLLC, Durham, NC
• Immediate Past President: Tara Anne Pleat, CELA — Wilcenski & Pleat PLLC, Clifton Park, NY

Board of Directors

Leonard R. Anderson, Esq. — Barlow Anderson LLC, Anchorage, AK
Roxanne J. Chang, Esq. — Roxanne J. Chang, Plymouth, MI
Emily A. Donaldson, CELA — Arcare, Inc., Overland Park, KS
Robert W. Fechtman, CELA – Fechtman Law Office, Indianapolis, IN

Emma R. Hemness, CELA — Hemness Faller Elder Law, Brandon, FL
Emily B. Kile, Esq. — Mushkatel, Gobbato & Kile, PLLC, Scottsdale, AZ
Elena A. Lidrbauch, CELA — Hickman, Lowder, Lidrbauch & Welch Co., LPA, Sheffield Village, OH
Jacob H. Menashe, Esq. — Hickman Menashe, P.S., Lynnwood, WA
Nikki Mitchell, Esq. — Mitchell, Brown & Associates, LLC, St. Louis, MO

Rebecca C. Morgan, Esq. — Stetson University College of Law, Gulfport, FL

Ethan J. Ordog, Esq. — Begley Law Group, Moorestown, NJ
Benjamin A. Rubin, Esq. — Rubin Law, A Professional Corporation, Buffalo Grove, IL
Matthew T. Smith, Esq. — Elder Law Lawyers McClelland & Associates, PLLC, Lexington, KY
Thomas E. Smith, Esq. — Thomas Smith Law Firm, Hot Springs, AR
Scott C. Suzuki — Scott C. Suzuki, Attorney at Law, LLLC, LLC, Honolulu, HI

About the Special Needs Alliance

The Special Needs Alliance comprises more than 150 attorneys across 45 states, each invited to membership based on demonstrated excellence in disability and public benefits law. Members average more than 18 years of experience and include many Certified Elder Law Attorneys (CELA). Through collaboration, education, and advocacy, the SNA works to improve the quality of legal services and enhance the lives of individuals with disabilities and their families.

For more information, visit www.specialneedsalliance.org.

Attendees have the opportunity to attend seminars like the Woman’s Power Panel: Motivation, Movement, & Momentum, as well as Recognizing and Responding: Mental Health Awareness in the Workplace. All of the seminars at the Big Connect Expo are designed to help small businesses maximize their potential and better meet the needs of their clients.

The expo prides itself on giving small business owners and entrepreneurs the opportunity to “step away from the scene and into real opportunity” while exploring business in an era of collaboration and transformation. 

The chance to make face-to-face connections with fellow entrepreneurs allows business owners to network and hone their outreach strategies, ensuring that they remain competitive in the ever-changing marketplace. 

Registration, which includes access to the main exhibit hall and Big Connect Expo seminars, is free and simple. Attendees may also register for the affiliated 9th Annual Nonprofit Stars Align Awards Breakfast and the 2025 Big Taste. 

The team with Happy Even After looks forward to hosting a booth on the exhibition floor alongside a suite of other exhibiting companies. The firm will be sharing its understanding of the modern legal marketplace with industry peers and learning about upcoming developments in the worlds of law and entrepreneurship.

Join other up-and-coming businesses like Happy Even After at the 2025 Big Connect today!

Atlanta estate planning lawyer, Jake Slowik of Slowik Estate Planning, points to his own childhood experience as a reminder of why these conversations matter. After the loss of his father at age nine, Slowik’s family endured the challenges of navigating life without the benefit of a professional estate plan. “My mother became supermom overnight, raising my brother and me without guidance from a plan. That experience left a lasting impression and motivates my work today,” said Slowik.

Slowik emphasizes that open discussions about estate plans can reduce stress and confusion for loved ones when it matters most. While these topics may feel uncomfortable, approaching them with honesty and care can prevent unnecessary misunderstandings and legal disputes down the road. He notes that many families first reach out to an attorney only after a crisis, making proactive planning a critical step.

“Our goal is to help families achieve peace of mind, not just for themselves, but for future generations,” Slowik said. “Holiday gatherings bring together multiple generations and provide a unique chance to ensure everyone understands and respects each other’s legacy wishes.”

Slowik Estate Planning recommends that families begin by confirming the existence and location of wills, powers of attorney and health care directives. Reviewing these documents periodically, especially after major life events, can help ensure they still reflect current wishes. The firm also highlights the importance of reviewing beneficiary designations on retirement accounts and insurance policies, which can sometimes override will instructions if not kept up to date.

According to Slowik Estate Planning, open communication is one of the most effective ways to minimize the risk of costly probate disputes and reduce the chances of long-term rifts between relatives. A recent survey from the National Association of Estate Planners & Councils found that more than half of Americans do not have a will or estate plan, underscoring the urgency of these conversations.

Slowik encourages families to set aside time during the holidays to discuss their estate plans, framing the conversation as an act of care and responsibility. “Estate planning can feel overwhelming, but with the right guidance, it becomes a process that protects families and honors their values,” he said.

We extend our congratulations to Founding Partner Bernard A. Krooks, J.D., CPA, LLM (in taxation), CELA®, AEP® (Distinguished), Partner Amy C. O’Hara Esq., CELA®,  Joel Krooks, Esq., and Jessica Saio, Esq. for receiving Super Lawyers® honors in Elder Law and Estate Planning and Probate, and Partner Marion M. Walsh, Esq., and Attorney Arshi Pal, Esq., for receiving Super Lawyers® honors for in Schools and Education.

“We are proud that six members of the Littman Krooks team are named in the 2025 Super Lawyers honorees,” said Bernard A. Krooks, founding partner. “We thank Super Lawyers for this prestigious distinction once again, and for recognizing our team’s work in Elder Law, Estate Planning and Probate, and Special Education Advocacy.”

The accolades received by Littman Krooks LLP’s attorneys in the 2025 Super Lawyers list not only highlight their professional excellence but also underscore their ongoing commitment to serving the legal needs of their clients and the community with integrity and distinction. To be named a Super Lawyer, the attorney  undergoes a rigorous, multi-phase selection process that evaluates their professional achievements and peer recognition that results in a select group in the top 5% recognized for their excellence in their specific legal practice area.

Marielle F. Hazen, CELA, has been acknowledged for her profound knowledge in elder law. As the founder of Hazen Law Group, her career has been defined by her commitment to serving older adults and individuals with disabilities. Her work in elder and special needs planning, estate and trust planning, and estate administration has earned her national acclaim. Since 2001, she has held certification from the National Elder Law Foundation, underscoring her proficiency in elder law and special needs planning.

Gary J. Heim, recognized for his work in trusts and estates, has spent over four decades championing the legal needs of Pennsylvania’s agricultural community. His dedication to guiding family farms through generational transitions is well-documented, and his influence is reflected in his inclusion on City & State PA’s 2022 PA Agriculture Power 100 List. Heim’s recent accolade as one of the 2024 Best Lawyers further solidifies his standing in the field.

Jennifer Denchak Wetzel has been celebrated for her contributions to real estate law, with a particular focus on agricultural businesses. Over the past fifteen years, she has become a trusted advisor to Pennsylvania’s farm and agri-business sector, offering guidance in business succession planning and asset preservation. Her role as a Succession Coordinator for the International Farm Transition Network and the Pennsylvania Center for Dairy Excellence highlights her commitment to the agricultural community.

The Best Lawyers in America® is renowned for its rigorous peer-review process, which meticulously evaluates legal professionals to identify leaders in various practice areas. This year’s edition continues its legacy of spotlighting lawyers who exemplify excellence and integrity in their practice.

The inclusion of Hazen, Heim, and Wetzel underscores the high standards upheld by Hazen Law Group and reaffirms the firm’s reputation for providing exemplary legal services. Their recognition reflects not only individual merit but also the evolving nature of the legal profession, where dedication and skill remain paramount.

“We are delighted to have four members of the Littman Krooks team named among the 2026 Best Lawyers in America®. It is a testament to the hard work and dedication our team provides to our clients every day,” said Bernard A. Krooks, founding partner.

The accolades received by Littman Krooks LLP’s attorneys in the 2026 Best Lawyers in America® list not only highlight their professional excellence but also underscore their ongoing commitment to serving the legal needs of the community with integrity and distinction. The firm’s success is built on this foundation, ensuring effective representation and fostering strong lawyer-client relationships. As they continue to lead and innovate in their fields, the honors reinforce the firm’s standing as a trusted legal resource in New York and beyond.