The National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, or NAELA, is an organization of lawyers who specialize in the field of elder law. The primary goal of NAELA is to educate the elderly and those with special needs about their rights under United States law. Founded in 1987, the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys is comprised of public and private attorneys, law firms, judges, law students and professors of law nationwide. According to NAELA’s official website, its current membership is 4,400.
In its efforts to promote the education of senior citizens and attorneys alike about Elder Law, the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys uses an array of tactics for advocacy for the elderly. NAELA publishes brochures and an online journal to spread information about the academy and keeps members, both present and prospective, informed about new policies, legislation, and issues that concern the elderly and disabled.
Another initiative the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys has created to educate people about elder law is National Elder Law Month. National Elder Law Month is during the month of May and NAELA members are encouraged to educate the elderly and disabled in their community about NAELA efforts and elder law. NAELA has also created an initiative alongside the Medicare program to promote Medicare’s new website for senior citizens and people with special needs and efforts to educate beneficiaries called “Ask Medicare”.
The National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys and its efforts are funded by annual membership dues. These funds are designated towards education, advocacy, and advertising local NAELA Elder Law attorneys throughout the United States. NAELA currently has members in Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin.
