Massachusetts Chapter of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys

04/07/2026

Our next Health Care Proxy Clinic is on Thursday, April 16, from 12 to 2 PM at the Kirstein Business Library & Innovation Center (KBLIC) Central Library in Copley Square and Online. We host this event in partnership with the Boston Public Library to help community members sign Health Care Proxy forms and provide an opportunity to speak with volunteer attorneys about any questions they may have regarding Health Care Proxies. (Those who want to complete a Health Care Proxy form must be there in person.) Register at: bit.ly/HCPC2026

03/04/2026

In recognition of National Women’s History Month, we want to honor our president, Gina Barry, for her dedication to advocating for older adults and individuals with disabilities.

Gina is a Certified Elder Law Attorney (CELA) who focuses her practice on elder law, estate and trust administration, and complex Medicaid planning. She is the Chair of the Trusts and Estates department at Bacon Wilson, P.C., where she works closely with families navigating probate, fiduciary responsibilities, and long-term care planning. She is currently exploring ways to make MassHealth-funded home care more accessible so that more elders can safely stay in their homes with appropriate support.

Gina was recently recognized by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly as a Legal Luminary. As president of MassNAELA, she is dedicated to increasing member engagement, expanding educational opportunities, and further raising the standards of elder law practice throughout the Commonwealth.

Outside of her legal work, Gina is the founder of The Joy of Jasper, a nonprofit horse rescue and sanctuary dedicated to providing lifelong care to elderly and at-risk horses.

02/10/2026

Black History Month reminds us of our need to serve communities of color, which are underrepresented in the legal profession and among those securing essential healthcare documents. To that end, we present on the importance of having a Healthcare Proxy and host Healthcare Proxy Signing Events at Greater Boston community health centers and the Boston Public Library. Our next Healthcare Proxy Signing Event is on April 16th, National Healthcare Decisions Day (NHDD). The photo below is our team at one of our Healthcare Proxy Signing Events last year.

02/03/2026

Our annual meeting also includes presenting the John J. Ford Litigation Advocacy Award, which honors a member’s litigation efforts on behalf of older adults and MassNAELA. The 2025 recipient was Julie Low for her successful resolution of the Estate of the Late Leroy V. Nelson v. M&T Bank case. Julie is shown in the center of the photo below with Past President Erin McBee on the left and Clarence Richardson on the right.

01/27/2026

At the end of each year, our outgoing president recognizes one of our members for their service to and support of the chapter and its president. For 2025, that member was Kimberly Kelly, who has devoted time to various chapter endeavors, most notably as a member of our board of directors. In the photo below, Kimberly stands with her award, with Immediate Past President Erin McBee on the left and MassNAELA Executive Director Clarence Richardson on the right.

01/20/2026

Community advocacy for older adults is a core part of our mission, which is why we recognize a MassNAELA member each year for their efforts in advocating for elder issues at the state level. At our December annual meeting, we presented Lauren DeMatteo with the Deborah H. Thomson Advocacy Award. Attorney DeMatteo actively participates in the MassNAELA Durable Power of Attorney workgroup and has contributed to advancing legislation related to the Barbetti v. Stempniewicz case involving trusts and estate law.

Lauren stated, “I’m grateful to work alongside MassNAELA colleagues on state-level legislative efforts to restore clarity and support thoughtful planning for older adults and individuals with disabilities.”

In the photo below, Lauren stands with her award alongside Clarence Richardson.

01/15/2026

The Massachusetts Assisted Living Residences (ALR) Commission issued its final report Monday, recommending numerous improvements to health and safety standards at the state’s assisted living facilities. We applaud the Commission’s efforts, led by Senator Montigny and including MassNAELA members Lindsay Mitnik, Liane Zeitz, and Kathleen Lynch Moncata. See the report at https://www.mass.gov/doc/alr-commission-final-report/download
and check out our press release:https://massnaela.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Press-Release-MassNAELA-Applauds-State-ALR-Commission-Report_FINAL_1-14-2026.pdf

01/13/2026

Each December at our annual meeting, we honor one of our members with the Outstanding Chapter Member of the Year award for their commitment of time and energy to advancing the chapter’s mission. Last month, that was Martin “Marty” Flax, who dedicated time to the chapter’s DEI and Special Needs and Disability committees and has volunteered at multiple Health Care Proxy signing clinics. He has also presented on basic estate planning to low-income individuals.
“I find it gratifying to be recognized for my involvement with MassNAELA, an organization that means so much to me,” said Marty.
In the photo below, Marty holds his award while standing next to Clarence Richardson.

12/17/2025

At our Annual Meeting last Thursday, we honored several state, community and chapter leaders for their advocacy efforts and commitment to raising awareness of legal issues affecting older adults and individuals with special needs. We also elected our officers and directors for the new year. Congratulations to all our award recipients and our 2026 board! See our press release for all the details:https://massnaela.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Press-Release-MassNAELA-Annual-Meeting-2025_FINAL_12-17-2025.pdf

11/24/2025

To get basic information about Durable Powers of Attorney in Massachusetts and their importance, check out this informational video. Like wills, the provisions and details in Durable Powers of Attorney can be complicated, so we strongly suggest reaching out to an attorney for legal advice. A MassNAELA member can be found in your area by visiting https://massnaela.com/valuable-resources/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nV2Ys8OynU8

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11/18/2025

We created this informational video about wills and their importance, offering basic information that should help the public understand wills, but it should not be taken as legal advice. The provisions and details in wills can be complex, so we recommend contacting an attorney with any questions. A MassNAELA Member can be found in your area by visiting https://massnaela.com/valuable-resources/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPouLvzf4Z4

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.