For Attorneys

NAELA Chapter Membership Application [PDF]

Overview

Membership in the Virginia Chapter of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (VAELA) is available only to attorneys who are members of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA).

Members of VAELA may subscribe to the "Virginia Discussion List (listserv)," which offers the opportunity to discuss specific legal or practice related issues with Virginia colleagues online. Members benefit from the unique, cooperative atmosphere of VAELA which affords networking and practice development opportunities for elder law attorneys. Experienced elder law attorneys, attorneys new to elder law, and new attorneys benefit from a sharing of practice tips and strategies, and other ideas for professional development. Members work closely with other organizations dedicated to serving elders and making legal services more accessible to all clients and can pursue opportunities to influence legal reforms and public policy.

Discussion Lists

NAELA and VAELA members have two options by which they can join each organization's discussion lists:

Option 1: Sign up on the NAELA website (www.naela.org), under: Members > Communications > Listserv

Option 2: Email Meredith Hansen ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) with your request for subscription.

Benefits of Membership

With more than 125 members, the Virginia Chapter is the leading group for elder law practitioners in the Commonwealth.

Benefits of membership include:

Access to the chapter and national listserv. By subscribing to the chapter and national listserv, members can draw on the collective expertise of elder law practitioners across the state and around the country. Whether seeking substantive law guidance or recommendations for office software, members benefit every day from the ability to post inquiries via email to an entire network of elder law colleagues.
Promotional value. Chapter membership is an important indication of your dedication to elder law. Potential clients can find you geographically through the Chapter web site. Find an Attorney.
Educational opportunities. VAELA hosts an annual UnProgram, held annually over a Friday and Saturday in February, typically at the Boar's Head Inn in Charlottesville, Virginia. This two-day program offers a "Members Only" Day first, in which VAELA attorney members meet to discuss elder law developments in the state. Topics range from substantive law and administrative and civil procedure to ethics and practice management. The Program also offers a "Meet the Pros" day on Saturday, where members participate in small group round-table discussions, for CLE credit, with experienced attorneys who provide substantive knowledge and practice tips on various relevant and topical areas and subjects. VAELA also sponsors an Annual Meeting in the spring, also at the Boar's Head Inn, which includes an educational program where there is an additional opportunity to earn CLE credit.
Public Policy: VAELA has an active Public Policy Committee, through which VAELA advocates to the Virginia Assembly regarding issues pertinent to Virginia's Seniors and their Families.
Partnering with Virginia CLE. VAELA is partnering with Virginia CLE to promote education concerning elder law issues. Virginia CLE will be publishing a handbook on elder law in Virginia in March of 2011. Members of VAELA will receive an exclusive attractive discount on the handbook.
Opportunity to serve. Members are eligible to vote for and serve as officers and directors of the Virginia Chapter, a Virginia Chapter 180 nonprofit organization, and to serve on vital committees of the Chapter, including Programming, and Public Policy.

Pricing

Annual calendar year dues for NAELA are presently $425 (First year dues are only $325; if you join in the second half of the year, dues are half price). Annual Virginia Chapter dues are $100. NAELA membership is required in order to be a Virginia Chapter member.