ElderLawAnswers for Attorneys

Episode 122. ElderLawAnswers National Director Rebecca A. Hobbs speaks with Brittany Maynard's husband, Dan Diaz, who talks about his advocacy work for right-to-die laws. Brittany Maynard transformed the conversation about death with dignity after she learned that she had terminal brain cancer and bravely decided to share her story with the world through the organizationCompassion Choices. Since Brittany's passing on Nov 1, 2014, her husband Dan has been working to fulfill his promise to Brittany to advocate for Medical Aid and Dying and Death with Dignity and have legislation passed in various states.“I won't live to see the death-with-dignity movement reach critical mass, but I call on you to carry it forward.” – Brittany Maynard (http://thebrittanyfund.org/)

Episode 121. After being diagnosed with terminal brain cancer in 2014, Brittany Maynard made headlines when she decided to use medication to end her own life at the age of 29. ElderLawAnswers National Director Rebecca A. Hobbs speaks with Brittany's husband, Dan Diaz, to share the story of Brittany.“My dream is that every terminally ill American has access to the choice to die on their own terms with dignity. Please take an active role to make this a reality.” – Brittany Maynard(http://thebrittanyfund.org/)

In this episode, National Director of ElderLawAnswers, Rebecca Hobbs, speaks with Mark W. Worthington, Senior Counsel at Special Needs Law Group of Massachusetts, P.C. on the SECURE Act. Mark provides a helpful overview of the SECURE Act and the key changes in the law. From the new default ten (10) year rule to who qualifies as an “eligible designated beneficiary,” Mark provides a comprehensive discussion on how the SECURE Act impacts elder law attorneys

In this episode, National Director of ElderLawAnswers, Rebecca Hobbs, speaks with Mark W. Worthington, Senior Counsel at Special Needs Law Group of Massachusetts, P.C. on the SECURE Act. Mark provides a helpful overview of the SECURE Act and the key changes in the law. From the new default ten (10) year rule to who qualifies as an “eligible designated beneficiary,” Mark provides a comprehensive discussion on how the SECURE Act impacts elder law attorneys

Rebecca Hobbs talks with Bobby Schindler about his charitable foundation. Bobby's sister, Terri Schiavo, was the subject of the controversial right-to-die case from 1990 to 2005.

Rebecca Hobbs talks with Bobby Schindler, whose sister Terri Schiavo was the subject of the controversial right-to-die case from 1990 to 2005,

Episode 116 - Guest: Dari Pogach, Staff Attorney, ABA Commission on Law and Aging American Bar AssociationIn this episode, National Director of ElderLawAnswers, Rebecca Hobbs, continues her conversation with Dari Pogach, staff attorney for the ABA Commision on Law and Aging on Guardianship reform in the United States. Dari discusses legislative trends that are occurring nationally and challenges that states are facing. Ms. Pogach also discusses ways that elder law attorneys can get involved locally and nationally with guardianship reform. Dari also discusses the ABA's Working Interdisciplinary Networks of Guardianship Stakeholders (WINGS) project, a project to support court-led partnerships in states to drive changes in guardianship policy and practice.

Episode 115: Guardianship Challenges and Reform (part 1)Guest: Dari Pogach, Staff Attorney, ABA Commission on Law and Aging American Bar AssociationIn this episode, Dari Pogach, staff attorney for the ABA Commision on Law and Aging speaks with National Director of Elder Law Answers, Rebecca Hobbs, on issues and challenges that states are facing with guardianships. Dari discusses issues that are affecting the lives of people with guardians as well as alternatives to guardianship such as supportive decision making. Dari discusses recent media coverage of guardianship issues and the reform that must happen to help to address these concerns.

Episode 114: In this episode Teepa Snow joins National Director of ElderLawAnswers for Attorney's Rebecca A. Hobbs to discuss interview and communication skills that elder law attorneys should be well versed in and should utilize when working with a client that has dementia. Teepa provides practical tips on environmental factors such as noise, lights, and seating arrangements that help to improve effective communication. She also discusses the need to use language that is more easily understood and how to make sure that your client with dementia is understanding what you are saying and not just being agreeable.

Guest: Teepa Snow, Today's Voice for Dementia. Teepa Snow, is one of the world's leading advocates and educators for individuals living with Dementia. In this episode Teepa Snow joins National Director of ElderLawAnswers for Attorney's Rebecca A. Hobbs in a thought provoking and refreshingly honest discussion on Dementia. Teepa founded Positive Approach, LLC, in 2006 and through her organization she offers person centered training opportunities in the United States, Canada, Australia, and the UK.In this episode, Teepa discusses the different types of dementia and provides information on recent developments that make a difference in our elder law practice.Teepa also addresses different screenings for dementia and how to determine if your client has received the proper assessment.

Barbara Mancini, RN, MSN. Barbara Mancini, a Philadelphia nurse was arrested in February 2013 for giving her 93-year-old terminally ill father his prescribed morphine at his request. Barbara was charged under a Pennsylvania state law that makes it illegal to assist in suicide. Her exoneration on February 12,2014 came one year to the day after the death of her father, Joseph Yourshaw.On the eve of the release of her book, Cruel Death, Heartless Aftermath, National Director of ElderLawAnswers, Rebecca Hobbs, speaks with Barbara Mancini regarding her experience caring for her father at the end of his life, and the year-long prosecution she endured for handing him his prescribed morphine. Podcast Guest: Barbara Mancini, RN, MSN | Author

Rebecca talks with Barbara Mancini, a Pennsylvania nurse, who was prosecuted — and eventually acquitted — for her aging father's death.

In this episode, National Director of ElderLawAnswers, Rebecca Hobbs, continues her conversation with Elder Law Attorney and author Cathy Sikorski on the Long-Term Care Crisis that Baby Boom and Gen-X clients are facing. Cathy and Rebecca discuss her book "Who Moved My Teeth?" a practical and legal guide for adults and caregivers. They also discuss how attorneys can help clients discover employer/employee benefits related to long-term care and chat about how Baby Boom and Gen-X women are still behind the 8-ball when it comes to finances as well as what can be done to help. Podcast Guest: Cathy Sikorski, Esq. | Author and Elder Law Attorney

In this episode, National Director of ElderLawAnswers, Rebecca Hobbs, speaks with Elder Law Attorney and author Cathy Sikorski on the Long-Term Care Crisis that Baby Boom and Gen-X clients are facing. They discuss the "tsunami of legal, practical and financial issues" and how elder law attorneys can best educate their clients on these issues. More about Cathy Sikorski: Corner Office Books released Cathy's second book, which premiered as #1 on Amazon: "Who Moved My Teeth?" a practical and legal guide for adults and caregivers.  She has been featured on the Huffington Post, AARP and is a She Source expert for the Women's Media Center (WMC) in Washington, D.C. Podcast Guest: Cathy Sikorski, Esq. | Author and Elder Law Attorney

In this episode, Rebecca Hobbs speaks with Attorney Kristen M. Gibbons Feden. Ms. Feden is a nationally acclaimed litigator and the former Captain of the Elder Abuse and Domestic Violence Units at the Montgomery County District Attorney's Office in Pennsylvania. Ms. Feden is best known for her successful prosecution of Bill Cosby in Commonwealth v. William H. Cosby (retiral). As a wife, mom, attorney, activists, and community leader, hear Ms. Feden's tricks to time management. Ms. Feden discusses the importance of prioritizing, saying "no", and asking for help. Podcast Guest: Kristen M. Gibbons Feden | Attorney at Stradley Ronon of Philadelphia, PA and former A.D.A in Montgomery County

In this episode, Rebecca Hobbs speaks with Attorney Kristen M. Gibbons Feden. Ms. Feden is a nationally acclaimed litigator and the former Captain of the Elder Abuse and Domestic Violence Units at the Montgomery County District Attorney's Office in Pennsylvania. Ms. Feden is best known for her successful prosecution of Bill Cosby in Commonwealth v. William H. Cosby (retiral). Listen to Kristen as she discusses signs of Elder Abuse that Elder Law Attorneys should be aware of. She also addresses ways Elder Law Attorneys can help to prevent Elder Abuse and what we should do when we spot the signs of abuse. Podcast Guest: Kristen M. Gibbons Feden | Attorney at Stradley Ronon of Philadelphia, PA and former A.D.A in Montgomery County

National Director of ElderLawAnswers, Rebecca Hobbs speaks with Adrean Turner, Author, Certified Career Coach, Speaker, Professional Development Trainer and Business Consultant on how you can train your law office staff to provide excellent customer service to your elder law clients. They discuss leadership effectiveness and how to inspire your staff. Adrean also speaks about thinking-outside of the box and making your law offices more creative. Podcast Guest: Adrean Turner | Certified Career Coach & Business Consultant

Adrean Turner, Author, Certified Career Coach, Speaker, Professional Development Trainer and Business Consultant speaks with National Director of ElderLawAnswers, Rebecca Hobbs on building a successful team for your law practice. They discuss resolving conflict between employees, promoting collaboration, and how to make sure you are hiring the right employees for your elder law practice. Podcast Guest: Adrean Turner | Certified Career Coach & Business Consultant

Rebecca is joined by former consultant and actor Mark Gilfix, a trusts and estates attorney, to discuss devices to keep your clients happy. Podcast Guest: Mark Gilfix, Esq. | Gilfix & La Poll Associates, LLP

Rebecca is joined by former consultant and actor Mark Gilfix, a trusts and estates attorney, to discuss the nuts and bolts of an initial client consultation. Podcast Guest: Mark Gilfix, Esq. | Gilfix & La Poll Associates, LLP

In this episode, National Director of ElderLawAnswers, Rebecca Hobbs, continues her discussion with marketing expert, Stacy Clark, focusing on the importance of building a referral network. Stacy discusses expanding your network and building a team to service your client in the best possible way. Podcast Guest: Stacy Clark | Stacy Clark Marketing

In this episode, marketing expert Stacy Clark discusses tips for growing your elder law business. She discusses effective marketing and important characteristics of rainmakers. Stacy provides advice on simple questions to ask clients to identify where you should be marketing. Stacy also addresses how to make sure your clients feel like they are the only matter on your desk, and easy fixes to enhance the client experience. Podcast Guest: Stacy Clark | Stacy Clark Marketing