Best Lawyers in America for Elder Law
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State
Clayton W. Chan is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Elder Law, Tax Law and Trusts and Estates. Clayton W., who practices law in Edina, Minnesota, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Clayton W. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Alexis Gruttadauria is an associate in the Trusts and Estates Group. In addition to a traditional trusts and estates practice, Alexis has extensive experience in the areas of elder care, special needs and mental health law. Alexis often gives presentations to other attorneys, community groups and members of the community concerning the importance of proper planning, as well as options when the planning has not been done, in the areas of wealth transfer, elder law, special needs and mental hea...
Brittany Rygiel is an associate attorney at Peck Ritchey, LLC . In addition to representing individuals and families, Brittany represents financial institutions, medical institutions, and various fiduciaries. Brittany graduated with her Juris Doctor from University of Illinois at Chicago School of Law where she was on the Dean’s List each of her three years. Brittany was involved in several organizations in law school, including the Trial Advocacy Program, the Justinian Society, Health ...
Theresa A. Clarke is a Houston, Texas-based attorney at Kean Miller who works with individuals and families to address important personal and financial decisions so their estate and long‑term care plans function as intended for the people who matter most. Theresa’s practice focuses on Elder Law and Trusts and Estates, including estate planning, Medicaid planning, special needs planning, probate, and trust administration. She advises clients on planning strategies designed to support lon...
Rebekah Thompson is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Elder Law, Litigation - Trusts and Estates and Trusts and Estates. Rebekah, who practices law in Bluffton, South Carolina, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Rebekah is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Xue F. Connelly is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law, Elder Law, Litigation - Trusts and Estates and Trusts and Estates. Xue F., who practices law in Alexandria, Virginia, has been recognized since 2022. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Xue F. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Lauren C. Enea, Esq. is a partner at Enea, Scanlan & Sirgnano, LLP. She concentrates her practice on Wills, Trusts and Estates, Medicaid Planning, Special Needs Planning and Probate/Estate Administration. She believes that it is never too early or too late to start planning for your future and enjoys working with individuals to ensure that their plan best suits their needs. In addition to her client successes, Ms. Enea plays a key role in the firm’s growth. She recently led Enea, Sc...
Shea Fanelli is a Seattle, Washington attorney with Helsell Fetterman LLP whose practice focuses on Elder Law and Litigation - Trusts and Estates . She represents clients in disputes involving wills, trusts, and fiduciary conduct, and assists individuals and families with matters such as will contests, trust disputes, guardianships, vulnerable adult protection actions, and claims involving financial exploitation or abuse of vulnerable adults. Her work often involves helping clients address co...
Christy Boardman Kuklinski is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Banking and Finance Law and Elder Law. Christy Boardman, who practices law in Birmingham, Alabama, has been recognized since 2023. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Christy Boardman is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Kahlyn N. Ashcraft is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Elder Law and Trusts and Estates. Kahlyn N., who practices law in South Bend, Indiana, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Kahlyn N. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Elise Adams is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Elder Law, Litigation - Trusts and Estates and Trusts and Estates. Elise, who practices law in Phoenix, Arizona, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Elise is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Nicholas J. Dimakos practices in the firm’s Trusts & Estates Group, advising a broad range of clients with their estate planning needs. Before joining CSG Law, Nicholas was a partner at a boutique firm in northern New Jersey, where he practiced fiduciary litigation and estate planning, including preparation of wills, revocable and irrevocable trusts, powers of attorney, and advance directives for healthcare. Prior to this position, he was a member at a mid-sized regional law firm, w...
Kurt Friedmann is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Corporate Law, Elder Law, Litigation - Trusts and Estates and Trusts and Estates. Kurt, who practices law in Cincinnati, Ohio, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Kurt is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Emilie Swan Reinhardt is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Elder Law and Tax Law. Emilie Swan, who practices law in Erie, Pennsylvania, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Emilie Swan is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Daniel J. Lynch is a senior associate attorney at Peck Ritchey, LLC. In addition to representing individuals and families, Dan represents financial institutions, medical institutions, and various fiduciaries. Dan earned his Juris Doctor from The John Marshall Law School, where he graduated cum laude and was awarded the Order of John Marshall. During law school, Dan served as an Associate Justice on the John Marshall Moot Court Honors Council and was Staff Editor for the John Marshall Law Revi...
Robinson & Henry Senior Associate Katherine Fontenot is an accomplished litigator who handles complex probate cases. Known for her confidence and poise under pressure, Katherine is an asset at mediation and in court. She represents clients in complicated matters involving conservatorships, guardianships, and probate administration and litigation. Katherine also assists clients with drafting wills, trusts, and powers of attorney. Representative matters Contested guardianship - Settled a he...
Our Methodology
Recognition by Best Lawyers is based entirely on peer review. Our methodology is designed to capture, as accurately as possible, the consensus opinion of leading lawyers about the professional abilities of their colleagues within the same geographical area and legal practice area.
The Process
Best Lawyers employs a sophisticated, conscientious, rational, and transparent survey process designed to elicit meaningful and substantive evaluations of the quality of legal services. Our belief has always been that the quality of a peer review survey is directly related to the quality of the voters.