Description: The National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) is a U.S.-based professional organization that represents attorneys who practice elder law and special needs planning. NAELA’s mission is to improve the quality of legal services provided to older adults and people with disabilities by advancing the practice of elder law through education, professional standards, and public policy advocacy that protects the rights and economic security of seniors and individuals with special needs. Type: Non-profit professional association Policies: Advocacy and technical work on elder law issues including long-term care planning and financing, Medicaid and Medicare policy, estate and incapacity planning, guardianship and alternatives, special needs trusts, elder abuse prevention, access to legal services for older adults, and related consumer protection and benefits policies. Funding: Primarily membership dues and professional dues, continuing legal education and conference registration fees, publication sales, sponsorships, and occasional grants/donations. Affiliates: State NAELA chapters, American Bar Association Commission on Law and Aging, Justice in Aging, National Center on Law & Elder Rights, AARP, Alzheimer’s Association
