National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA)

The National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, Inc., is a nationwide organization of lawyers focused on elder law and legal services for those who provide care to the elderly. The organization helps elder law attorneys share information and best practices regarding elder law and special needs law. 

The term "elder law" is defined to include a wide range of laws that specifically target or have a significant impact on the United States' elderly and aging population.

The term "elder law" also applies to "special needs law" which focuses on legal services for people with disabilities and their caregivers. NAELA lobbies and advocates for policies and laws that improve the lives of senior citizens and people with special needs.

The organization is also an advocacy organization that lobbies for policies and laws that protect the needs of the growing elderly population and people with disabilities.

Attorneys in the organization tend to practice in the following areas of the law:

• Estate Planning, Probate, and Gift Taxes;
• Entitlement Programs (Medicaid, Medicare and Social Security);
• Guardianship and Conservatorship;
• Retirement Benefits;
• Age Discrimination;
• Care Provider Abuse and Neglect;
• Housing Issues;
• Insurance; and
• Long-Term Care and Disability Care Financing and Planning.

NAELA's advocacy work includes direct lobbying of elected officials and funding political efforts through their Senior Rights PAC. The organization's work also includes filing amicus curiae briefs on important cases that pertain to elder law and law for people with disabilities and their caregivers.