Illinois Chapter of National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA)

ILNAELA thanks its Gold, Silver, and Bronze sponsors for all their support this year! We look forward to seeing everyone at the Fall UnProgram! You can still register for the November 15th UnProgram at https://lnkd.in/gh_CtyaY.

Happy September all! It is time for our fall member spotlight and we are honored to spotlight long time member Wes Coulson! Wes Coulson is gleefully enjoying the early stages of retirement, but remains of counsel to Dent Coulson Elder Law in O'Fallon and Effingham. He happily reports he was able to retire with confidence that the law firm and its clients will remain in great hands under Kaye Dent's leadership. Wes graduated law school in 1978, and his career arc took him first to Mattoon, then to Olney, and from 1986 on he has been back home in the St. Louis metropolitan area. After 46 years in practice, it was time to enjoy other pursuits. His first elder law case involved helping his uncle George qualify for Medicaid back in 1995, the same year in which he attended his (and he believes the State's) first CLE course in elder law. It became the primary focus of Wes' practice by 2001, and he became a CELA in 2004, and then a member of CAP in 2023. The best part of NAELA membership for Wes has been getting to know, and learning from, a truly wonderful group of people who seem always willing to give one another a helping hand. He has a few tips to those still practicing: 1. always remember that the work you are doing is truly important and can make a real difference in the lives of your clients and their families; 2. make sure you always do your best to never let them down - he approaches cases by first deciding that he is going to help his clients achieve an excellent result, and then work backwards from there to figure out what it will take to make it happen; 3. learn from every matter you handle, and apply your knowledge and skills confidently, but with the humility to acknowledge when you don't know something and should reach out to others who might; and 4. always, always tell the truth and do the right thing. When asked what he most enjoyed about the field of Elder Law, Wes said it was the sense of inner satisfaction he got from being able to truly help people. He said “it has been said that an elder law attorney is one part lawyer, one part counselor, and one part family friend.” He relishes each of those roles, and treasures each and every one of the notes and letters he received from clients over the years telling him how much they benefited from and appreciated his and his staff's help. One of the highlights of his career happened during an ILNAELA UnProgram he attended when someone asked a question as to whether a controversial Medicaid planning technique would be approved by OIG. The attorney handling the OIG appeals at the time answered along the lines of "it never had been, but then we had to change the policy after an appeal hearing we had involving that guy," at which point he sort of glowered and pointed to Wes. Wes raised his hand, broke into a big smile, and waved to his fellow attorneys in attendance – he maintains “it was lovely.” Thank you, Wes, for your contributions to elder law and ILNAELA! Enjoy retirement!

Don’t miss your chance to register for one, several or ALL of these incredible events in celebration of Member Appreciation Week, starting Monday, June 24, 2024! Registration is free for members of Illinois Chapter of National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA), Young Lawyers Section of the Chicago Bar Association, and The Chicago Bar Association! Come enjoy some wellness, networking, and even free CLE!

Such an exciting opportunity for Illinois Chapter of National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) to team up with The Chicago Bar Association YLS for an entire week devoted to celebrating our members! Details below!

As elder law attorneys, we are honored to represent and assist so many veterans and families of veterans as they navigate through some of life’s most challenging times. Illinois Chapter of National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) is proud to wish all who have served a much-deserved Happy Veteran’s Day!

This month IL NAELA is honored to spotlight past-president, Attorney Heather E. Voorn. The spotlighted member is peer-selected based upon her contributions to the organization. Heather is a Partner at Voorn, Jaworski, & Preston PLLC, which has offices in New Lenox and Chicago. Heather is one of only 17 Certified Elder Law Attorneys in Illinois and has been practicing Elder Law for her entire 17-year career. She has no idea where the time went (though it is safe to say, time flies when you’re having fun!) Heather has been an active member of NAELA for many years, serving on the Board, on numerous committees, and serving in nearly all officer roles, including as President prior to the pandemic. She also is active in National NAELA, sitting currently on the National Board of Directors, and currently serves as our Chapter’s State Advocate Designate to National. Heather believes by far that the best benefit to NAELA membership is the connections she has made and the fabulous educational programs. She truly enjoys working with her National and Illinois colleagues. She also can’t resist the fun and laughs at the National Conference each year, especially during the annual trivia night! Heather has even participated in the International NAELA conferences to help feed her love of travel. We all know that being an elder law attorney can be challenging, especially given the emotional circumstances that many of our clients are actively experiencing when they enter our doors. However, Heather enjoys being able to make a difference for people who are going through a very difficult time. Being able to provide peace of mind to her clients is the most rewarding part of her practice. For those who don’t know, Heather is a die-hard Florida State Seminoles fan. She even had a beloved chocolate lab named Bowden whose namesake was Seminoles football coach, Bobby Bowden. She is now the proud mom of an adorable German Shepherd, Ace. Although he now weighs in at a whopping 65 pounds at only 10 months old, his puppy pic is included for an extra pick-me-up! Please join us in congratulating our spotlight member and past President, Heather Voorn!