What Is a Certified Elder Law Attorney (CELA)?
By Olivia Wathne, Esq. | Legally reviewed by Melissa Bender, Esq. | Last reviewed August 02, 2023
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A board-certified elder law attorney (CELA) has specialized training and practice in elder law, also known as older adult law. An attorney with a CELA certification will understand the state of older adult law in their jurisdiction. They will offer an expert level of representation to their clients.
The legal profession contains a variety of practice areas and a wide range of professionals who specialize in those areas. Lawyers often focus or specialize in just one legal area or a small range of related practice areas.
A board-certified elder law attorney (CELA) has specialized training and practice in elder law, also known as older adult law. An attorney with a CELA certification will understand the state of older adult law in their jurisdiction. They will offer an expert level of representation to their clients.
Although older adult law addresses legal issues specific to people over 65, certified elder law attorneys (CELAs) specialize in a variety of practice areas. Areas within the elder law specialization include:
- Estate planning and probate
- Long-term care planning
- Medicaid and Medicare eligibility
- Social Security benefits
- Powers of attorney and other advance directives
- Elder abuse
- Special needs planning for children and adults with disabilities
There are many great older adult law attorneys who do not have the CELA designation. But an attorney with a CELA certification guarantees they have a certain degree of skill and experience in the field of elder law.
The National Elder Law Foundation offers a CELA-certified attorney directory search if you are looking for a CELA attorney.
Basic Requirements for CELAs
A certified specialist in older adult law is an attorney who has:
- Received specific training in older adult law issues
- Practiced in that field for a certain amount of time
- Been certified as qualified in older adult law by their state bar or by another accrediting organization
Certified Specialists vs. 'Specializing' in Elder Law
The title "certified specialist" is an important qualification. An attorney who represents themselves as a "certified specialist" but is not certified can be liable for false and misleading advertising.
The American Bar Association publishes model ethical rules for attorneys advertising their specialties. They also must follow the related rules in their various states.
Requirements for Certification as an Older Adult Law Attorney
The requirements for certification as a specialist in older adult law vary from state to state. But many states recognize the elder law certification issued by the National Elder Law Foundation (NELF).
NELF sets several requirements to qualify as a certified elder law attorney. The lawyer must:
- Be licensed to practice law in at least one state or the District of Columbia
- Have practiced law for at least five years before applying for certification
- Be practicing law at the time of their application
- Be a member in good standing in their local bar association
- Have spent at least 16 hours per week practicing older adult law in the three years before the application
- Have handled at least 60 older adult law matters during the previous three years
- Have participated in at least 45 hours of continuing legal education in older adult law in the three years before their application
- Submit the names of five attorney references familiar with their competence and qualifications
- Pass a full-day certification examination
Once an attorney is certified as an elder law specialist, they must continue practicing and participating in continuing legal education specific to the field.
This ensures that certified elder law attorneys maintain current knowledge of relevant laws and practice skills in representing older adult clients. They also should know the legal areas that impact their families and loved ones, such as choosing and paying for a nursing home or health care.
Where Can You Find a Certified Elder Law Attorney?
NELF's website provides a list of specialists by state. But it is not the only certifying entity. You can also locate a certified elder law attorney through your state bar association.
The National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) also provides resources, education, advocacy, and a list of certified elder law attorneys.
You can also locate a certified elder law attorney on FindLaw's attorney directory.
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Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?
- Complex elder law situations usually require a lawyer
- A lawyer can reduce the chances of a family dispute
- Get tailored advice and ask your legal questions. Many attorneys offer free consultations.