Law Library

ABA book gives families the answers they need when a loved one is ­diagnosed with dementia Just published by the ABA, "Don't Let Dementia Steal Everything: Avoid Mistakes, Save Money, and Take Control" provides guidance to families who don't know where to turn when a loved one suffers from Alzheimer's. Elder law attorneys Kerry Peck and Rick Law break down the legal issues surrounding dementia by addressing effective strategies for the most common challenges and identifying obstacles many families are unaware of. Aside from the emotional and physical toll that accompanies a dementia diagnosis, many families fall under financial strain and struggle to cope with legal hindrances. From understanding the benefits and limitations of Medicare, Medicaid and Medi-Cal to assigning powers of attorney and determining guardianship, addressing the legal issues surrounding aging and cognitive decline can prevent dire missteps. "Don't Let Dementia Steal Everything" helps families to avoid common pitfalls while navigating the costs of care and asset protection, as well as safely involve family members as caregivers and deter scams. Peck is the managing partner of Peck Ritchey, LLC, in Chicago and is past president of the Chicago Bar Association. He was retained by the City of Chicago Department of Aging to rewrite the State of Illinois Elder Abuse and Neglect Act, and co-authored the book "Alzheimer's and the Law." Peck has been repeatedly selected by his peers in Illinois as a "Super Lawyer," and was also named a member of the Leading Lawyers Network. In 2014 Peck was honored with the Justice John Paul Stevens Award, the Chicago Bar Association's highest honor. Law is the founder and lead attorney of Law Elder Law, LLP, in Aurora, Ill. He is a nationally recognized authority in the areas of estate planning, asset protection, income tax efficient retirement and nursing home Medicaid benefits. For many years, he has been named the No. 1 elder law estate planning attorney in Illinois by Leading Lawyers Magazine. Law was selected as an official member of the Forbes Finance Council. He has been quoted in Wall Street Journal, AARP Magazine, TheStreet.com and numerous professional publications and is a co-author of "Alzheimer's and the Law: Counseling Clients with Dementia and Their Families" and "Cruising through Retirement: Avoiding the Potholes." New ABA book is a guide to success for law students and new associates A new American Bar Association book, "The Early-Career Guide for Attorneys: Starting and Building a Successful Career in Law," equips law school graduates with the knowledge they need to thrive as new lawyers. Author Kerry Lavelle breaks down the legal profession's best practices, productive habits and office values with measured wisdom and kind consideration. "The Early-Career Guide for Attorneys" ensures that young lawyers can enter their first law firm prepared, enthusiastic and ready to do quality work. New hires will gain valuable insight into becoming a five-tool attorney and a reliable associate, as well as basic procedures for research, billing and client meetings. The book provides over 100 pages of sample forms and fosters an understanding of the systems, training and experience necessary to work toward partnership. Lavelle earned an MBA in Finance and Economics from DePaul University before pursuing his J.D. at the DePaul University College of Law. He started his own practice, Lavelle Legal services, in 1989, focusing primarily on matters of tax law. Today, the firm Lavelle Law, Ltd., has grown to include 31 attorneys with multiple practice groups. A frequently published attorney, Lavelle has also hosted a weekly public policy television program and, along with the other attorneys in the firm, is a regular contributor to the weekly podcast series "Chicago's Legal Latte." He is the author of "The Business Guide to Law: Creating and Operating a Successful Law Firm" from ABA Publishing, and has served as an adjunct faculty member at John Marshall Law School and William Rainey Harper College. Published: Thu, Nov 08, 2018