Board of Directors

Tara Anne Pleat, CELA., co-owns the law firm Wilcenski & Pleat PLLC, with offices in Clifton Park and Queensbury, New York. She focuses on special needs and traditional estate planning and administration, as well as long-term care planning.

After graduating from the State University of New York at Albany, Tara discovered how much she enjoyed working with families as an estate planning paralegal. Law school was the natural next step. Shortly after earning her law degree from Albany Law School, she joined her current firm, where she was introduced to special needs law.

“Several years ago, my son was diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome, an autism spectrum disorder, and my family’s experiences have deepened my understanding of the challenges faced by clients,” she says. “I recognize the limitations of Medicaid funding and the need to vigorously advocate for better services.”

Tara serves as a board member for AIM Services, Inc., which offers a broad range of support to individuals with disabilities. “My perspective as a special needs attorney helps to clarify government policies, especially funding and reimbursement,” she explains. “That way we can better focus our resources.”

She’s also on the Planned Giving Committee for the Wildwood Foundation, which funds a school for children with disabilities, as well as services for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities of all ages. ”Given cutbacks in government programs, nonprofits are increasingly recognizing the need to build public/private partnerships. My goal on this committee is to help connect Wildwood to other professionals who can broaden awareness of the work they’re doing.”

Tara is a member of the Arc of New York’s statewide guardianship committee, which sets statewide practices for the organization’s corporate guardianship program. She also is an Advisory Board Member of Supported Decision Making New York, an organization developing New York State’s Supported Decision Making program.

She is an adjunct professor of law at Albany Law School, where she teaches a course on estate and financial planning for individuals with special needs and the elderly. “I want my students to recognize the important safety net provided by public benefits,” she says. “They need to understand how the system should work versus the reality, so that they can empathize with clients. And they need to be able to make the incredibly complex subject matter understandable to their future clients.” Beginning in 2025, Tara will be Member of the University of Miami’s Adjunct Faculty for it’s LLM in Estate Planning where she will teach the segment on Elder Law. 

She is a former chair of the Elder Law and Special Needs Section of the New York State Bar Association; is the secretary of the Trusts & Estates Law Section of the New York State Bar Association; a member of the Estate Planning Council of Eastern New York, Inc. (serving as president for the 2013/2014 year); a fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC); and a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA).

In 2023, Tara was honored to receive the National Academy of Elder Law Attorney’s Powley Elder Law Award which is presented to a NAELA member who has demonstrated a commitment to promote, in the months of the general public, a greater understanding of the rights and needs of older Americans and people with special needs and of how elder attorneys advocate for those rights. 

In May of 2024, Tara joined the Elder Law Committee of the Editorial Board of Trusts and Estates Magazine. 

Robert F. (Bob) Brogan, CELA, is president of the Brogan Law Group in Point Pleasant, New Jersey. He began by building a practice focused on elder law, but was influenced by his wife’s experiences as a speech pathologist to expand his work to include special needs. “Jen worked for a local Arc chapter and was very involved in early intervention for kids with serious physical disabilities. I was impressed by the difference she made in people’s lives, and there are lots of similarities between elder and special needs law, so it was a logical transition.”

Bob explains that he’s driven by a desire to make the public benefits system “fair.” “It’s immensely confusing,” he says. “There are so many gates to pass through in order to establish eligibility and so many potential pitfalls. It’s like running a gauntlet.” A strong believer in individual rights, he promotes self-advocacy in his dealings with families. “Too often, guardianship is pushed as a solution when far less restrictive powers of attorney and advance directives will preserve both a person’s security and independence.”

His interest in public policy dates from early in his career, when he was a congressional aide handling press relations. He is a nationally respected authority on Medicaid and health care policy and is co-chair of SNA’s Public Policy Committee. He has lobbied for change at the state and federal levels and has twice received the New Jersey State Bar Association’s Legislative Service Award.

He belongs to the Council of Advanced Practitioners (CAP), an invitation-only organization of innovators in the areas of elder and special needs law; has served on the board of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA); and is past chair of the Elder and Disability Law Section of the New Jersey State Bar Association.

Bob has been cited as a Super Lawyer each year since 2008, is A-V Rated by Martindale-Hubbell, and taught a law and aging course at the Georgetown Law Center in Washington, D.C. He earned a B.A. in journalism from Rutgers College, a J.D. from Rutgers Law School-Camden, and an LL.M. in tax at the Villanova School of Law.

He attributes much of his success to wife Jen, who home schools their eight children.

Bryn Poland, Esq., is a partner with Mayo & Poland, PLLC, Baytown, Texas. She focuses her practice on special needs trusts and administration, qualified settlement funds and estate planning.

She was inspired to become an elder law attorney when she watched her family struggle with care options for her great grandmother, Lulu Sleeper, who lived to the age of 109. “I became involved with special needs law when I joined my current firm in 2007, and I love it! I get to work a lot with kids, and I find it personally fulfilling to help families prepare for the future.”

Bryn is especially interested in services designed for children with autism and is a new board member of the Bay Area Rehabilitation Center, which offers therapies for kids and young adults. “I’m hoping to become very involved in developing new programs, attending family meetings and helping them make decisions.” She has worked with the Arc of Texas on several “Wings for All” events, designed to acquaint individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities with airline travel.

She is licensed to practice law in Texas and Kansas, and is a member of the Texas Bar Association, Kansas Bar Association, National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) and the Society of Settlement Planners.

She received a B.S. in journalism from Kansas State University and a J.D. from Washburn University School of Law.

Christopher W. Smith, Esq., of Chalgian & Tripp Law Offices, PLLC, Southfield, Michigan, focuses his practice on special needs, elder law and traditional estate planning. He is licensed to practice law in Michigan.

Christopher’s interest in special needs law is grounded in personal experience. He has a sister with Down syndrome, and he remembers listening at the age of 10 to his attorney father address a conference on special needs law during the discipline’s infancy. “I grew up knowing the personal challenges faced by families with special needs and recognizing how legislators, regulators and advocates were struggling to serve them adequately. I wanted to help find solutions.”

Christopher was the chair of the Elder Law and Disability Rights Section of the State Bar of Michigan and still chairs its legislative committee. He also serves on the Michigan Attorney General’s Elder Abuse Task Force. In addition, he has volunteered time to the Elder Law and Advocacy Center at Wayne County Neighborhood Legal Services, as a guardianship reviewer for the Oakland County Michigan Probate Court and as a counselor for the Medicare Medicaid Assistance Program in Wayne, Michigan.

He has been named a “Rising Star” by Super Lawyer Magazine (Indiana edition: 2009-2010; Michigan edition: 2012-2017).

He frequently speaks and writes on aspects of special needs planning, such as special needs trusts, the ABLE Act, government benefits and guardianship. He places a particular focus on Medicare.

Christopher graduated from Indiana University Maurer School of Law (Magna Cum Laude, Order of the Coif), where he was managing editor of the Indiana Law Journal. Prior to law school, he majored in business and history at the University of Virginia and worked in finance for Procter & Gamble.

Elizabeth is a principal of Fleming & Curti, and concentrates her practice in trust administration, probate, guardianship, conservatorship, and estate planning. Elizabeth is a licensed private fiduciary and with the help of her team, she often serves as trustee, personal representative, guardian, and conservator.

Elizabeth’s interest in special needs planning and guardianship started with her desire to help individuals with special needs find meaningful and creative ways to engage in community. Whether through work, service, recreation, or education, she believes each of us can contribute to our community.

“I love working in a field where I can use my energy, my curiosity, and my determination to help real people solve real problems.”

Elizabeth is licensed to practice law in Arizona. In addition to serving on the Special Needs Alliance’s board, Elizabeth is the outgoing Chair of the Arizona State Bar Probate and Trust Executive Council, serves on the Board of Directors for the Primavera Foundation, and is a trustee for the Jewish Philanthropies of Southern Arizona.

Elizabeth earned a B.A. (cum laude) from Connecticut College in New London, Connecticut and her J.D. from the University of Arizona College of Law in Tucson, Arizona.

Amy C. O’Hara, CELA, is a partner with the law firm of Littman Krooks LLP, White Plains, New York and New York City. She focuses on special needs planning, elder law and traditional estate planning and consults on personal injury settlements.

Amy’s interest in special needs planning is longstanding, having entered law school knowing that she wanted to focus on special needs law. She practiced special needs and elder law for a Buffalo law firm before joining Littman Krooks in 2006.

“Today, I’m finding that clients are becoming more comfortable discussing mental illness within the context of special needs planning for their loved ones. Unfortunately, insurance coverage, public funding and social services often fail to adequately address individual needs. Advocacy and proper planning are critical in order to maximize potential benefits and secure proper health care directives.

“I’m also interested in advocating for less restrictive alternatives to guardianship, when appropriate. When a young person turns 18, regardless of any disability they may have, they are legally considered an adult. Traditionally, guardianships have been sought to enable parents or other caregivers to continue their involvement in making health and legal choices for children with intellectual or developmental disabilities. However , with supported decision-making, other legal options that preserve a person’s self-determination and autonomy are often less restrictive and offer similar protections to guardianship.”

Amy is a member of the New York State Bar Association (NYSBA), Elder Law and Trusts & Estates Sections of the NYSBA, and local bar associations. She is also certified as an elder law attorney (CELA) by the National Elder Law Foundation and a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA).

She lectures frequently to advocacy organizations and families on the importance of proper planning for families of children with special needs. She also publishes articles relating to estate and special needs planning.

She also is President of the board of directors of Westchester Disabled on the Move, Inc., a nonprofit organization that works to improve the quality of life, independence and the rights of all people with disabilities.

Amy earned a Bachelor of Science from Binghamton University and a J.D. from University at Buffalo Law School.

Leonard R. Anderson is a founding member of Barlow Anderson, LLC in Anchorage, Alaska. He centers his practice around elder law, estate planning and probate, special needs planning, asset protection planning, and guardian/conservatorship.

A member of the Probate Rules Committee for the State of Alaska and a member of the Estate Planning, Probate, and Elder Law Sections of the Alaska Bar Association, Leonard is passionate about his work assisting people with special needs and their families. “It is rewarding to help individuals and families with special needs because the benefits they receive make a big difference in and improve the quality of their lives.”

An SNA member since 2017, Leonard is excited to work with the organization in this new capacity. “I am excited to work more closely with and learn from the outstanding attorneys who are part of the Special Needs Alliance and to serve the special needs community.”

Leonard is licensed to practice in Alaska. He received his B.A. in accounting from Brigham Young University and his law degree from Gonzaga University.

Roxanne J. Chang, Esq., Plymouth, Michigan, brings years of direct care, clinical psychology and therapeutic program consulting to her special needs/elder law practice. “After working for some time in healthcare, I felt that through the practice of law I could best advocate for individuals with special needs and older adults,” says Roxanne.

Having worked in rehabilitation, assisted living, nursing and memory care facilities, as well as a community mental health agency serving individuals with developmental disabilities, Roxanne brings informed insight to her representation of individuals with disabilities and their caregivers. “I can empathize with their experiences, their clinical challenges and their frustration as they navigate the healthcare system, and better advocate for their quality of life and care,” she says.

Roxanne is particularly interested in assisting individuals with developmental disabilities, memory loss or dementia.  “I believe that self-determination is a fundamental human right and that supported decision-making is an important tool for preserving dignity, personhood and citizenship.”

She is also a trained mediator and conflict resolution coach. “That background helps me set realistic client expectations and conduct negotiations in a manner that is more likely to be productive and protect valuable relationships. It is often a matter of understanding and communicating each side’s position respectfully and looking for a path to an acceptable compromise.”

Roxanne volunteers her time with the Greater Michigan Alzheimer’s Association’s monthly caregiver support group and the Great Lakes Legal Mediation Division’s Advisory Council. She is on the Elder Law Advisory Board and a frequent author/contributor for the Institute for Continuing Legal Education.  She is also a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) and lectures at the University of Michigan’s School of Social Work and Eastern Michigan University’s Aging Studies program.

She earned a B.S. in psychology, a M.S. in clinical-behavioral psychology, and a Graduate Certificate in Gerontology, from Eastern Michigan University. She earned a J.D. from Wayne State University Law School.

Emily is an attorney with Stevens and Brand, LLP, and concentrates her practice in the areas of elder law and estate planning. She is a Certified Elder Law Attorney (CELA) by the National Elder Law Foundation and holds an advanced degree in Estate Planning (LL.M.)

Emily’s interest in special needs planning started early in her career while working with a family who had a son with Down’s Syndrome and another on the autism spectrum. She was inspired by their family and their commitment to achieving the best life possible for their sons. To this day, she keeps them in mind as an example of a model that is attainable and achievable even in the complicated world of special needs planning.

“My job is to make my clients’ lives easier. In the complicated world of special needs planning, seeing this result with the families I serve brings me great joy in knowing I may have helped – even just a little.”

Emily is licensed to practice law in Kansas. In addition to serving on the Special Needs Alliance’s board, Emily is an adjunct professor at the Washburn University School of Law and the University of Kansas School of Law. Emily is also a member of the Probate Law Advisory Committee, as well as the Guardianship Committee of the Kansas Judicial Council, and a frequent author and speaker on issues affecting the aged and individuals with disabilities. In addition, Emily is a current member of the Board of Directors for ARCare, Inc., the Kansas Bar Association, the Kansas Women’s Attorney Association, the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA), the Womens’ Attorneys Association of Topeka, and the Topeka Bar Association where she is a Chairperson on the Service to the Bar Committee.

Emily earned a B.A. from the University of Missouri, Columbia and her J.D. from the City University of New York School of Law in Queens, New York.

As the founder of Hemness Faller Elder Law, located in Brandon, Florida, it might not be surprising to learn that Emma’s start in the legal profession stemmed from her relationship with her grandparents.

“I always had a very strong relationship with both my grandmother and grandfather. When my grandmother became very frail, I was the only one visiting her in the nursing home during the last few months of her life,” she recalled.

Although initially Emma bristled at the thought of being a litigator, she realized that helping people, particularly those in vulnerable situations, became her life’s purpose. “I had a strong desire to protect individuals, especially during a significant health event or catastrophic illness, or just during the aging process,” she said.

While Emma was on maternity leave, she was peppered with questions from clients about benefits, questions about disability issues, which prompted Emma to do her own research to find out answers. It was during this process that she realized she was starting to develop a niche for herself, focusing more on elder law and special needs issues.

“There’s an organic migration from just focusing on someone’s death, which is what a lot of estate planning attorneys do, to focusing on the issues our clients are worried about while they’re still alive, like planning for a child with special needs and how to help them when you’re not able to and provide a safe environment for your loved ones.”

Although Emma often feels like there’s so much more for her to learn, she’s proud of the fact that when clients meet with her, she can give them tangible information that will help them both in the short and long-term. Sifting through information and researching solutions for clients to help them understand often complex issues provides Emma with a sense of pride, knowing that some of the information can be overwhelming.

“A lot of clients tell me I’m easy to understand, and that it’s incredibly helpful to know that I can take complicated laws and concepts and provide it in simple language for my clients that’s easy for them to understand,” she said.

Emma is a Florida Board Certified Specialist in Elder Law (2004) and is also nationally certified as a CELA by the National Elder Law Foundation (2005). SuperLawyer Magazine listed Emma among the Top 100 Attorneys in Florida (2021 and 2017) and Top 50 Women Lawyers (2021, 2017, 2016, and 2011). She served as Chair of the Florida Elder Law Section (2007-2008) and as Past President of the Florida Chapter of NAELA, the Academy of Florida Elder Law Attorneys (2015).

Emma was named the Elder Law Section Member of the Year in 2011 and AFELA’s Member of the Year in 2016. Emma has been accredited by the Veterans Administration since 2008.

Emma’s past community involvement includes serving on the Board of Directors of the Florida Gulf Coast Chapter Alzheimer’s Association and as an Officer and Board Member of the Senior Connection Center, the West Central Florida region’s Area Agency on Aging. She is a recognized Author of the Florida Bar’s Florida Guardianship Practice Manual. Emma graduated summa cum laude from Florida Southern College with a bachelor’s degree in human resources and finance. She earned her law degree from Stetson University College of Law.

Emily is an attorney and founder of the Kile Law Firm, PC in Scottsdale, Arizona. She concentrates her practice in the areas of special needs planning, estate planning, guardianship and conservatorship, ALTCS (Medicaid) planning, probate and trust administration. Emily has been practicing law since 1993 and she formed the Kile Law Firm, PC in 2004.

Emily’s interest in special needs planning and law is rooted in her personal experience. Having a niece with Down Syndrome has given her a view into the lives of people with special needs and their families. In particular, her close relationship with her brother and sister-in-law has given her direct insight into the responsibilities of parents and caregivers of those with special needs.

As a member of the Board of Directors, “I want to do my part in making sure that the SNA remains the premier source of information for families and the community on special needs issues, creates a place for colleagues to grow, learn, and support each other, and expand our reach to young lawyers searching for a career in special needs work. Through my work, I hope to inspire more younger practitioners to get interested in this area of law.”

Emily is licensed to practice law in Arizona. She earned her B.A. in Psychology and Women Studies from the University of Colorado, Boulder, a master’s degree in Psychology from Boston College, and her J.D. from the Northeastern School of Law in Boston, Massachusetts.

Elena is an attorney and shareholder of Hickman Lowder Lidrbauch & Welch Co, L.P.A. serving northern Ohio. She operates primarily out of the Sheffield Village office and concentrates her practice in the areas of Medicaid planning, planning for families with special needs, estate planning, guardianship, estate administration, and trust administration.

Elena is a National Elder Law Foundation Certified Elder Law Attorney (CELA) who has an in-depth understanding of legal mechanisms and public benefits. Her interest in special needs planning and law is rooted in her experience running partial hospitalization and work adjustment programs for people suffering from severe mental illness. For twelve years, she worked with mental health consumers in a community mental health center, before she decided to go to law school.

Through her legal work, Elena experienced a “Different kind of connection with the people I was serving. I want people to have the same opportunities regardless of disability. I like the opportunity to problem solve and make things easier for families, and through my work as an attorney, I have that opportunity.”

Elena is licensed to practice law in Ohio. She earned her B.A. in Psychology from Cleveland State University, M.Ed. in Rehabilitation Counseling from Kent State University, and J.D. from the University of Akron School of Law.

Jacob Menashe of Hickman Menashe, P.S., is a seasoned professional with more than 30 years of experience in special needs law. His journey into this field began with his work at a nonprofit legal services organization, where he gained extensive experience in Medicaid planning and special needs trust work.

Throughout his career, Jacob has witnessed the profound impact that special needs trusts can have on people’s lives. He finds particular fulfillment in helping individuals living on limited incomes, such as those relying on Supplemental Security Income (SSI). “We’re able to make a huge difference in people’s lives,” Jacob reflects. “For someone living on a limited income, a special needs trust can make a world of difference.”

Jacob’s approach to his practice is deeply rooted in respect for his clients. He prioritizes direct communication with the individuals he’s serving, especially in first-party special needs trust cases. “I think it’s important to hear what the person we’re talking about wants and is thinking and to be respectful of that person,” he explains. This client-centered approach ensures that he provides the most appropriate solutions for each unique situation.

In addition, he prioritizes staying current in the ever-evolving field of special needs law. He credits his involvement with the Special Needs Alliance, particularly the conferences and listserv, as invaluable resources for keeping up with the latest trends, regulations, and best practices in the field.

Jacob received his undergraduate degree from Stanford University and his law degree from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law (now UC Law San Francisco). After law school, he began his career in legal services in Washington state, where he continues to practice today. He has served as Chair of the Elder Law Section of the Washington State Bar Association, where he also contributed as a member of the Executive Committee. In addition, he’s a familiar face at professional gatherings across the state, frequently sharing insights on topics like Medicaid planning and special needs trusts. 

Outside of his legal practice, his priorities are clear: “My family, my faith, and baseball. I love the Mariners — even when they don’t love me back.” 

Extensive experience, a client-centered approach, and a genuine passion for making a difference in people’s lives make Jacob a valuable member of the Special Needs Alliance board.

Rebecca is a full-time law professor at Stetson University’s College of Law, and Boston Asset Management chair in Elder Law and director, M.J. in Healthcare Compliance. Her specialty is elder law, and she is the successor co-author of Matthew Bender’s Tax, Estate and Financial Planning for the Elderly and its companion forms book, a co-author of Representing the Elderly in Florida, (Lexis), The Fundamentals of Special Needs Trusts (Lexis), Ethics in an Elder Law Practice (ABA), and Planning for Disability (Bloomberg BNA Portfolio). She is also the co-author of Elder Law in Context (Aspen), and author of Bankruptcy in Context, and Mastering Interviewing and Counseling.

Rebecca’s interest in special needs planning stems from her belief that the law can provide a more level playing field for everyone, and she feels that she can be a part of making sure that everyone has access to programs, services, and justice.

“If we can make life a little better for someone, then we should give our best efforts to do so.”

In addition to teaching and writing, she is a past president of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, past president of the board of directors of the National Senior Citizens Law Center, past chair of the American Association of Law Schools Section on Aging and the Law and of the Florida Bar Elder Law Section, and on the faculty of the National Judicial College. She served on the Florida Attorney General’s Task Force on Elder Abuse and the Florida Legislative Guardianship Study Commission. She is a member of the American Law Institute (ALI), the academic advisory board for the Borchard Center for Law and Aging, an academic fellow of the American College of Trusts & Estates Counsel (ACTEC), a NAELA fellow, and a member of NAELA’s Council of Advanced Practitioners (chair 2012-2014). After a term on the Board of the ABA Commission on Law and Aging, she is a special advisor to the ABA Commission on Law and Aging. She is a member of the board of directors for the Center for Medicare Advocacy and the American Society on Aging.

Rebecca earned a B.S. from the Central Missouri State University in Warrensburg, Missouri, and her J.D. from the Stetson University College of Law in Gulfport, Florida.

Ethan Ordog is a partner at the Begley Law Group and concentrates his practice in estate and trust litigation, estate and trust administration, and guardianship.

Ethan’s interest in special needs planning and guardianship springs from the idea that while life is complex for everyone, it is often even more complicated for those with special needs. Therefore, he has focused his career on working with individuals with special needs and their families as they navigate legal obstacles and hurdles that arise. He understands both the importance of proper planning and the need to take the extra time to get to know his clients and their families on a more personal level.

“I feel most accomplished knowing that I am using my skills to help others and give back to the community. To do that, I identify the issue, understand the goal, and find a way to resolve it.”

Ethan is licensed to practice law in New Jersey and the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey and was the recipient of the 2014 Robert W. Criscuolo Award for being an “outstanding young lawyer” from the Burlington County Bar Association. In addition to serving on the Special Needs Alliance’s board, Ethan is the Co-Chair of the Burlington County Probate Committee, a member of the Philly Golf Classic Committee, and volunteers in the community for a number of organizations.

Ethan earned a B.A. (cum laude) in Political Science from Moravian College in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania and his J.D. from the University of Roger Williams School of Law in Bristol, Rhode Island.

Larry H. Rocamera, McPheson, Rocamora,Nicholson,Wilson & Hinkle, PLLC, Durham, North Carolina, focuses his practice on special needs planning, elder law, estate planning, taxation and trust administration.

“I began practicing special needs law at the urging of another SNA member, who stressed how helpful my background in taxation and estate planning could be to individuals with disabilities and their families. Since I’m both an attorney and a CPA, I bring a different perspective to the work I do on their behalf.”

Larry is particularly concerned about housing issues, given the shortage of residential options and long waiting lists. “That’s the biggest challenge for my clients. How can young adults live independently in today’s society, while getting the care that they need?”

As a result, Larry will soon be joining the board of a new adult residential community–Possibility Place‒designed for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. He regularly conducts workshops for families with special needs

He is a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) and a Fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC). He is also a past chairperson of the Elder Law Section and the Estate Planning and Fiduciary Law Section of the North Carolina Bar Association. He earned J.D.  from Hastings College of Law, University of California, and a B.S. in accounting from the University of North Carolina.

For Benji Rubin, having a brother with severe autism shaped who he is today in many ways personally and professionally and thus the type of law he chose to practice. Joining Rubin Law, a firm founded by his father, offered Benji the opportunity to talk to families who had been dealing with situations similar to his own, and provide a needed service in helping them navigate the complex world of disability and special needs law.

“With my brother Mitch having a disability, I was born into this world, and it affects every part of our life, so the call to help others going through similar experiences was always strong,” he recalls. “I fell in love with the practice and the ability to help other families facing similar situations.”

“It’s really intense for families facing these challenges and helping them get through it and becoming an expert along the way has been incredibly rewarding. Finding solutions for them and helping them get through the maze of information is one of my favorite parts of my work,” says Benji. “I feel very privileged to be able to do this work.”

The family business has expanded under Benji, and additional lawyers and support staff have been added to the firm to handle the influx of clients.

Now as president of the firm, Benji is juggling the responsibilities at work, and taking care of two children at home with his wife. But his passion for the work has only increased, and the personal connection to his work is always at the forefront of his mind. “It’s really not just a job. We’re a community and it’s wonderful to be part of something bigger than yourself and be connected to so many other attorneys through SNA.” he says.

Benji graduated from the University of Illinois College of Law, Magna Cum Laude, received his undergraduate degree from Northwestern University, and received his Graduate Law Degree, an LLM (Tax), with honors, also from Northwestern University. In addition to being a member of SNA, he is a member of the Academy of Special Needs Planners and serves as Chairman of the American Bar Association Special Needs Planning Committee. He serves as the President of SIBS (Supporting Illinois Brothers and Sisters), the Illinois chapter of the national Sibling Leadership Network, an organization of adult siblings of individuals with intellectual disabilities, developmental disabilities and/or mental illness.

Benji is a member of the Board of Directors of The Arc of Illinois, is a member of the Clearbrook Associate Board, an organization serving more than 8,000 individuals with disabilities, including his brother, Mitchell, who has Autism, serves on the Board of Directors of DayOne PACT, which serves as Trustee of Special Needs Trusts, and serves as Guardian, serves on the Board of Directors of the Foundation of The Special Education District of Lake County (SEDOL Foundation), serves on the Advisory Council of Encompass (Encompass in partnership with Jewish Child & Family Services, Jewish United Fund, JVS Chicago, JCC Chicago, Keshet, and The Center for Enriched Living and Center for Independent Futures). Benji is also a Faculty Member for the Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education (IICLE) on the topic of special needs planning, as well as a Speaker for the American Bar Association and the Illinois State Bar Association on those topics.

Benji has been a member of Rubin Law, A Professional Corporation since 2010, and assumed the position of President of the firm in 2021.

Matthew T. Smith of Elder Law Lawyers McClelland & Associates, PLLC, has a passion for special needs law deeply rooted in his childhood experiences. His mother was a physical therapist, and Matthew often accompanied her on home health visits. He was inspired by one of his mother’s regular patients, a nurse who adopted six children with disabilities and raised them on her own.

“I became friends with two of the boys and was like a surrogate big brother to them,” Matthew recalls. “Anything I do from a professional standpoint always goes back to trying to help out families or people with disabilities — like them.”

This early experience profoundly shaped Matthew’s career path. Before becoming an attorney, he worked as a financial advisor, collaborating with lawyers specializing in special needs trust work. This experience and his personal background led him to recognize the critical need for elder law services and special needs planning.

Today, Matthew’s practice focuses primarily on special needs trust work. He views his role as part attorney and part social worker, emphasizing the importance of listening to clients and finding creative solutions to their unique challenges. “We’re problem solvers more than anything else,” he explains. He believes the key to this work is asking the right questions and really listening to the answers. 

In addition to serving on the Special Needs Alliance, Matthew is a member of the Kentucky Bar Association and its Elder Law Section. He also oversees pooled trusts for the Kentucky Guardianship Association and serves on the Kentucky Behavioral Health Planning and Advisory Council.

For Matthew, the most rewarding aspect of his work is the ability to make a positive impact on people’s lives. “We get to relieve stress from people’s lives. We get to help people,” he reflects. This sentiment encapsulates why he’s dedicated his career to special needs law and continues to find fulfillment in his practice.

Matthew balances his professional commitments with a rich personal life, including raising a 17-year-old son and 20-month-old twins with his wife Lindsay. He starts each day with meditation and regularly practices Brazilian jiu-jitsu. This balance, combined with his MBA and JD, brings a multifaceted perspective to his legal practice, making him a valuable addition to the Special Needs Alliance board.