INTRODUCING ELENA LIDRBAUCH, ESQ.
Elena Lidrbauch worked in community mental health before becoming a lawyer at Hickman & Lowder in Cleveland. Both of her career paths have deepened her conviction that all people struggle at something. Here’s more about Elena and her journey in this field.
Although I was always interested in disability-related issues, my first career was spent working in the community mental health system. It was interesting work, and I learned a lot about the clients, many of whom were struggling, as well as the community mental health system, which was also struggling. At some point I decided to get my law degree and somehow convinced Frank Hickman to hire me. Frank was known for the statewide work he did in Ohio on behalf of the mental health and developmental disabilities systems. Our firm turned out to be a perfect fit for me. While working with systems and agencies on statewide issues was a good experience, once I saw the work my colleague Janet Lowder was doing in special needs and elder law, I wanted to do that. I really enjoy connecting with individuals and families. I like hearing their stories and struggles. The older I get, the more I find myself identifying with many of them. I want to be helpful and I want them to feel like they were heard and helped.
I tell them I work with families and individuals who may be facing challenges related to disability, illness, or age. The legal work varies depending on each client’s needs and concerns, which keeps my job very interesting. However, the majority of the work does tend to fall into one of these categories: education and information regarding benefits and available resources, planning for the future, creating legal documents to ensure decision-making and management of assets, and advocacy.
“The Way We Were.” I know it may be sappy, but I love stories about relationships.
Everyone struggles with something. Be kind.
I wake up feeling great and realize that all chores and errands have been completed. I then go for a long morning walk. I spend the day playing in my garden, then reading a really good book. I spend the evening hanging out with family and/or friends.