Partner Amy C. O'Hara Named President of the Special Needs Alliance | | |
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We extend our congratulations to partner Amy C. O’Hara, CELA®, was sworn in as President of the Board of Directors to the Special Needs Alliance (SNA) at their Fall Meeting over the weekend. We are extremely proud of Amy’s hard work and dedication to the special needs community.
We thank the Special Needs Alliance for their partnership and for their advocacy on behalf of special needs individuals, their families, and caregivers.
Pictured Left: Amy C. O’Hara, with outgoing SNA President Jim Caffry.
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Partner Marion M. Walsh Named President of NAMI Westchester, Inc. Board of Directors | |
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We are proud to announce that partner Marion Walsh was elected to serve as President of the NAMI Westchester Board of Directors for the 2023-2024 term. Marion has served as a Board member and program volunteer with NAMI since 2018 and spent countless hours advocating for more support and understanding for those with mental health conditions. "NAMI’s message of hope and help is revolutionary and life-changing, and I am honored to serve," said Marion.
We thank the NAMI Westchester for their advocacy and work on behalf of individuals with mental health conditions and their families.
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What is the SSI Savings Penalty
Elimination Act?
| Social Security Income (SSI) provides money to approximately eight million people, including many individuals with disabilities, to help afford daily living. The federal government has had the same rules in place for over thirty years regarding how much money people can earn, save, and have in their bank accounts if they receive SSI. | |
Join us for our Fall 2023 Webinar Series | | |
Littman Krooks at the Community Inclusion and Development Alliance's Annual Gala | | |
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Littman Krooks Partner Marion Walsh and educational advocates Nicole Garcia and Sandi Rosenbaum were honored to attend the CIDA (Community Inclusion & Development Alliance) Gala on October 12, 2023. We are proud to support CIDA, an alliance of families and community partners based in Bayside, Queens. CIDA’s primary mission is to increase equity and inclusion for those with exceptional needs including disabilities, language and cultural barriers, or socioeconomic challenges.
The Gala promoted the theme of working towards Diversity, with Resilience, for Equity. To achieve its mission, CIDA strengthens the capacity of the entire community by providing parent training and support, advocacy, inclusive community programs and workforce development projects. CIDA envisions that all individuals and families will live self-determined lives and contribute to all aspects of the community.
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Q: What drew you into special education and advocacy law?
I worked as an AmeriCorps member and afterschool counselor at an elementary school for about 8 years prior to starting law school. I worked with many extraordinary students, some of which had special needs. I could see that they needed additional support and services to access their education. I wanted to first educate myself on what resources were out there so I could eventually educate and help their families.
Q: What is your favorite part of the job?
It is very rewarding to be the voice for some of the most vulnerable people in our community. It is my honor to be able to help make a difference for many struggling families. When I meet with and hear from parents of students struggling, I become personally attached to their stories and experiences.
Q: What was the best vacation spot that you visited?
In 2019, I visited Barcelona, Spain. I thoroughly enjoyed my trip. Barcelona has beautiful architecture, a welcoming culture and stunning beaches.
Q: What are your favorite hobbies?
I find cooking to be very therapeutic. My forte is Indian cuisine, but I like to experiment with fusion dishes. Due to my experience as an afterschool counselor, I have a passion for arts and crafts. I also love to spend time with my toddler, who has helped me learn a lot through the past year. My favorite part of the day is returning home to his charming smile.
Q: Do you have a favorite movie or book?
Currently, I currently enjoy watching Ms. Rachel on YouTube and Cocomelon with my toddler in the limited screen time we have. However, once upon a time I used to enjoy Grey’s Anatomy every Thursday night.
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Founding Partner Bernard A. Krooks Presents at the Louis Susman Memorial Tax Hosted by the Jewish United Fund | |
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Founding partner Bernard A. Krooks JD, CPA, LLM, CELA®, AEP® (Distinguished) spoke at the annual Louis Susman Memorial Tax Seminar in Chicago on October 23, 2023.
A large group of estate planning professionals turned out to hear Mr. Krooks speak about representing clients with diminished capacity and special needs.
We thank the Jewish United Fund of Metropolitan Chicago for hosting this event.
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Partner Amy C. O'Hara Delivers
Keynote Speech at Security
Mutual Life's Annual Meeting
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On October 4, Partner Amy C. O’Hara, CELA®, presented on Insurance Planning for Special Needs Families at Security Mutual Life’s annual meeting. It was a pleasure to participate in your annual meeting and thanks for inviting us. Be sure to check out Security Mutual Life’s financial services here: https://smlny.com/ | |
Showing Support at Yes She Can's
Evening Celebrating NDEAM
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Littman Krooks LLP's Special Education & Special Needs Advocate Sandi Rosenbaum attended the Yes She Can's Auction Celebrating the National Disabilities Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) on Thursday, October
These programs teach individuals the skills necessary to eventually join the competitive workforce. Several speakers emphasized the quality of services that Yes She Can is providing to the trainees.
The auction part of the program was a tremendous success, we do not have a final tally, but it is estimated that we raised almost $10,000. In addition, The Laurence W Levine Foundation donated an additional $10,000 this week to support the Yes She Can training programs.
Featured left is Sandi with Yes She Can's Executive Director Robin Davies-Small.
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Littman Krooks Teams Up with Miracle League of Westchester for a Very Special Halloween | |
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Attorney Brian Miller, Esq., and Case Manager and Client Services Specialist Valarie Russo teamed up with the Miracle League of Westchester to provide trick or treating Halloween fun on Saturday, October 28. The Miracle League provides Westchester children and adults with disabilities the opportunity to play baseball in an organized league. We are proud to partner with the Miracle League for their youth and adult outreach throughout Westchester. | | | |
Partner Marion Walsh Participated in Wealthspire Webinar on Special
Needs Planning
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Partner Marion Walsh participated in a panel discussion during a webinar on planning for children and young adults with special needs on October 25, 2023. Wealthspire Advisors sponsored and co-hosted the webinar in partnership with the Special Education Legal Fund (S.E.L.F.).
Entitled Special Needs Planning: School, Trusts, & Beyond, the webinar covered topics that range from education advocacy to finance. The three-member panel discussed ABLE accounts, special needs trusts, and special education law and provided insights on transitioning to life after high school. Marion spoke specifically on post-secondary education and transition planning for young adults with emotional and learning disabilities and discussed needed preparation.
In addition to Marion, the panel also featured Richard Yam of Wealthspire Advisors and Adrienne Arkontaky of Cuddy Law. Michael Delgass of Wealthspire Advisors moderated the discussion. Christine Lai of S.E.L.F. helped to organize it.
The recording is available here: https://vimeo.com/766442741
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CaringKind’s Legal &
Financial Planning Webinar Series:
Elder Law
Date: November 6, 2023
Time: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm EST
Location: Online
Partner Amy C. O’Hara CELA®, will be speaking at CaringKind’s program Legal and Financial Planning: Elder Law. This seminar is designed to acquaint families affected by Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias with legal and financial issues associated with planning for the long-term care of their relatives. An attorney specializing in Elder Law will discuss important topics family members should understand before meeting with their personal attorney. Prior attendance at an Understanding Dementia seminar is recommended.
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60th Annual NAEPCAdvanced Estate Planning Strategies Conference and Council Leadership Conference
Dates: November 12, 2023 - November 16, 2023
Location: Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa
Ft Lauderdale, FL
Founding partner, Bernard A. Krooks, JD, CPA, LLM, CELA®, AEP® (Distinguished) to present at the 60th Annual NAEPC Advanced Estate Planning Strategies Conference and Council Leadership Conference. Bernard will host a panel session on November 14 covering Elder Law and Special Needs Planning.
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Littman Krooks Fall Webinar Series: Impartial Hearings.
Date: November 14, 2023, 2023
Time: 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Location: Online
Hosted by Arshi Pal, Esq., we will share insights on how to best manage your child's impartial hearing process.
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Morgan Stanley’s Estate Planning Strategy Group on Taxation of Special Needs Trusts
Date: November 15, 2023, 2023
Time: 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm
Private Event
Partner Amy C. O’Hara will be speaking with Morgan Stanley’s Estate Planning Strategy Group on Taxation of Special Needs Trusts.
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Littman Krooks Fall Webinar Series: Protecting your Loved Ones from Elder Scams
Date: November 16, 2023, 2023
Time: 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Location: Online
Hosted by Nicholas N. Khayumov, Esq. & Jessica Saio, Esq., will present on best practices to help safeguard elderly loved ones from scams.
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Planning for the Future: An Approach for the Whole Family
Date: November 17, 2023, 2023
Time: 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Location: The Village Center, Larchmont Public Library
Partner Amy C. O’Hara and private wealth advisory Ziyah Esbenshade, SVP of Pell Wealth Partners at the Larchmont Public Library for a discussion on estate planning titled Planning for the Future: An Approach for the Whole Family.
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Littman Krooks LLP is among the 2024 U.S. News – Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms." with partners that have been named as top attorneys in New York for 2023 by Super Lawyers magazine. | | | | |
