Special needs (and elder law) planning is vital to consider for most, if not all, clients. In this free webinar, Founding Partner Bernard A. Krooks will be providing a practical and comprehensive discussion of important practical issues that affect special or supplemental needs planning.

Topics that will be covered include: Which trusts should include special needs provisions? (answer – all of them)? What role can the general estate planning attorney, wealth adviser, and other members of the advisor team play when a client is addressing the challenge of a special child? When should a general estate planning attorney bring in a specialist in this area to assist? How might that relationship work? Which attorney would handle which aspects of the planning? Are there situations when the general practice attorney might opt to turnover the entire matter to a special needs expert? What are the attorney’s ethical obligations in these matters? Practical real-life examples of all these and other issues will be presented.

This is not a typical special needs planning webinar that focuses on technical details of a third-party special needs trust, etc. Rather, it is a somewhat informal discussion with one of the country’s leading special needs attorneys, Bernard A. Krooks, who shares a wealth of insights and thoughts that will be invaluable to practitioners of all experience levels and all professions.

Join us on Thursday, May 25th from 4-5 pm EST to gain valuable insights. Register now and don't miss out on this opportunity.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month! Littman Krooks is proud to be a Bronze sponsor of NAMIWalks Westchester. Come visit our Littman Krooks table at the walk on Saturday, May 20th, at Ridge Road Park, Hartsdale, New York. Check-in begins at 8:30 am, and opening ceremonies begin at 9:00 am. The park is the future site of the Westchester Healing Garden. 

We love supporting NAMIWestchester, which offers needed information, experience, and resources to help those whose lives are affected by mental illness. The work is more critical than ever, and we are proud that our work at LK is aligned to the mission. Join our team, LK Lights in the Tunnel, whether virtually or in person. #findhelpfindhope 

Q: What drew you to the practice of elder law?

A: I am a “grandma’s boy”– she was my best friend. My grandfather passed away when I was in 10th grade, so I moved into my grandmother’s house to ensure that she did not have to live alone. My grandmother passed away suddenly in my first semester of law school, and I helped my mother probate her Will and administer the estate. This was my first real experience in estate administration, which led me to learning more about estate planning and the various areas of elder law.

Q: Have you always practiced in the area of elder law?

A: No. I was a complex tort litigator for over ten years. I was at a turning point in my career where I was tired of fighting with opposing counsel and just wanted to help people. I recalled the joy that elder law classes and clinics brought me in law school, combined with being a grandma’s boy at heart, and decided to make the switch. I could not be happier with my decision, as elder law better suits my personality.

Q. What is your favorite part about your job?

A: Helping people. I also enjoy listening to my client’s stories and gaining an understanding what matters most to them to ensure that I can prepare their plans to align with their wishes and core values.

Q. What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

A: Aside from the stereotypical answer of spending time with my family, I enjoy working in my yard and tinkering on my house.

Q: What is your favorite sports team?

A: I am a huge Syracuse Orange fan. Having obtained my bachelor’s degree from Syracuse University, as well as meeting my wife on the Syracuse University Mock Trial Team, the Orange will always hold a special place in my heart. Go Orange!