$ 395-395 per hour
PRO
Valerie A Powers Smith
also known as Valerie Powers, vaps
About Valerie
Biography
Bi-Coastal practice in CA, NJ, NY, and PA, Valerie A. Powers Smith is Of Counsel to Slovak Baron Empey Murphy & Pinkney, LLP (SBEMP) with offices in Palm Springs, San Diego, and Orange County, CA; and Princeton, NJ. SBEMP is a full-service civil law firm handling both transactional and litigation matters.
Valerie A. Powers Smith has over eighteen years of experience in the field of special needs and disability law including the following highly specialized practice areas: health care insurance, short-term and long-term disability insurance, Medicaid, Medicare, special needs trusts, trust administration, estate planning & administration, guardianships, and accessing federal and state government disability-based benefits.
Over the years, Valerie has concentrated her legal work in the area of health care law and has vigorously advocated for families and people with disabilities to gain medically necessary care from private insurance companies, Medicaid, Medicare, and other health insurance providers.
She has additionally focused her practice in the areas of special needs trusts and estate planning and routinely advise families, executors, and corporate trustees on the area of special needs law and the administration of the same.
Valerie has written extensively on a variety of disability law topics, has co-authored several publications on accessing adult services, Medicaid, and health insurance; and is a regular contributor to several newsletters of disability-based advocacy organizations throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania. She has also lectured for disability-related groups throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and D.C since 1997.
Full-service, bi-coastal estate, trusts, probate, and special needs practice in CA, NJ, NY, and PA.
Practice Areas
5
Practice Areas
Elder Law
20%
29 years
Estate Planning
20%
29 years
Medicaid and Medicare
20%
29 years
Probate
20%
29 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Hourly Rates
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
2013 2012
Licenses
Licensed in New York for 14 years
State: New York
Acquired: 2011
No misconduct found
Licensed in California for 14 years
State: California
Acquired: 2011
No misconduct found
Licensed in New Jersey for 27 years
State: New Jersey
Acquired: 1998
No misconduct found
Licensed in Pennsylvania for 27 years
State: Pennsylvania
Acquired: 1998
No misconduct found
Location
Slovak Baron Empey Murphy & Pinkney, LLP
(760) 322-2107
Fax
1800 E Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, CA, 92262
sbemp.com/Slovak Baron Empey Murphy & Pinkney, LLP
(609) 520-8731
Fax
103 Carnegie Center Blvd., Suite 300, Princeton, NJ, 08540
sbemp.com/Gallery
Online Presence
Other places you can find Valerie online.
Valerie A Powers Smith's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 14 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Paula | February 18, 2016 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Exceptional Attorney
We recently were notified by our insurance company that after 25 years our daughter's private duty nursing hours were being reduced. A mom of a special needs child recommended we contact Valerie Powers Smith for help. Valerie had an instant understanding of our problem and immediately took charge of ...
Posted by Mary Ellen | November 9, 2015 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Very difficult times
I am writing for the purpose of recommending, in the strongest possible terms, that anyone who needs legal advice or representation for a special needs family member contact Valerie Powers of Slovak, Baron, Empey, Murphy and Pinkney. I have had a very long relationship with Valerie Powers as my spe...
Posted by Kathleen | January 29, 2015
Extraordinary Advocate
I retained Valerie Powers Smith to represent my interests in a trust litigation matter. It was a difficult time for me with very difficult people to deal with. Without a doubt, I would not have made it without her help. She really got every nuance of all the characters and completely understood my...
Posted by Michael | January 24, 2015
Great Attorney
Attorney Powers is extreamly knowledgable in her field of law. She has represented us many times and has always worked out a successful solution. She is always available, returns call promptly and is a pleasure to work with.
Posted by Ria | August 31, 2013
None Better Than Valerie Powers Smith
We just completed conservatorship of our son a few days ago. He was our grandson until we adopted him a few years ago. He has multiple mental disabilities and has undergone 3 open heart surgeries. He is now 18 years of age and considered an adult; hence a conservatorship was necessary so we can le...
Valerie A Powers Smith's Lawyer Endorsements
"Valerie is an incredibly talented, hardworking and dedicated attorney, whose experience and outcomes speak for themselves. I am extremely honored to work with and learn from her. She is a mentor both in her personal and professional life, and I recommend her without hesitation. No one better to serve your estate planning needs."
"Valerie is an exceptional attorney. She is smart, hard working, and a dedicated and committed advocate for her clients. I consider Valerie to be my mentor, and cannot speak highly enough of her knowledge, expertise, and work ethic."
"I endorse Valerie Powers-Smith. She holds emmense knowledge in the unique area of Special Needs Trusts. Her compassion and experience makes her a strong advocate for her clients. I am proud to consider Valerie a colleague and without question, endorse her fine skills as an attorney."
"Valerie is an outstanding lawyer and well respected member of the local community. It is an honor and pleasure to be associated with Valerie and I regularly entrust my clients to her. I wholeheartedly endorse Valerie."
"Top-notch attorney. Highly respected in the legal community."
"Valerie is a smart, well qualified, hard working attorney who cost effectively serves the needs of her corporate and individual clients. Valerie is known for listening to her clients and applying her particular expertise in estate and family matters ranging from special needs trusts to same-sex couple planning. Valerie proudly serves her community as well through the ongoing charitable work of the Powers-Smith Foundation."
Ioana Tala
Litigation lawyer
Katelyn Empey
Litigation lawyer
Renell Burch
Litigation lawyer
John Pinkney
Litigation lawyer
Experience
Honors
2019
Distinguished, Martindale-Hubbell
2017
Top Lawyer, Palm Springs Life Magazine
2016
Top Lawyer, Palm Springs Life Magazine
2016
Desert Sun's Best of the Valley Ultimate Pride, Finalist - Top Attorney
2015
CA State Assembly Certificate of Recognition, California State Legislature, Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia, 56th Assembly District
2015
Top Lawyer, Palm Springs Life Magazine
2015
Class Speaker, Class of 2015, Leadership Coachella Valley
2015
Certificate of Recognition, City of La Quinta, Mayor Linda Evans
2015
U.S. Senate Certificate of Recognition, State of California, Senate, Sen. Jeff Stone
2015
Certificate of Recognition, County of Riverside, John J. Benoit, 4th District Supervisor
2015
Certificate of Recognition, Cathedral City, Mayor Stanley Henry
2015
Certificate of Recognition, City of Palm Desert
2015
Certificate of Recognition, City of Indio, Mayor Lupe Ramos Watson
2015
Certificate of Congressional Recognition, U.S. House of Representatives, Rep. Raul Ruiz, M.D.
2015
President's Council, Easter Seals of SE PA
2015
CA State Assembly Certificate of Recognition, California State Legislature, Chad Mayes, 42nd Assembly District
2014
President's Council, Easter Seals of SE PA
2014
Certificate of Appreciation, Legal Secretaries, Inc.
2014
Appreciation for Service -Medical Assistance Advisory Council, State of New Jersey
2014
Certificate of Appreciation - Mentor Program, Women's Leadership Forum
2014
Certificate of Appreciation - Lecturer, "Creditor's Claims", LSI
2014
Top Lawyer, Palm Springs Life
2013
Woman Leader, CV Weekly
2013
President's Council, Easter Seals of SE PA
2013
Appreciation for Fundraising - Powers Smith Foundation, Desert AIDS Project
2012
Appreciation for Fundraising - Powers Smith Foundation, Desert Arc
2012
President's Council, Easter Seals of SE PA
2011
President's Council, Easter Seals of SE PA
2011
Certificate of Appreciation - Assisting 911 Victims, New Jersey State Bar Association
2011
Appreciation for Fundraising - Powers Smith Foundation, Desert Arc
2010
President's Council, Easter Seals of SE PA
2010
Appreciation for Generous Support, DFDD
1997
Dean's List, Widener University School of Law
1996
Dean's List, Widener University School of Law
1995
Dean's List, Widener University School of Law
1994
Baccalaureate Honors, Rider University
1994
President's Award Nominee, Rider University
1994
Homecoming Court, Rider University
1994
Dean's List, Rider University
1993
Dean's List, Rider University
1992
Dean's List, Rider University
1991
Dean's List, Rider University
Work Experience
2010 - Present
Of Counsel, Slovak Baron Empey Murphy & Pinkney, LLP
2004 - 2010
Senior Associate, Hinkle, Fingles & Prior
1998 - 2004
Managing Attorney, New Jersey Protection & Advocacy, Inc.
1997 - 1998
In-house Counsel, Metlife & The New England Co.
1996 - 1996
Law Clerk, Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas
1996 - 1997
Certified Legal Intern, Widener University School Of Law Clinic
1995 - 1995
In-house counsel intern, Grand View Hospital
1995 - 1995
Summer intern (in connection with GVH), Grim, Biehn, Thatcher & Helf
1995 - 1997
Research Assistant, Widener University School Of Law
1993 - 1993
Political Science Intern, New Jersey Common Cause
Associations
2016 - Present
Leadership Coachella ValleyTreasurer
2016 - Present
Variety of the DesertSecretary
2016 - Present
Desert ArcExecutive Committee Member
2016 - Present
Desert ArcVice Chair
2015 - Present
Desert Bar AssociationProbate Section Executive Committee Member
2015 - Present
Desert AIDS ProjectSteve Chase Awards Gala Committee, 2016
2015 - Present
National Academy of Elder Law AttorneysChair, Litigation Committee
2015 - Present
Variety of the DesertBoard of Directors
2015 - Present
Variety of the DesertExecutive Committee Member
2015 - Present
Desert AIDS ProjectSteering/Advisory Committee - OHW
2015 - Present
Leadership Coachella ValleyBoard of Directors
2014 - Present
Desert ARCChair, Fund Development Committee
2014 - Present
College of the Desert - Planned Giving CouncilAdvisory Board Member
2014 - Present
Leadership Coachella ValleyClass of 2015
2013 - Present
Easter Seals of SE PennsylvaniaExecutive Committee Member
2013 - Present
Desert ArcBoard of Directors
2013 - Present
Desert AIDS Project100 Women
2013 - Present
Easter Seals of SE PAChair, Audit Committee
2012 - Present
Women's Leadership Forum of the Coachella ValleyMember
2011 - Present
CA State Bar AssociationMember
2011 - Present
National Association of Elder Law AttorneysMember & on Steering Committee
2011 - Present
New York State Bar AssociationMember
2011 - Present
Desert Bar AssociationMember
2011 - Present
Desert Estate Planning CouncilMember
2009 - Present
Easter Seals of SE PABoard of Directors
2009 - Present
NJ Turner Syndrome FoundationLegal Consultant
2008 - Present
MITO ActionLegal Consultant
2008 - Present
NJ SPAN's Family Voices councilAdvisory Board
1998 - Present
American Bar AssociationMember
1998 - Present
New Jersey State Bar AssociationMember
1998 - Present
Pennsylvania Bar AssociationMember
2010 - 2013
Warren-Slaughter-Richard Roemer Inns of CourtMember
2009 - 2011
Family Autism Services Network of NJAdvisory Board
2008 - 2012
Caregiver's of NJAdvisory Board
1997 - 2013
NJ Medical Assistance Advisory CouncilGovernor appointed Board Member
Sample of Legal Cases
Minor Pediatric Day Care clients v. State of New Jersey
Victory for all 53 clients to continue to receive their medically necessary care in the pediatric day care setting
Education
1997
Widener Univ SOL
JD - Juris Doctor
1994
Rider University
BA - Bachelor of Arts
1990
Pennridge High School
H.S. diploma
Speaking Engagements
2016
LSI Annual Conference
Special Needs Considerations
2015
New Jersey State Bar Association, Elder and Disability Law Section
Interplay of NJ Division of Developmental Disabilities & Medicaid
2014
LSI Annual Conference
CA Trust Accountings
2014
Difficult Conversations About (series)
Estate Planning & Trusts
2014
Desert Arc Parents' Dinner
Special Needs Trust
2013
Special Needs Considerations
Special Needs Trusts
2013
Monthly radio appearance
Estate Planning
2013
Estate Planning discussion with Steve Kelly
Estate Planning
2013
Estate Planning discussion with Marshall Gilbert
Estate Planning
2013
Estate Planning Considerations: Estate & Trusts, Tax and Financial
Estate Planning
2013
Estate Planning Considerations for the Special Needs Family
Estate Planning/Special Needs Trusts
2013
Difficult Conversations About (series)
Estate Planning, Trusts
2012
Special Needs Trusts and Estate Planning for Special Needs
Special Needs Trusts/Estate Planning
2012
Special Needs Trusts
Special Needs Trusts
2012
Special Needs Trusts
Special Needs Trusts
2012
Special Needs Trust and Estate Planning
Special Needs Trusts/Estate Planning
2012
Special Considerations for the Family Law Attorney when Divorce Involves a Family Member with Special Needs
Special Needs Trusts
2012
Navigating the Healthcare System
Healthcare
2012
Estate Planning Considerations for the Special Needs Family
Estate Planning
2012
Desert Estate Planning Council: 3/13/12
Special Needs Trusts
2012
Desert Arc Caregivers & Parents Luncheon: 4/11/12
Special Needs Trusts
2012
Caregivers and patients as informed advocates. Know your rights.
Register now for my three-part telephonic series educating caregivers and patients with significant health issues and disabilities on healthcare insurance, Medicaid, SSA benefits, estate planning and special needs trusts, and guardianship.
2012
Autism Mandate under New State Healthcare Insurance Laws
Healthcare
2011
The New Jersey Division of Developmental Disabilities
Special Needs Trusts
2011
Healthcare Advocacy Across the Lifespan
Healthcare
2011
Health Care Advocacy Across the Lifespan
Healthcare
2011
Estate Planning & Guardianship for Families with Special Needs
Estate Planning
2011
Advocacy Across the Lifespan: What Caregivers Needs to Know
Estate Planning
2011
A Lifetime of Advocacy: What Individuals and Families Living with Turner Syndrome Need to Know
Turner Syndrome
2010
Robert Wood Johnson Health Care Lecture 21-part series
Special Needs Trusts
2010
NJ Healthcare Insurance Autism Mandate
Healthcare
2010
National Caregivers Annual Conference
Healthcare
2010
Health Care Advocacy, 2-part lecture series
Healthcare
2010
Future Planning: Trust and Estate Planning
Estate Planning
2010
Autism New Jersey Annual Conference
Estate Planning
2010
A Lifetime of Advocacy: What Individuals and Families Living with Turner Syndrome Need to Know
Turner Syndrome
Publications
2015
Valerie A. Powers Smith; NJ ICLE
Interplay of NJ Division of Developmental Disabilities & Medicaid
2014
Valerie A. Powers Smith
CA Trust Accountings
2012
Valerie A. Powers Smith
Supreme Court Holds the Affordable Care Act (ACA) is Constitutional: So What Does That Mean?
2012
Valerie A. Powers Smith
Estate, Trusts, Probate & Litigation Practice
2011
Valerie A. Powers Smith
Services Available Under the N.J. Medicaid State Plan
2011
Valerie A. Powers Smith
Understanding the Health Insurance System: What You & Special Needs Families Should Know
2011
Valerie A. Powers Smith
Federal Health Insurance Reform
2011
Valerie A. Powers Smith
The Many Faces of New Jersey Medicaid
2011
Valerie A. Powers Smith
New Jersey Medicaid Managed Care: Mandatory Enrollment
2011
Valerie A. Powers Smith
The New Jersey Division of Developmental Disabilities
2011
Valerie A. Powers Smith
The New Jersey Division of Developmental Disabilities' Amended Community Care Waiver
2011
Autism Family Services of NJ
Social Security Administration Benefits Available for People with Disabilities
2011
Valerie A. Powers Smith
Estate Planning & Guardianship for Families with Special Needs
2011
2011
Valerie A. Powers Smith
California Autism Insurance Reform Law
2010
News from Autism Family Srvs. of NJ
Social Security Administration Benefits Available for People with Disabilities"
2010
Turner Syndrome Foundation
A Lifetime of Advocacy: What Individuals and Families Living with Turner Syndrome Need to Know
2010
Easter Seals of Southeastern Pennsylvania
Estate Planning & Guardianship for Families with Special Needs
2010
Autism New Jersey
Health Care Resources: Access & Funding for Autism, An Informational Guide for Families
2010
Desert Friends of the Developmentally Disabled
Guardianship & Estate Planning
2010
Autism Family Services of NJ
What is a "Developmental Disability" Under the Recent NJ Health Insurance Mandate for the Treatment of Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities?
2010
Spina Bifida Resource Network
Guardianship
2010
Valerie A. Powers Smith
Future Planning Considerations for Families with Special Needs
2010
Autism Family Services of NJ
An Update on The New Jersey Insurance Reform Act
2010
Valerie A. Powers Smith
The Insurance Reform Act
2010
Valerie A. Powers Smith
Federal Health Insurance Reform: A Preliminary Overview
2010
The Arc of NJ, Healthy Times
The New Jersey Division of Developmental Disabilities' Amended Community Care Waiver
2009
Family Voices of New Jersey
Health Care Advocacy Across the Lifespan: What Parents of Children with Disabilities Need to KNow
2009
Disability & the Law
Exploring Benefits from the Social Security Administration for People with Disabilities
2009
Disability & the Law
Major Changes to the Real Life Choices Program
2009
Disability & the Law
Trust Administration: A Vital Consideration
2008
COSAC
Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Guide to Services in New Jersey
2008
Healthy Times, The Arc of NJ
What Social Security Benefits are Available for People with Disabilities?
2008
Valerie A. Powers Smith
Planning for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders: Legal Considerations for Siblings and Other Caregivers in Pennsylvania
2008
Valerie A. Powers Smith
What Can Grandparents Do? How Proper Planning Can Help Your Grandchild with a Disability
2008
Healthy Times, The Arc of New Jersey
Helping a Grandchild with a Disability
2008
Disability & the Law
Maximize the Value of Your Special Needs Trust by Ensuring Professional Oversight
2008
Disability & the Law
Coverage of Autism-Related Services in Pennsylvania
2007
The Arc of NJ, Healthy Times
New Jersey Medicaid
2007
The Arc of New Jersey
A Guide to Community-Based Services and Supports for Adults with Intellectual Disabilities
2007
Valerie A. Powers Smith
Recent Appeal Won Against the State Health Benefits Commission
2006
The Arc of New Jersey, Healthy Times
Types of Healthcare Coverage & Coordination of Coverage
2006
COSAC
Adults with Autism: The COSAC Guide to Services and Supports in New Jersey
2005
PLAN-NJ
Legal Considerations in Planning for People with Special Needs: A Guide for Siblings and other Decision-Makers
2005
Special Olympics of New Jersey
Understanding Your Health Care Coverage Insurance & Appeal Rights: A Guide for Parents of Children with Intellectual Disabilities
2005
Disability & the Law
Changes in the Laws Governing Financial Liability & Institutional Liens for Persons Treated at State and County Psychiatric Facilities
2005
Disability & the Law
Changes in the Law for Mental Health Treatment: Who Can Authorize, Child or Parent?
2005
Disability & the Law
The Role of Medicaid Funding for DDD Clients Residing at Home
2005
Disability & the Law
Termination of Life Sustaining Treatment
2005
Disability & the Law
Changes Involving SSI
2005
Disability & the Law
Overview of Health Care Issues
2005
The Arc of NJ, Healthy Times
Medicaid's EPSDT Program
2005
The Arc of NJ, Healthy Times
Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services and Appeal Rights
2004
Disability & the Law
Real Life Choices & The Medicaid-funded Community Care Waiver (CCW)
2001
NJP&A's MCCAP
Medicare & Medigap Basics
2001
Managed Health Care Consumer Assistance Program
To Your Health: Your Consumer Rights in Managed Health Care
2001
NJP&A's MCCAP
Grievance and Appeal Rights: Medicaid Managed Care
2001
NJP&A's MCCAP
Grievance and Appeal Rights: Medicare Managed Care
2001
NJP&A's MCCAP
Grievance and Appeal Rights: Private Insurance
2001
NJP&A's MCCAP
Overview of Grievance and Appeal Rights
2001
NJP&A's MCCAP
Overview of Healthcare Issues
2001
NJP&A's MCCAP
Medicaid Managed Care & Due Process - 10 part series
2001
NJP&A's MCCAP
Medicare Appeal Rights
2001
NJP&A's MCCAP
Appeals & Complaints
2000
NJP&A's MCCAP
Managed Care: Overview of Grievance and Appeals Rights
1993
NJ Common Cause magazine
Savings & Loan
N/A
Autism New Jersey
Medicaid and Its Important Role in Funding Services and Supports for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Languages
English