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- Leanna Hamill
About Leanna
I help strong families through trying times – to protect your choices, preserve your relationships and pass down the things that matter. I take care of the legal matters so you can take care of your family.
I know that the best attorney-client relationships are collaborations, and that the greatest partnerships (professional or otherwise) are built on communication. For this reason, communication and collaboration are the foundations of each area of my practice, and are central to your experience when we work together. The value I provide my clients comes not only from my years of legal experience, but also from my understanding that every family has a myriad of intertwined goals—personal and professional, financial and familial—that should not be separated, but rather approached holistically.
When working with blended families or families with elderly parents, I clearly establish who my client is while recognizing that each member has a crucial role to play. I understand that the encouragement and preservation of strong family ties is essential when creating a legacy strong enough to last for generations.
As we work together toward your goals my role is to draft the legal documents you need to memorialize your wishes, provide analysis of laws and regulations to help you determine a course of action, give compassionate guidance in carrying out the wishes of a loved one (via Power of Attorney, Trust or Will administration, or Healthcare Directives), be your legal representation during proceedings for a protected person, and provide legal assistance in planning for and paying for long term care expenses.
My practice focuses on planning for those people who understand that the time to act is now, even if you have put it off in the past. My guidance and legal expertise are the perfect complement to those clients who know their goals and recognize the need for legal assistance as they work toward those goals.
http://www.hamilllawoffice.com/
Education and Accomplishments
My education, experience, and ties to the community can help you accomplish your goals. I graduated cum laude from Suffolk University Law School, and have a degree in Sociology from the University of California, Davis. Prior to practicing law, I worked at Tufts Health Plan for over seven years, in the Appeals and Grievances Department. I live in Hingham and am a member of the Massachusetts Bar Association, the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys and the South Shore Coalition of Workers with the Elderly. I am a co-founder of the Women Attorneys Network of the South Shore (http://www.wanss.org/) and enjoy cooking, doing yoga and hiking.
Practice areas
- Estate planning: 40%
- Elder law: 25%
I begin my representation of many clients with a comprehensive estate and long-term care planning evaluation. This evaluation determines the best planning strategies to pursue in order to meet the estate planning and long-term health care objectives of the client. Elder law can involve estate planning, implementing an estate plan, reviewing options for paying for long term care, and may sometimes include Medicaid planning and application.
- Probate: 25%
I provide full representation of fiduciaries administering estates. Probate administration includes filing the petition for appointment of the personal representative, preparing and filing the inventory of estate assets, paying decedent’s debts, distributing assets, filing tax returns, and filing accounts with the Probate Court.
- Guardianship: 10%
I represent clients seeking guardianship and conservatorship of relatives who can no longer manage their personal or financial affairs and assist family members in fulfilling the duties imposed by these new roles. I also assist parents who need to become guardians of their minor children's estates for purposes of inheritance.
Languages spoken
English
Resume
| State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|
| MA | Active | 2004 | 09/16/2019 |
| Award name | Grantor | Date granted |
|---|---|---|
| Rising Star | Super Lawyers Magazine | 2012 |
| Rising Star | Super Lawyers | 2011 |
| Rising Star | Super Lawyers | 2010 |
| ABA Top 100 Law Blog | American Bar Association | 2009 |
| American Jurisprudence Award - Civil Procedure | Suffolk University Law School | 2002 |
| American Jurisprudence Award - Fiduciary Relations | Suffolk University Law School | 2002 |
|---|---|---|
| Academic Leadership Scholarship | Suffolk University Law School | 2001 |
| Distinguished Brief - Legal Practice Skills Class | Suffolk University Law School | 2001 |
| Honorable Mention: Oral Argument | Suffolk University Law School | 2001 |
| Title | Company name | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Principal Attorney | Leanna Hamill, Attorney at Law | 2005 - Present |
| Associate | Loring and Robinson | 2004 - 2005 |
| Appeals & Grievances Specialist | Tufts Health Plan | 1997 - 2004 |
| Association name | Position name | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Crossroads for Kids | 10Event Committee Member | 2013 - Present |
| South Shore Chamber of Commerce | Member | 2012 - Present |
| Anodyne Corporation | Human Rights Committee, Member | 2009 - Present |
| Women Attorneys Network of the South Shore | President | 2007 - Present |
| South Shore Coalition of Workers with the Elderly | Member | 2005 - Present |
| Massachusetts Bar Association | Member | 2004 - Present |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Bar Association | Law Practice Management Council | 2009 - 2010 |
| Public Policy Committee of Mass. NAELA | Member | 2008 - 2011 |
| National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys | Member | 2004 - 2011 |
| National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (Massachusetts Chapter) | Member | 2004 - 2011 |
| Publication name | Title | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Patriot Ledger | To Your Children As They Turn 18 | 2016 |
| Wicked Local papers, various | Health Care Proxies | 2016 |
| Kiplinger's | How To Find a Missing Will (quoted) | 2016 |
| Wicked Local Papers, various | Don't Put Off Getting a Will | 2015 |
| Wicked Local papers, various | Estate Planning and Divorce | 2015 |
| AARP | How To Leave An Inheritance To Your Kids | 2013 |
|---|---|---|
| American Bar Association GPSolo Magazine | Elder Abuse | 2013 |
| Lexis Nexis Publishing | How To Manage Your Law Practice, contributor. | 2013 |
| Lawyers USA | Virtual Assistants for Solos, Small Firms | 2012 |
| AARP | 4 Costly Estate Planning Blunders | 2011 |
| New York Times | How To Choose The Right Executor for Your Estate | 2011 |
| Massachusetts Bar Association | Marketing Your Law Practice for Little or No Money | 2010 |
| Kiplingers Retirement Newsletter | Planning Can Be Tricky For Childless Seniors | 2010 |
| Lexis Nexis Publishing | Estate Planning During Divorce (Podcast) | 2010 |
| Money Magazine | Rethink Your Legacy | 2009 |
| JD Supra | Protecting Yourself & Your Property Before, During and After Divorce With a Properly Prepared Estate Plan | 2009 |
| BankRate | Eight Life Stages of Estate Planning | 2009 |
| Kidding Around | How to Choose a Guardian For Your Children | 2007 |
| Massachusetts Estate Planning and Elder Law | Massachusetts Estate Planning and Elder Law | N/A |
| School name | Degree | Graduated |
|---|---|---|
| Suffolk University Law School | JD - Juris Doctor | 2004 |
| University of California - Davis | BA - Bachelor of Arts | 1996 |
| Conference name | Title | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Parkinson's Support Group | Estate Planning and Progressive Illnesses | 2016 |
| Caregiver Support Group | Estate Planning for Caregivers | 2016 |
| Living Longer: Aging with Intellectual Disabilities | Guardianship and its Alternatives | 2014 |
| Inservice for staff | Guardianships & Eating Disorders | 2014 |
| Friendship Home | Planning for Your Child With Special Needs | 2013 |
| What if...Workbook Workshop | End of Life Planning | 2012 |
|---|---|---|
| New Beginnings | Estate Planning for The Widowed & Divorce | 2012 |
| Elder Law Month | Take Control of Your Future | 2012 |
| Stafford Hill Assisted Living | Protecting and Caring for an Incapacitated Adult | 2011 |
| Quincy Ward 4 Seniors | Medicaid Myths & Facts | 2011 |
| Multi-Service Eating Disorder Association Annual Conference | Guardianships & Health Care Decisions In the Eating Disorder Field | 2011 |
| First Parish Church, Norwell | What If...Workbook Workshop | 2011 |
| Allerton House Assisted Living | The 7 Things Adult Children Need To Know About Caring for Aging Parents | 2011 |
| Multiservice Eating Disorders Association 2010 National Conference | Empowerment In Health Care Decisions | 2010 |
| Mass Bar. Annual Conference | The Most Bang for Your Grand - Practice Building For Under $1000 | 2010 |
| Avvo Webinar | Divorce & Estate Planning: Basic Planning Tips | 2010 |
| Women's Bar Association | Planning for the New Law Office | 2009 |
| Why & How To Avoid Guardianship or Conservatorship | Conservatorship & Guardianship | 2009 |
| Surviving Divorce: The Road Ahead | Protecting Yourself Before, During and After Divorce with a Properly Prepared Estate Plan | 2009 |
| Starting a Solo Law Practice | Law Practice Management | 2009 |
| Parents of Transitional Age Youth - Parents Info. Network | Essential Planning for Young Adults-Alternative to Guardianship | 2009 |
| Money Matters Radio | Estate Planning For All Ages | 2009 |
| Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing Guardians for Your Children | Estate Planning for Parents of Young Children | 2009 |
| Military Officers Association of America | Estate Planning Basics | 2009 |
| Divorce Talk Radio | Divorce & Estate Planning - Protecting Yourself, Your Kids and Your Property | 2009 |
| Women Attorneys Network of the South Shore | Estate Planning and Divorce: What the Family Law Attorney Needs to Know | 2008 |
| Smash The Ladder | Blogging for Business | 2008 |
| New Beginnings | Estate Planning After Divorce | 2007 |
| Case name | Outcome |
|---|---|
| Estate Plan & Long Term Care Assistance | Helped client preserve funds & receive care. |
Exactly What We Needed!
Posted by Jack
Tue Jun 16 2015
Now I can truly rest in peace!
Posted by Elizabeth
Sat May 09 2015
Attorney endorsements
(17)Gail Otis, Mediation Attorney on Jul 28, 2008
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Leanna is an outstanding elder law and trust/estate attorney. She is very active in the legal community, professional, and well regarded by clients and colleagues alike. I refer all clients with estate planning or elder law issues to Leanna. I can recommend her without reservation.
Jennifer Sawday, Estate planning Attorney on Apr 7, 2008
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Leanna is an excellent attorney practicing elder law and related matters in Mass. She is a great source for my California clients who need an attorney in the Boston area. I highly recommend her services for those in need. She is also the author of an excellent blog focusing on elder law and related matters.
Bryce Fetter, Criminal defense Attorney on Feb 20, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Howard Roitman, Car accident Attorney on Feb 14, 2013
Relationship: Other
I endorse this lawyer.
Steven Ballard, Divorce and separation Attorney on Aug 8, 2011
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I highly endorse this lawyer. She has an excellent legal blog in her area of estate planning. She is quite obviously an excellent lawyer and very dedicated to her field. She is at the top of my list when my clients need an attorney for estate planning.
Charles Thomas, DUI and DWI Attorney on Aug 4, 2011
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Leanna is committed to professionalism and client service. It clearly shows as she guides her clients through planning for their senior years.
Carolan Hardy, Mediation Attorney on Jun 26, 2011
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. Leanna is bright, organized and articulate. She was personally provided invaluable assistance on a complicated guardianship matter.
Jennifer Deland, Estate planning Attorney on Jun 9, 2011
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. She clearly has a practice that centers on the needs of the client. She is knowledgeable, and seems kind.
James Riley, Estate planning Attorney on May 7, 2011
Relationship: Other
I endorse this lawyer.She is an excellent example of the importance of effective communication with clients and helping them in their moments of need for legal assistance. James K. Riley
Patricia Bloom-McDonald, Wills and living wills Attorney on Nov 2, 2009
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Leanna Hamill is a very knowledgeable and competent attorney. I have worked with her on a couple of occasions and would not hesitate to work with her again in the future. She is enthusiastic and treats each client with the utmost respect.
Ellen Victor, Elder law Attorney on Oct 31, 2009
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Leanna is a dedicated attorney who expresses genuine concern in providing the best possible estate plans for her clients. I am fortunate to count Leanna as a colleague who I can go to for advice, and know I will always receive a generous response. Her clients benefit from her expertise and compassion as well.
Stephen McDonough, Divorce and separation Attorney on Feb 25, 2009
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I have known Leanna since law school. She is a bright and well-respected attorney, and a nice person as well.
Gail Otis, Mediation Attorney on Jul 28, 2008
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Leanna is an outstanding elder law and trust/estate attorney. She is very active in the legal community, professional, and well regarded by clients and colleagues alike. I refer all clients with estate planning or elder law issues to Leanna. I can recommend her without reservation.
Jessica Foley, Criminal defense Attorney on Apr 9, 2008
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Leanna Hamill is an excellent Estate Planning and Elder Law attorney. She takes good care of her clients and really enjoys helping them plan their futures. She is a published expert in her field.
Eugene Lee, Employment and labor Attorney on Apr 8, 2008
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Leanna and I are both on a lawyer discussion group. Leanna consistently displays a superior knowledge of elder law. I am happy to endorse her work.
Kimberly DeCarrera, State, local, and municipal law Attorney on Apr 8, 2008
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer's work.
Carolyn Elefant, Energy and utilities Attorney on Apr 8, 2008
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I am a lawyer in the Washington D.C. area and a frequent reader of Leanna's estate planning blog. Although her blog addresses Massachusetts issues, it offers a wealth of practical advice on estate planning and record keeping that are valuable to anyone. I can tell from the blog that Leanna is at the top of her game and can provide a wealth of information to her clients.
Joshua Paulin, Immigration Attorney on Apr 7, 2008
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I know Leanna through a discussion group of some of the most aware, client-centered lawyers practicing today. If you're looking for a good, experienced attorney, I highly recommend Leanna!
Jennifer Sawday, Estate planning Attorney on Apr 7, 2008
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Leanna is an excellent attorney practicing elder law and related matters in Mass. She is a great source for my California clients who need an attorney in the Boston area. I highly recommend her services for those in need. She is also the author of an excellent blog focusing on elder law and related matters.
Cost
- Hourly Rates$325-$325/hour
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