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Leanna Hamill

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Avvo Rating10
  • Hingham, MA
  • Licensed for 17 years
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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.

 

 

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

  1. Estate planning: 40%

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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

Contact

190 Old Derby St.
Suite 211
Hingham, MA, 02043

      Resume

      License
      StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
      MAActive200405/30/2022
      We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
      Avvo Contributions
      Legal answers39
      Legal guides2
      Awards
      Award nameGrantorDate Granted
      Rising StarSuper Lawyers Magazine2012
      Rising StarSuper Lawyers2011
      Rising StarSuper Lawyers2010
      ABA Top 100 Law BlogAmerican Bar Association2009
      American Jurisprudence Award - Civil ProcedureSuffolk University Law School2002
      American Jurisprudence Award - Fiduciary RelationsSuffolk University Law School2002
      Academic Leadership ScholarshipSuffolk University Law School2001
      Distinguished Brief - Legal Practice Skills ClassSuffolk University Law School2001
      Honorable Mention: Oral ArgumentSuffolk University Law School2001
      work experience
      TitleCompany nameDuration
      Principal AttorneyLeanna Hamill, Attorney at Law2005 - Present
      AssociateLoring and Robinson2004 - 2005
      Appeals & Grievances SpecialistTufts Health Plan1997 - 2004
      associations
      Association namePosition nameDuration
      Crossroads for Kids10Event Committee Member2013 - Present
      South Shore Chamber of CommerceMember2012 - Present
      Anodyne CorporationHuman Rights Committee, Member2009 - Present
      Women Attorneys Network of the South ShorePresident2007 - Present
      South Shore Coalition of Workers with the ElderlyMember2005 - Present
      Massachusetts Bar AssociationMember2004 - Present
      Massachusetts Bar AssociationLaw Practice Management Council2009 - 2010
      Public Policy Committee of Mass. NAELAMember2008 - 2011
      National Academy of Elder Law AttorneysMember2004 - 2011
      National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (Massachusetts Chapter)Member2004 - 2011
      publications
      Publication nameTitleDate
      Patriot LedgerTo Your Children As They Turn 182016
      Wicked Local papers, variousHealth Care Proxies2016
      Kiplinger'sHow To Find a Missing Will (quoted)2016
      Wicked Local Papers, variousDon't Put Off Getting a Will2015
      Wicked Local papers, variousEstate Planning and Divorce2015
      AARPHow To Leave An Inheritance To Your Kids2013
      American Bar Association GPSolo MagazineElder Abuse2013
      Lexis Nexis PublishingHow To Manage Your Law Practice, contributor.2013
      Lawyers USAVirtual Assistants for Solos, Small Firms2012
      AARP4 Costly Estate Planning Blunders2011
      New York TimesHow To Choose The Right Executor for Your Estate2011
      Massachusetts Bar AssociationMarketing Your Law Practice for Little or No Money2010
      Kiplingers Retirement NewsletterPlanning Can Be Tricky For Childless Seniors2010
      Lexis Nexis PublishingEstate Planning During Divorce (Podcast)2010
      Money MagazineRethink Your Legacy2009
      JD SupraProtecting Yourself & Your Property Before, During and After Divorce With a Properly Prepared Estate Plan2009
      BankRateEight Life Stages of Estate Planning2009
      Kidding AroundHow to Choose a Guardian For Your Children2007
      Massachusetts Estate Planning and Elder LawMassachusetts Estate Planning and Elder LawN/A
      education
      School nameDegreeGraduated
      Suffolk University Law SchoolJD - Juris Doctor2004
      University of California - DavisBA - Bachelor of Arts1996
      speaking engagements
      Conference nameTitleDate
      Parkinson's Support GroupEstate Planning and Progressive Illnesses2016
      Caregiver Support GroupEstate Planning for Caregivers2016
      Living Longer: Aging with Intellectual DisabilitiesGuardianship and its Alternatives2014
      Inservice for staffGuardianships & Eating Disorders2014
      Friendship HomePlanning for Your Child With Special Needs2013
      What if...Workbook WorkshopEnd of Life Planning2012
      New BeginningsEstate Planning for The Widowed & Divorce2012
      Elder Law MonthTake Control of Your Future2012
      Stafford Hill Assisted LivingProtecting and Caring for an Incapacitated Adult2011
      Quincy Ward 4 SeniorsMedicaid Myths & Facts2011
      Multi-Service Eating Disorder Association Annual ConferenceGuardianships & Health Care Decisions In the Eating Disorder Field2011
      First Parish Church, NorwellWhat If...Workbook Workshop2011
      Allerton House Assisted LivingThe 7 Things Adult Children Need To Know About Caring for Aging Parents2011
      Multiservice Eating Disorders Association 2010 National ConferenceEmpowerment In Health Care Decisions2010
      Mass Bar. Annual ConferenceThe Most Bang for Your Grand - Practice Building For Under $10002010
      Avvo WebinarDivorce & Estate Planning: Basic Planning Tips2010
      Women's Bar AssociationPlanning for the New Law Office2009
      Why & How To Avoid Guardianship or ConservatorshipConservatorship & Guardianship2009
      Surviving Divorce: The Road AheadProtecting Yourself Before, During and After Divorce with a Properly Prepared Estate Plan2009
      Starting a Solo Law PracticeLaw Practice Management2009
      Parents of Transitional Age Youth - Parents Info. NetworkEssential Planning for Young Adults-Alternative to Guardianship2009
      Money Matters RadioEstate Planning For All Ages2009
      Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing Guardians for Your ChildrenEstate Planning for Parents of Young Children2009
      Military Officers Association of AmericaEstate Planning Basics2009
      Divorce Talk RadioDivorce & Estate Planning - Protecting Yourself, Your Kids and Your Property2009
      Women Attorneys Network of the South ShoreEstate Planning and Divorce: What the Family Law Attorney Needs to Know2008
      Smash The LadderBlogging for Business2008
      New BeginningsEstate Planning After Divorce2007
      legal cases
      Case nameOutcome
      Estate Plan & Long Term Care AssistanceHelped client preserve funds & receive care.

      Reviews

      5.0 stars5.0 (11)
      5 Star
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      Review Leanna Hamill

      Exactly What We Needed!

      5.0 stars

      Posted by

      Now I can truly rest in peace!

      5.0 stars

      Posted by

      Nothing like peace of mind.

      5.0 stars

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      Great Special Needs Lawyer

      5.0 stars

      Posted by

      Great estate lawyer; knowledgeable and flexible

      5.0 stars

      Posted by

      Very capable lawyer

      5.0 stars

      Posted by

      Layman's Friend

      5.0 stars

      Posted by

      Professional, knowledgeable and detailed estate planner

      5.0 stars

      Posted by

      Terrific, Kid-friendly, and Flexible!

      5.0 stars

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      Excellent Service

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      See all reviews

      Attorney endorsements

      (17)
      Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer
      Lawyer Gail Otis

      Gail Otis, Elder law 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.

      Lawyer Jennifer Nicole Sawday

      Jennifer Sawday, Elder law 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.

      Lawyer Bryce A. Fetter

      Bryce Fetter, Guardianship Attorney on Feb 20, 2013
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      I endorse this lawyer.

      Lawyer Howard Robert Roitman

      Howard Roitman, Probate Attorney on Feb 14, 2013
      Relationship: Other

      I endorse this lawyer.

      Lawyer Steven R. Ballard

      Steven Ballard, Estate planning Attorney on Aug 7, 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.

      Lawyer Charles Thomas Jr.

      Charles Thomas, Unknown Attorney on Aug 3, 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.

      Lawyer Carolan Kiely Hardy

      Carolan Hardy, Guardianship 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.

      Lawyer Jennifer A. Deland

      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.

      Lawyer James K. Riley

      James Riley, Elder law 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

      Lawyer Patricia Bloom-McDonald

      Patricia Bloom-McDonald, Elder law 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.

      Lawyer Ellen A. Victor

      Ellen Victor, Estate planning 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.

      Lawyer Stephen F. McDonough

      Stephen McDonough, Elder law 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.

      Lawyer Gail Otis

      Gail Otis, Elder law 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.

      Lawyer Jessica Ann Foley

      Jessica Foley, Elder law 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.

      Lawyer Eugene David Lee

      Eugene Lee, Estate planning 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.

      Lawyer Kimberly Ann DeCarrera

      Kimberly DeCarrera, Estate planning Attorney on Apr 8, 2008
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      I endorse this lawyer's work.

      Lawyer Carolyn Elefant

      Carolyn Elefant, Estate planning 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.

      Lawyer Joshua Daley Paulin

      Joshua Paulin, Estate planning 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!

      Lawyer Jennifer Nicole Sawday

      Jennifer Sawday, Elder law 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

      RATES
      • Hourly Rates $325-$325/hour
      OTHER BILLING TYPES
      • Retainer Some attorneys require an upfront payment to secure their services before they begin their work.Always
      PAYMENT METHODS

      Cash, Check, Credit Card