Benefits of Membership:

With more than 200 members, the Virginia Chapter is the leading group for Elder Law practitioners in the Commonwealth. View a brochure here summarizing VAELA and NAELA member benefits or see more details below.

Benefits of membership include:

  • Access to the chapter and national listserv. By subscribing to the chapter and national listserv, members can draw on the collective expertise of Elder Law practitioners across the state and around the country. Whether seeking substantive law guidance or recommendations for office software, members benefit every day from the ability to post inquiries via email to an entire network of Elder Law colleagues.

  • Promotional value. Chapter membership is an important indication of your dedication to Elder Law. Potential clients can find you geographically through the Chapter web site Find an Attorney.

  • Educational opportunities. VAELA hosts the UnProgram, held annually. This 2 1/2 day program offers a half day workshop, a full "Members Only" day in which VAELA attorney members meet to discuss topics ranging from substantive law and administrative and civil procedure to ethics and practice management, and ends with a "Meet the Pros" day of concurrent breakout sessions for CLE credit. VAELA also sponsors a Fall Conference which includes an educational program where there is an additional opportunity to earn CLE credit.

  • Brochure. Members have access to the "How Can an Elder Law Attorney Help Your Family" brochure. The brochure is written for a general audience, to describe the various areas in which an Elder Law attorney can assist clients and families. It is intended for distribution to clients, as a handout for speaking engagements, or as digital version to post to your website. It has space on the back for members to add their own contact information. Members can access the brochure downloads in the Members Only section.

  • Mentoring opportunities. VAELA is now offering a mentoring program. Experienced attorneys of more than five years of practice have the opportunity to serve as a Mentor. Find out more about the program or sign up to be a Mentor or be mentored.

  • Public Policy: VAELA has an active Public Policy Committee, through which VAELA advocates to the Virginia Assembly regarding issues pertinent to Virginia's Seniors and their Families.

  • Partnering with Virginia CLE. VAELA is partnering with Virginia CLE to promote education concerning Elder Law issues. Virginia CLE recently published a handbook on Elder Law with several VAELA members serving as authors.

  • Opportunity to serve. Members are eligible to vote for and serve as officers and directors of the Virginia Chapter, a Virginia Chapter 180 nonprofit organization, and to serve on vital committees of the Chapter, including Education and Public Policy.

Pricing:

2025 Membership Rates are as follows:

  • Attorneys (returning members): $150

  • New VAELA Member (first time only): $75

  • LSC Program/Title III Funded Attorney: $75

  • New Bar Admittees (years 1-3 only): $75

  • Law Professor/Judge: $75

  • Retired VAELA Member: $75

  • Law Students (full time): $75

NAELA membership is required in order to be a Virginia Chapter member. Annual calendar year NAELA dues are as follows:

NAELA Membership: $595 (One time $100 discount applied for first time members)
Law Professor/Judge:$505
LSC Program/Title III Attorneys: $395
New Bar Admittees: Years 1-3 are $395, 4th year dues are $595
Law Students: $100 (Full Time Students Only)

When you are a NAELA member, you are not only eligible to join VAELA, you will benefit from a whole new world of resources such as:

Access to Expert Opinions

Recent National Listserv Topics

  • Can a first-party SNT purchase a home for the disabled beneficiary?

  • Asset protection trust as owner and beneficiary of insurance policy

  • Seeking simple payroll and bookkeeping software

  • LLCs and Medicaid recipients

 Insights from NAELA's Venerable Publications

Recent Articles

  • Predatory Marriage

  • Why We Are Failing Family Caregivers

  • Medicare Appeal Navigation

  • Planning Options for Disabled Individuals 65 Years Old and Over

Professional Education on Pertinent Topics

Recent Virtual Learning Opportunities

  • Special Needs Trusts Overview

  • Drafting to Avoid Future Medicaid & SSI Challenges

  • ABLE Act Update

  • Advocating for Your Clients' Rights in Nursing Homes

  • Five Marketing Ideas for a Digital World

These are only a few examples of the many benefits available to you as a member. Learn more about how NAELA and chapter membership can work for you!