27 Elder Law Attorney
What is it Like Being an Elder Law & Estate Planning Attorney
On this episode of the Unboxing Careers Podcast, Greg Zakowicz unboxes the career of an Elder Law and Estate Planning attorney with Asha Paulose.
Guest: Asha Paulose is an elder law and estate planning attorney in New York, servicing clients living in Long Island, NYC, and the Hudson Valley. Her firm prepares trusts, wills, and other planning documents to help families through death or protect assets as individuals begin to age.
Connect with Asha:
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What does an elder law and estate planning attorney do? Asha Paulose, an elder law and estate planning attorney, discusses her career path, details her daily work, offers insights into law school, and the skills necessary for success. The conversation also covers the challenges and rewards of running her own solo practice, along with advice for aspiring lawyers, emphasizing networking and strong writing skills. Finally, Asha shares her perspective on common misconceptions about the legal profession.
What we discuss:
Understanding Elder Law and Its Importance
The Journey to Elder Law
Career Path and Early Experiences
Navigating Law School and Specializations
Day-to-Day Life as an Elder Law Attorney
Transitioning to Private Practice
Work-Life Balance in Law
Challenges of Solo Practice
Essential Skills for Lawyers
Advice for Aspiring Lawyers
Common Misconceptions About Lawyers
Challenges in the Legal Field
Rewards of Being an Elder Law Attorney
What is Elder Law and Estate Planning
Elder law and estate planning are legal fields that focus on preparing for life’s later stages and ensuring a person’s assets and wishes are handled appropriately. Elder law addresses issues such as long-term care, Medicaid planning, and elder abuse, while estate planning encompasses the creation of wills, trusts, and powers of attorney. Together, they provide a framework for families to navigate aging and inheritance with clarity and dignity.
Asha Paulose highlights the importance of these areas, stating, “It’s about making retirement the best it can be and helping families manage the complex dynamics that come with aging.” Her work ensures that clients not only have legal protections but also peace of mind during critical transitions.
The Path to Elder Law: From Prosecutor to Private Practice
Asha Paulose has spent 20 years in the legal field, transitioning through various areas before finding her niche in elder law. Initially intrigued by estate planning to help her own family as a first-generation American, Asha discovered elder law almost by chance. Volunteering led her to meet an elder law attorney, whose guidance helped her uncover a field where empathy and compassion were not just valued but essential.
“Elder law is the practice that everyone will need at some point,” Asha explains. From wills and powers of attorney to long-term care planning, this field encompasses crucial aspects of aging and family dynamics. Her passion for helping families plan for the future became the foundation of her law firm.
Before finding elder law, Asha’s legal journey included roles as a prosecutor and corporate attorney. In those roles, she gained invaluable insights into financial crimes, elder abuse, and compliance. Yet, she yearned for a practice where she could make a tangible, compassionate impact.
The shift to private practice brought both freedom and responsibility. Asha embraced the flexibility of owning her own firm, allowing her to juggle multiple roles, from attorney to accountant to advocate. COVID-19 accelerated her transition by proving that even elder law could thrive in a virtual environment.
What Does an Elder Law Attorney Do? A Week in the Life of an Elder Law Attorney
No two days are alike for Asha. Her week typically includes client consultations, legal research, document drafting, and even house calls for elderly clients who can’t travel. “Sometimes, I’m the janitor, sometimes the accountant,” she jokes, highlighting the multifaceted nature of running a solo practice.
She emphasizes the importance of understanding family dynamics when working on estate plans. Beyond the paperwork, her role often involves addressing family tensions and identifying decision-makers—a mix of legal expertise and interpersonal skills.
Essential Skills for Aspiring Lawyers
A key skill for any lawyer, according to Asha, is the ability to spot the main issue amidst a great deal of information. Success in law requires a mix of technical expertise and personal qualities. Asha believes that the following skills are essential for aspiring lawyers:
Issue Spotting: The ability to identify key issues in complex scenarios is critical. Whether reviewing documents or listening to clients, honing this skill helps lawyers pinpoint problems and craft effective solutions.
Strong Writing Skills: Clear, concise, and persuasive writing is the backbone of legal work. Asha emphasizes that mastering the art of writing can command attention and convey authority.
Empathy: Particularly in fields like elder law, understanding and addressing client concerns with compassion is invaluable.
Networking: Building relationships within and outside the legal profession can open unexpected opportunities and provide critical support throughout your career.
Adaptability: The legal field evolves rapidly, and being flexible ensures you remain effective and relevant.
Why Writing and Networking Matter
For aspiring lawyers, Asha stresses the importance of strong writing skills and the ability to network. She recalls how her career-defining opportunities often came from unexpected connections, whether at professional events or even a child’s birthday party.
“People love to help,” she says. “Never underestimate the power of asking for guidance or referrals.”
The Challenges and Joys of an Elder Law Career
The legal landscape is ever-changing, and staying up-to-date on laws and policies is one of the most demanding aspects of her work. However, the rewards far outweigh the challenges. For Asha, the most fulfilling part of her career is being able to integrate her work and family life in a way that feels both fulfilling and meaningful
“It’s not just about having a career I love; it’s about building relationships with clients and helping them through some of the most important decisions of their lives,” she reflects.
Dispelling Misconceptions about Lawyers
The legal profession often carries stereotypes that don’t reflect reality. Asha has found that there are many common misconceptions about attorneys and addresses some common misconceptions:
“Lawyers are sneaky or dishonest.” Asha counters this by emphasizing that most lawyers are committed to ethical practices and genuinely want to help their clients.
“All lawyers are litigators.” Many people imagine lawyers arguing in courtrooms, but Asha points out that much of the work in elder law involves research, planning, and direct client interaction rather than litigation.
“Lawyers are unapproachable.” Asha’s practice revolves around empathy and accessibility, demonstrating that lawyers can be warm, understanding, and deeply invested in their clients’ well-being.
She highlights the evolving image of attorneys post-COVID: “Instead of a suit in court screaming, it’s more like comfy clothes with a tea next to a grandma hugging them.”
Advice for Future Legal Professionals
For high school and college students considering a career in law, Asha offers practical advice:
Diversify Your Interests: Explore various fields of law to find what resonates with you.
Master the Art of Writing: Legal careers demand clarity and precision in communication.
Learn to Study: Law school requires a unique way of thinking, so honing study skills early can ease the transition.
Network Fearlessly: Building connections can open doors you never anticipated.
Closing Thoughts
Asha Paulose’s story is a testament to perseverance, adaptability, and following your passion. Whether navigating corporate corridors or embracing the community-focused world of elder law, her journey underscores the importance of empathy and purpose in a legal career.
To learn more about Asha’s work or seek her guidance, visit www.ashapaulose.com.
Takeaways For Those Interested in a Career as an Elder Law & Estate Planning Attorney
Elder law is a vital practice that everyone will encounter.
Empathy is crucial in elder law, unlike other legal fields.
The journey to finding the right legal niche can be long.
Law school allows for diverse educational backgrounds.
Networking is essential for career advancement in law.
Solo practice offers flexibility but comes with challenges.
Work-life balance can significantly improve in private practice.
Continuing legal education is necessary for all lawyers.
Misconceptions about lawyers often misrepresent their true roles.
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