I am honored to serve as President of the Massachusetts Chapter of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (MassNAELA). Our efforts to support the rights and well-being of the elderly and individuals with disabilities are more critical than ever, and I am excited to work alongside each of you in pursuit of this noble cause.
At the heart of our work lies a commitment to promoting dignity, autonomy, and justice for our aging and disabled community. As practitioners in the field of special needs and elder law, we have an opportunity to make a difference in the lives for not just our clients but for everyone in the Commonwealth. Whether we are drafting estate plans, navigating long-term care options, or advocating for policy reforms, we are guided by the fundamental belief that every individual deserves to live with grace and dignity.
As we navigate an evolving legal landscape with shifting demographics, it is essential that we promote change with resilience and innovation. We can meet the evolving needs of our clients with collaboration, creativity, and persistence – three characteristics that our chapter has excelled at since its foundation in 1992.
That’s not to say MassNAELA is without its share of challenges. The chapter leadership has targeted annual membership, attendance at in-person educational programs, and wider participation from the association at large as areas for growth. I strongly believe that the greatest benefit MassNAELA provides its membership is the relationships we have with each other. These bonds are formed with regular participation and collaboration. To that point, we aim to enhance the overall membership experience by offering different ways to meet, learn and grow.
In the year ahead, I am excited to work alongside each of you as we continue to uphold the values and mission of MassNAELA. I ask all of our members to support our chapter with more meeting attendance, workgroup participation, and listserv collaboration. I also ask for feedback to let the board of directors know how MassNAELA can better serve our membership. Finally, I ask you to spread the word to colleagues and clients that MassNAELA is the leading association of special needs and elder law attorneys in Massachusetts that educates our community, advocates for change, and represents our clients with expertise. Together, we have the power to make a tangible difference in the lives of individuals and families across the Commonwealth.
Thank you for your dedication and support.
– Michael R. Couture, Esq.