I am passionate about the defense and counseling of clients in the Aging Services space. For more than two decades, I have served nursing homes, assisted living communities, and home health and home care companies—working to develop policies and procedures, admissions contracts, and other materials to help minimize risk. This includes developing training programs for all levels of employees. I work collaboratively with clients to provide proactive advice and reactive counsel. And it starts at your office or in your community. In the event that a suit is filed, I defend the case in either trial or arbitration and have tried to verdict cases in Illinois, New York and California.

THE LGBTQ ELDER Openly LGBTQ+ elders are one of the largest growing groups consuming services in the aging services industry — but much of the industry has had limited experience in serving their particular needs. Through training and policy advisement, I regularly assist clients to meet the needs of this emerging population and minimize risk. As one of the most pivotal changes that is currently confronting our industry, I have been active in collaborating on publications which help clients confront these issues.

INDUSTRY INVOLVEMENT Developing and leading continuing education programs is one of my favorite activities. It helps me to be part of the dialog within the industry and gives me a chance to meet and interact with a wide variety of professionals and learn the challenges that they are confronting. I am involved in numerous trade organizations, including LeadingAge Illinois and Home Care Association of America Illinois Chapter.

HINSHAW & CULBERTSON LLP I have been an attorney with Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP since November, 2000. I am currently an equity partner, Chair of the Mentoring Committee and Co-Chair of the Firm’s LGBTQ Affinity Group. One thing I am most proud of is that my firm has had a 100% rating on the Human Rights Campaign Corporate Equality Index (HRC / CEI) since 2009. I am one of the individuals who participates in the submission every year and am happy to discuss the firm’s efforts.