Who We Are
It is important to know the background and qualifications of any attorney who may be doing work for you. More importantly, does that person enjoy the work that he or she does and why do they do it?
Berkshire Elder Law Center: 40 Main Street N. Adams, MA 01247
We can be reached at (413) 664-7700 or 458-9800. Fax 664-6335
Jim's Profile:
Prior to moving to North Adams in 1990, I was a tax consultant working for a large accounting firm in NYC at the World Trade Center on the 101st floor. I commuted from the Bronx by subway everyday which was an adventure in and of itself. I had no great love for the stress and pace of working and living in NYC and decided to move to someplace a lot different. I was born in the Bronx, but grew up in White Plains, NY, a suburb 45 minutes north of NYC.
Prior to starting my own practice in 1998 in North Adams, I worked for 7 years as an estate planning and real estate attorney for a small Pittsfield law firm but I also did a lot of everything else, divorces, litigation, debt collection; things which I had no great fondness for. When I decided to start my own practice in North Adams, I promised myself that I would only practice in the areas I enjoyed. I was seeking to enhance my "quality of life".
That's when I established the Berkshire Elder Law Center, PC where I practice in the areas of real estate and estate planning with a focus on the those issues affecting the elderly. Basically, I am an elder law attorney with an extensive real estate practice. I find it more enjoyable to practice in these areas because the clients for these matters are far more appreciative than divorce and litigation clients. I love working with the elderly. This probably is the result of the great relationship I had with my grandmother who past away in 1993 after suffering from Alzheimer's disease. For those of you seeking my academic background, please keep reading.
Upon receiving my law degree from Duquesne University in 1986, I worked as a tax consultant for the accounting firm of Deloitte and Touche. I am a certified public accountant and received a Masters in Law in the area of taxation from New York University Law School in 1991.
I am a frequent guest speaker for various senior centers, nursing facilities and community organizations throughout Berkshire County and regularly appear on the Berkshire Broadcasting radio station, WNAW (AM 1230) and local cable access channels where I present topics on estate & medicaid planning, hospice planning, elder financial abuse and on long term care insurance. I also teach continuing education classes for real estate agents and first time home buyer seminars.
My FREE REPORTS provide answers to frequently asked questions about estate & medicaid planning and and he publishes a free newsletter entitled Elder Helper, designed to inform elders and those professionals dedicated to serving them about a variety of elder issues. I'm available at no charge, to make presentations to elder organizations & community groups.
In addition to estate planning and elder law, with services ranging from simple wills to the more complex planning for larger estates. My firm also handles guardianships and probate/trust administration cases.
Staff Profiles:
Angelia: Real Estate/Medicaid/Probate Paralegal
As a Paralegal, especially Jim's, my job has me performing many different tasks of which I enjoy. The variety of tasks I am faced with on a day to day basis keeps me very busy, but not to busy to help a client in need. One day I am helping a couple buy their dream home, the next, I am working with a family to obtain medicaid eligibility for a loved one and the next day helping a family deal with the duties of Administering their loved one's estate. Since I received my Administrative Assistant Certificate from Mildred Elley Business School in 1998, I worked for the Law Office of Neil C. Giroux until his retirement in December 2004. Jim bought out Neil's practice and took a chance on me. I then started working for Jim and the Berkshire Elder Law Center beginning January 2005. While working with Jim I have become more proficient in my working abilities, as well as, learning new ones. Also, I am currently working on my Nursing Degree through Berkshire Community College so I can continue working with and helping people. I was born and raised in North Adams and am currently raising my two children here. As a North Adams native, I look forward to helping other North Adams natives and even the new comers in time of need. I go out of my way to make our clients smile and have them put their trust in me and the Berkshire Elder Law Center.
Lanie: Estate Planning Paralegal/Office Administrator
As Jim's estate planning paralegal, my job is to prepare the Wills, Powers of Attorneys, Homesteads, Health Proxies and life estate deeds. I enjoy speaking with clients and taking information from new clients so their first planning meetings with Jim are productive. I also work on the mortgage modifications, keep the books and pay the bills (not Jim's favorite task). When that's not enough, I assist Angelia with the real estate. I received my Paralegal Studies Certificate from Mildred Elley Business School in 1997.
Our goal is to make our clients feel comfortable and welcome by creating a caring, attentive and informal but professional atmosphere. We think what separates us from other law firms we've worked for is that the office environment is like a home away from home. We really like working together - like a family but we have more fun.