Lawyers of DistinctionRecognizing Excellence In The Practice of Law

Find a Lawyer

53 members found

Joseph Walker

Elder Law

1451 Quail Street, Suite 104, Newport Beach, CA 92660

Mr. Walker established his own practice in 1979, in Newport Beach, California, where he emphasizes business and real property litigation along with the representation of businesses, partnerships and corporations and the defense of employment matters for employers. Mr. Walker acts as outside general counsel for several small and medium size businesses. In the past several years, Mr. Walker has litigated cases involving commercial leases, real property, partnership dissolutions, quiet title, breaches of commercial contracts and real property financing. He has also handled matters that have been resolved without the need for trial, relating to real property bankruptcies, foreclosures, real property financing, finder’s fees, and creditors’ bankruptcy rights. He also litigates in the probate courts, handling trust disputes, will contests and assorted other probate issues.

read more
Julia Estrem

Elder Law

20 Lake Street N, Suite 202, Forest Lake, MN 55025

Julia N. Estrem, Esq. graduated from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota with a Bachelor of Arts in History. She earned her Juris Doctorate from the University of St. Thomas School of Law in 2015. Prior to becoming an attorney, Julia provided personal care to individuals often in their later stages of life as a home health aide. This experience helped her develop a passion for her current work. Through both observation and personal experience, Julia saw first-hand how a well-crafted estate plan can give comfort to individuals and their families. She personally experienced the familial discord that can come from the lack of death planning and understands the importance of having a skilled attorney to help navigate the difficult but important topics and complicated issues related to estate planning, probate, and real estate. Since law school, Julia has worked in private practice providing services in estate planning, probate, and real estate. She takes the time to ensure her clients know what their legal options are and that they understand how these options will affect not only their future but the future of their families. Julia consistently strives to find the best possible solution for each individual client’s unique legal situation all while providing a sensitive and easy to understand approach.

read more
Karen B. Johnson

Elder Law

3 Lan Dr., Suite 101, Westford, MA 01886

Karen B. Johnson is one of the co-founders of Madge & Johnson, PC, a distinguished law firm located in Westford, Massachusetts, that specializes in estate planning and elder law. With a notable educational background, Karen holds a law degree from Duke University School of Law and an advanced degree (LLM) in Taxation from Boston University School of Law. Since 1994, she has been actively practicing law, focusing on Elder Law and Estate Planning. Karen offers a comprehensive range of planning services to her clients, including provisions for incapacity, simple wills, and strategic utilization of estate tax credits for multi-generation families with significant wealth. She guides clients in the effective transfer and protection of their assets, while also assisting them with applications for Medicaid and other government assistance programs. Karen's approach is collaborative and educational, empowering clients to make informed decisions and jointly develop customized plans that suit their specific needs. Recognizing that estate planning requires ongoing attention, she helps clients regularly monitor and adjust their plans. Karen's extensive experience in implementing and defending plans provides her with practical insights into effective provisions and tested strategies. Given the Massachusetts residents' exposure to relatively low estate tax thresholds, Karen's tax background becomes a valuable asset for her clients. She comprehends the interplay between estate planning decisions and future income and estate tax obligations, employing advanced tax planning techniques to mitigate overall tax issues. Apart from her legal practice, Karen is an active advocate for elder law issues. Her advocacy efforts benefit her clients by enhancing her familiarity with government agencies and staying up-to-date with new legislation. For instance, she actively participated in the development of the 2018 BRAVE Act, which expanded benefits and improved access to services for veterans, active-duty military personnel, and their families. Karen is a proud member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA), a bar association and professional society dedicated to representing seniors and individuals with disabilities. Within the Massachusetts Chapter (MassNAELA), she has held various leadership roles, including Board Member, Secretary, Vice President, and President in 2018. Karen has also served on multiple committees, contributing her expertise to Programs, Publications, Chapter Archives, and Advocacy. As an educator, Karen has shared her knowledge by teaching lawyers how to draft estate plans as an Adjunct Professor at Western New England School of Law, one of the few law schools in the country offering an advanced law degree in Elder Law and Estate Planning. She continues to educate attorneys and the public sector on elder law and estate planning matters through public speaking engagements and classroom teaching. Karen's exceptional work has been recognized, as she has received the Massachusetts Super Lawyer designation consistently from 2015 to the present.

read more