Jean Harris Gustafson

While working on my undergraduate coursework at Alfred State College and the State University of New York at Buffalo, I became employed by one of our area's largest not-for-profit corporations serving individuals with disabilities. After several years with the same agency, I decided to pursue a law degree in hopes of continuing my work advocating on behalf of people with disabilities and their families.

In 2004, I graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University at Buffalo Law School and began practicing law in the areas of special education law, disability law and estate planning.  Currently, my practice spans across all areas of Elder and Disability Law.

Much of my practice focuses on Medicaid Planning for individuals contemplating a potential or immediate need for residential nursing home or assisted living placement. In these instances, we take advantage of the various assets protection tools that are available pursuant to federal and state laws and rules, in order to preserve the assets that our clients have accumulated during their lives. If a Medicaid application is necessary, we work directly with the appropriate government agencies and private facilities to ease the individual's transition to their new home.

Given my background, I am particularly sensitive to the needs of people with disabilities and their families. In this regard, I may represent clients in the process of obtaining Guardianship over their developmentally disabled or elderly relative or friend, or assist the family by helping in the establishment and administration of a Supplemental Needs Trust.  I also advise the family on the potential impact their own Estate plan may have on their disabled family member.

I also dedicate much of my practice to Estate Planning for disabled and non-disabled individuals. Through the employment of appropriate Estate Planning documents, such as Wills, Trusts, Living Wills, Health Care Proxies and Powers of Attorney, clients can and do avoid significant negative consequences which would otherwise result. In addition, they are able to ensure that their desired legacy is given effect.

With HoganWillig, I am afforded the opportunity to continue to develop my practice in a team environment with individuals whose work product and ethics are strong. I am proud to be part of the firm and look forward to continuing my work in the areas of disability law, elder law, estate planning and estate and trust administration.

Areas of Law:

Elder Law
Disability Law
Estate Planning