In the world of legal services and expertise, Critchfield, Critchfield & Johnston (Critchfield) stands out. Not only do they deliver high-quality legal services, but they also prioritize community engagement and pro bono work. At the forefront of their commitment is the field of elder law, a niche that has gained prominence in response to the evolving needs of an aging population.

Certified elder law attorney with Critchfield, Nicole Hawks, who has been with the firm for five years, sheds light on the subtle details of their practice. With over nine years of legal experience, she manages a diverse array of cases, including Medicaid, veterans benefits, estate planning, asset protection planning, and basic wills. 

Her journey into elder law started unexpectedly, shifting from child advocacy during law school to finding her passion in assisting seniors with their legal needs.

“When I came out of law school, I just sort of, on happenstance, had an opportunity to start with a very small Elder Law shop in a small town just outside of Columbus,” Hawks said.

“I fell in love with that other side of the spectrum for advocacy and just kind of took to it very quickly. I spent almost two years at that firm and then two and a half at another firm before I met a few of the Critchfield attorneys in late 2018 and thought, ‘this place is really special,’” Hawks said.

What sets Critchfield apart is not just the legal expertise but also the commitment to community service. Hawks notes that Critchfield goes beyond merely billing hours by encouraging its attorneys to actively participate in pro bono endeavors, serve on boards, and engage with the community. 

Elder law is special to Critchfield. Out of 40 experienced attorneys, two are certified elder law attorneys. Given that there are only 38 certified elder law attorneys in the entire state of Ohio, this is a rarity and a special quality of Critchfield, Critchfield, and Johnston. This dedication to specialization is not unique to elder law, as many Critchfield attorneys are certified in their respective fields, emphasizing the firm’s commitment to being the best resource for all of their clients.

“Critchfield, historically, is a firm focused on business, real estate, oil, gas, general estate planning, and more, but in more recent years, elder law was added to the practice because it’s become so important,” Hawks said.

The focus on elder law at Critchfield is a response to the growing demand for expertise in navigating nursing home issues, asset protection, and Medicaid planning. In the past decade, the landscape has shifted significantly, with an increased need for long-term care planning and asset protection. The prevalence of dementia and Alzheimer’s, coupled with advances in medical technology, has extended the period of care, making elder law a critical field of practice.

Hawks breaks down the types of assistance they provide into two main categories: pre-planning and crisis planning. Pre-planning involves helping individuals approaching or in retirement protect their assets from potential long-term care costs. Crisis planning addresses emergency situations where family members seek assistance, often when a loved one faces a sudden health decline and requires immediate care.

The certification process for elder law attorneys is rigorous, requiring a minimum of five years of legal practice, handling 60 elder law cases in 12 sub-areas within three years, and passing a comprehensive national and state-specific examination. This commitment to excellence ensures that clients receive specialized and informed legal support.

“There are also rigorous continuing education requirements to maintain the certification,” Hawks said.

Critchfield, Critchfield & Johnston exemplifies a law firm that goes beyond legal representation. Their dedication to elder law, community service, and a family-friendly work environment make them a unique force in the legal landscape, demonstrating that legal expertise and compassion can coexist for the benefit of clients and communities alike. 

To learn more, visit https://www.ccj.com/.