Authoritative
Legal expertise communicated with clarity and confidence — the trusted source for elder law knowledge.
About IL NAELA · Since 1987
Advancing elder law across Illinois
The Illinois Chapter of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys is a community of attorneys and educators dedicated to improving the quality of legal services for seniors and people with special needs.
Our Story
A profession built around education and care
"Our membership span attorneys in the private and public sectors who handle the legal issues affecting seniors and people with disabilities. Membership is also open to judges, law professors, and law students."
Compassionate
A deep commitment to the well-being of seniors and people with special needs drives every initiative.
Educational
Knowledge-sharing is the mission — CLE programs, resources, and member expertise sit at the core.
Collaborative
A community of attorneys serving as a sounding board, benefiting from shared experience in elder law practice.
What We Do
How IL NAELA serves Illinois
Beyond education, IL NAELA supports the wider network of services for seniors and advocates on the public-policy issues that affect them.
Continuing Legal Education
Year-round CLE programs in elder law keep members at the forefront of practice.
A Professional Sounding Board
Members benefit from the expertise and experience of fellow practitioners across the state.
Public-Policy Advocacy
IL NAELA examines and advocates on the public-policy issues facing seniors and people with special needs.
Support for Aging Services
IL NAELA provides support to other organizations serving seniors and people with disabilities.
IL NAELA does not provide direct legal services. If you are seeking legal advice, please find an elder law attorney in your community.
Leadership
Meet the 2026 board
Our executive board are leaders in elder law — prominent attorneys recognized for their articles, publications, and seminars, who devote significant time to advancing the practice in line with the NAELA Code of Ethics.
Officers
MK
Melissa Kallio
President TMTamara Marshall
President-Elect & VP CPCourtney Podkowa
Treasurer KDKaye Deselms Dent
Secretary MJMelissa Johnson
Immediate Past PresidentBoard of Directors
PF
Paige Fox
Director MMMallory Moreno
Director JSJenette Schwemler
Director LSLinda Strohschein
Director KWKelly Wambold
Director KWKristin Wood
DirectorStaff
Explore
Become a Member
Go deeper into the chapter
More about the people and committees that keep IL NAELA moving.
Join Illinois’ elder law community
Membership is open to attorneys and anyone holding a juris doctorate or equivalent degree who is licensed to practice law. Become part of IL NAELA advancing elder law across the state.