Robert J. Shanahan Jr.

Since becoming an attorney in 1985, I have experienced the area of Elder Law grow from what was an occasional question about powers of attorney and guardianships, to a full-blown specialized practice area. It hit home when I saw the practical effects of poor planning when my wife became executor of her uncle’s estate. The estate left a large sum of money to a severely disabled person, who was then in danger of losing all of his benefits–including his apartment in a specialized home. Lawyers have to spend time finding out, not only about the individual client, but about his or her family, taking a “holistic” approach to the preparation of these documents, and helping with these issues. I am very active in the community, advocating on behalf of the elderly and their families. Currently I am pro bono counsel to Volunteer Guardianship One on One, Inc. (Former President), which is an organization that trains and supplies volunteer guardians for the incapacitated who have no family to act on their behalf. I am a member, and former trustee, of the New Jersey Chapter of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys. I served as President of the Hunterdon County Bar Association from 2010-2011. Since I enjoy teaching, I make myself available to clubs and organizations, and present at County Bar Association continuing legal education progams and elderly outreach programs.