Lawyers, particularly those who focus on elder law, estate planning and business succession issues, play an instrumental role in helping families and businesses navigate important legal issues in the wake of an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, including such matters as health care proxies, powers of attorney, living wills, guardianship and succession planning.
The LILC will provide information aimed at increasing awareness among lawyers about broader disease-related challenges facing families and businesses impacted by Alzheimer’s and the care and support resources available through the Alzheimer’s Association. Members of the LILC will also be invited to participate in the annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s, which takes place in more than 600 communities across the country. The funds raised at Walk events support the Alzheimer’s Association mission of accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support.
"Legal professionals help families and businesses navigate a host of issues that arise when someone has Alzheimer's or other dementia,” said Rob Lucas, Director, Corporate Initiatives, Alzheimer’s Association. “The Legal Industry Leadership Council will serve as a conduit for making Alzheimer’s Association information and resources more widely available to participating firms and their employees, while providing firms an opportunity to directly support our mission through their participation in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s.”
The LILC is led by co-chairs David Crass, Managing Partner of Michael Best, Washington, D.C. office, and Jordan Siev, Partner at Reed Smith LLP, New York. Both co-chairs have been impacted personally by Alzheimer’s disease and will lead efforts to invite firms to join the LILC, demonstrating the legal profession’s commitment in the fight to end Alzheimer’s.
“I am excited to serve as co-chair for this important cause in honor of my mother Marjorie,” Crass said. “Lawyers are integrally involved in helping families and businesses navigate legal and financial challenges in the wake of Alzheimer’s diagnosis. The LILC will give firms and its members an opportunity to contribute to a cause that impacts not only our clients, but our country.”
There are currently more than 6 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease and that number is expected to increase to nearly 13 million by mid-century unless new treatments are advanced. The total lifetime cost of care for someone with dementia is estimated at $371,621, posing a tremendous burden on families impacted by Alzheimer’s disease.
“Alzheimer’s disease affects all communities,” Siev said. “I have worked with the Alzheimer’s Association at the New York City chapter level for several years in honor of my father Abe, and I have seen first-hand the critical support the Association provides families. Through the LILC, we can broaden legal professionals’ understanding of Alzheimer’s disease and connect members with information and resources that can help families and businesses during an extremely difficult time.”
Law firms interested in joining or learning more about the LILC, can contact: Rob Lucas, Director, Corporate Initiatives Alzheimer’s Association at rclucas@alz.org or 1-914-719-2058.
About Reed Smith
Reed Smith is a dynamic international law firm dedicated to helping clients move their businesses forward. With an inclusive culture and innovative mindset, we deliver smarter, more creative legal services that drive better outcomes for our clients. Our deep industry knowledge, long-standing relationships and collaborative structure make us the go-to partner for complex disputes, transactions, and regulatory matters.
For more information, please visit reedsmith.com.
