Passion. Experience. Diligence.
After nearly a decade working with individuals and their families at a prestigious elder law and estate planning firm located in New Bedford, MA and serving those living in Southeastern, Massachusetts and Cape Cod, it is with excitement that I announce Walecka Law, P.C. At our firm, we focus our practice on Elder Law, Estate Planning, Estate & Trust Administration, Special Needs Planning and Business Succession. We are committed to client-focused planning strategies and embracing a team-approach with the support of trusted professionals in the community. We are passionate advocates for our clients, helping them to create comprehensive estate plans designed to protect them, their family, and their assets. As founder of Walecka Law, P.C., I enjoy helping seniors, and clients of all ages, protect their hard-earned assets and make important decisions regarding their estate and their loved ones. In my off time, I enjoy spending time with my spouse and my two young kids. I enjoy reading, watching movies, and traveling.
Education
- Stetson University College of Law, Master in Laws (LL.M.), Elder Law, 2011 to 2013
- University of Massachusetts School of Law – Dartmouth, Juris Doctorate, 2007 to 2011
- Bristol Community College – Paralegal, Certification, 2006
- University of Massachusetts – Dartmouth, B.A., Political Science, cum laude, 2003 to 2007
Experience
- November 2011 – October 2020 – associate attorney at Surprenant & Beneski, P.C.
- April 2010 – November 2011 – legal intern at Surprenant & Beneski, P.C.
Community Education and Support
- Free lectures on elder law issues, estate, trust, and special needs planning;
- Provides mini-consultations at local Council on Aging in the greater New Bedford area;
- Has authored several articles in local publications (e.g., South Coast Prime Time magazine, Senior Scope, Marion COA’s Sippican Soundings, Fairhaven COA’s Senior Lifestyles, and Dartmouth COA).
Memberships
- National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA)
- August 2009 to present – Member
- WealthCounsel, LLC
- November 2011 to present – Member
- Massachusetts Forum of Estate Planning Attorneys (MassForum),
- January 2021 to present – President Elect
- December 2014 to December 2020 – Board of Directors
- November 2011 to present – Member
- January 2022 to present- President
- Bristol County Estate Planning Council (BCEPC)
- June 2016 to present – Board of Directors
- May 2014 to May 2016 – President
- April 2010 to present – Member
- Massachusetts Chapter of NAELA (MassNAELA)
- January 2012 to present – Publications Committee
- September 2009 to present – Member
- South Coast Senior Resource Association, Inc.
- May 2014 to present – Director
- Southeastern Massachusetts Alzheimer’s Partnership
- May 2014 to 2016 – Member
- Spindle City Chapter of Networking Group USA
- April 2021 to present
- Caregiver Resource Collaborative (CRC)
- October 2013 to April 2017 – Board Member
- Southcoast VNA’s Hope Takes Flight Committee
- June 2015 to April 2016 – Member
- Crystal Springs, Inc. of Assonet, MA Human Rights Committee
- December 2011 to November 2013 – Co-Chair
- Ombudsman for the Executive Office of Elder Affairs (through Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs)
- April 2010 to May 2011
Honors & Awards
- Named to Thompson Reuters / Boston Magazine’s Super Lawyer® list as Rising Star: 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022
- Thurgood Marshall Social Justice Award
- Honorary Pro Bono Distinction
- Scholarship Award
- Pi Sigma Alpha