Elder Law
The elderly are increasingly a subject of national concern. Advances in nutrition and medical science, along with favorable lifestyle changes, have contributed significantly to the life expectancy of all Americans. The explosion of the baby boomer generation suggests that our nation will have to deal with much larger elderly populations. Congress and state legislatures have responded with laws, regulations and bureaucracies. Law and regulations relating to the elderly are expanding in response to the current demand and in anticipation of even greater numbers of people who make up our elderly population. Elder law has become a specialty.
Since 1995, the University of Kansas School of Law has been a leader in offering both course work and a clinical experience for law students wanting exposure to the practice of elder law. In recent years, the school has further expanded course offerings and created a certificate program for those students who wish to pursue a focused study of elder law.
The school also offers an LL.M. Program in Elder Law.
Curriculum
Introduction to Elder Law A survey course that explores the varied subject matters involved in the specialty practice area known as elder law. Coverage includes but is not limited to public benefits, the private pension system, property management, health care decision-making, guardianship and protection, end of life issues, wills and estates, and long-term care.
Elder Law Research Project Students prepare of an extensive research bibliography on specific topics relevant to the study of elder law. Corequisite: Elder Law Externship. Two semesters, one credit each semester.
Elder Law Seminar Intensive study of one or more aspects of elder law as selected by the instructor. The course may be repeated for credit with permission of instructor if there is no duplication of topics.
Estates and Trusts Intestate succession; execution and revocation of wills; will contracts and substitutes; elements, nature, use, and classification of trusts; charitable and spendthrift trusts; fiduciary administration.
SW 833 Social Work and Aging An in-depth examination of social work as it relates to the aging population. Students demonstrate the capacity to integrate research, policy, direct practice and human behavior in considering the issues central to this area of practice. Students will also be able to explain how diversity issues manifest themselves at both the policy and direct practice levels.
COMS 784/PSYC 784 Proseminar in Communication and Aging A weekly forum for students and faculty to discuss professional issues and interdisciplinary research in communication and aging.
ABSC 741 Readings in Gerontology Supervised readings in topical areas of gerontology. A program of study, conferences and reports are developed by the instructor and student.
PSYC 691 The Psychology of Aging Social, psychological and economic adjustments required by aging; changes in cognition, role and personality necessitated by advancing age.
PSYC 787 Gerontology Proseminar A proseminar coordinated by the Gerontology Center. The proseminar explores essential areas of gerontology for researchers and practitioners, providing a multidisciplinary (psychology, biology, sociology and communication) perspective on aging. The proseminar surveys contemporary basic and applied research, service programs, and policy and management issues in gerontology.
Students may also select from the following courses, which relate to the field of elder law:
- Administrative Law
- Disability Law
- Employment Discrimination
- Estate Planning: Principles
- Estate Planning: Practice
- Healthcare Financing and Regulation
- Health Law and Policy
- Independent Research (on approved elder law topic)
- Law and Bioethics
- Public Benefit Law
- Public Policy, Policy Analysis and Disability Law
Certificate Program
The Elder Law Certificate Program allows students to focus on the substantive law upon which an elder law practice is based as well as on the unique issues relevant to client counseling and professionalism when dealing with this expanding population.
Clinical Programs
In the Elder Law Externship, students work under the supervision of attorneys from Kansas Legal Services in matters such as income maintenance, access to health care, housing and consumer protection. Students also enroll in the Elder Law Research Project, in which they help prepare materials for the Kansas Elder Network, an Internet-accessible database on elder law and gerontology.
Students interested in elder law may also participate in the Public Policy Clinic and work on an approved elder law topic. The clinic requires students to undertake in-depth policy studies in response to requests from public officials.
Other Opportunities
Students who have already earned a Juris Doctor may complete the LL.M. Program in Elder Law. The program builds on the strengths of KU Law’s existing elder law curriculum by expanding course offerings and clinical opportunities. The objective of the program is to produce graduates who are both knowledgeable and proficient in the law that affects elder citizens.
