From the Director

• Pages: 4-5
• Date: 01 November 2024

DIRECTOR’S REPORT

2024: “ONWARD” WITH THE ABA

COMMISSION ON LAW AND AGING

In January’s column, I stated that the motto for the Commission on Law and Aging this

year was “onward.” The word denotes moving forward or “going further rather than

coming to an end or halt.” It was also an expression commonly used by former director,

David Godfrey, at the end of every staff meeting.

In many ways, 2024 allowed the Commission to continue its path “onward” by moving

forward with our great work in research, policy and development, as well as engaging with

members in new and innovative ways. Here are some of the ways that we have been able

to make an impact this year and move the Commission forward:

1. In January of 2024, we launched our new podcast series, “Advocates of Aging,”

spotlighting interviews and stories on topics related to law and aging, including best

practice tips for professionals and career advice. Since the launch, ten episodes have

been published by the Commission. You can listen to these episodes on our website or

YouTube channel.

2. In May of 2024, the Commission partnered with the ABA Senior Lawyer’s Division to

bring back the first in-person National Aging and Law Conference (NALC) since the

pandemic. Hosted at the University of Miami Law School in Coral Gables, Florida, the

conference brought in over 100 attendees for a variety of sessions on topics including

elder justice, guardianship reform, long-term care, legal ethics, capacity, healthcare

decision-making, and elder law. More information will be coming in 2025 for the next

NALC so be sure to check out the “CLE Programs & Events” page on our website for

updates.

3. Throughout 2024, the Commission hosted a total of nine student interns from academic

institutions, universities, and law schools throughout the country. The purpose of the

internship program with the Commission is to work on substantive policy issues in law

and aging with the goal of producing a publishable chart, article, or summary. This year,

our interns published twelve articles in Bifocal and created several legislative charts in

COLA 2024 ANNUAL REPORT4