Join Us at the 2026 NELF Forum

Register Today

 

We are excited to welcome elder law attorneys from across the country to the 2026 National Elder Law Foundation (NELF) Forum, taking place in Denver, Colorado at the Brown Palace Hotel and Spa, Autograph Collection.

Whether you are a Certified Elder Law Attorney (CELA) or an attorney looking to deepen your knowledge and connect with leaders in the profession, the NELF Forum offers a unique opportunity to learn, collaborate, and grow.

Conference Education Tracks

The conference will feature two content tracks designed to deliver both advanced legal insight and practical tools to strengthen your practice:
  • Substantive Track – High-level programming focused on complex and emerging issues in elder law and special needs planning. These sessions are designed to provide insights and strategies that go beyond what is typically available at other conferences.
  • Practice Development Track – Sessions focused on accelerating your practice capabilities, including practical guidance on business development, operations, and strategies to grow and manage a successful elder law practice. In addition, select practice management sessions will be offered exclusively for Certified Elder Law Attorneys (CELAs)

 

Space is Limited — Register Early

The NELF Forum is intentionally designed to encourage meaningful discussion and connection, which means attendance is limited.

  

Conference Schedule Overview
(tentative, subject to change)

Thursday, September 17th

The conference begins Thursday afternoon with optional pre-conference programming and networking opportunities. Separate registration required.

1:00 – 6:00 PM
Pre-Conference Sessions designed for attorneys who are not yet CELAs, featuring several CELA speakers.

6:00 PM
Happy Hour & Welcome Meet-and-Greet

Friday, September 18th

8:00 am - 5:15 pm
A full day of education, networking, and engaging discussions.

9:00 am - 10:15 am  Leaving Retirement Benefits to a Trust: The 5 steps to test a trust's EDB status, plus drafting do's and don't's by Natalie B. Choate, JD

10:00 am - 11:00 am General Session to be announced
11:15 am - 12:30 am General Session to be announced

12:30 pm - 2:00 pm Networking lunch

2:00 pm - 3:00 pm Breakout sessions
AI Use Cases for Attorneys by Benjamin de Seingalt, Esq.
Lawyer2Lawyer: Employment Law Essentials for Law Firms by Jennifer A. Corso
Succession Planning speakers to be announced

3:15 pm - 4:15 pm Breakout sessions
Incorporating Non-Legal Professionals into Your Practice by Tye Cressman, CELA and Bryan Adler, CELA
Recent Developments, Key Trends, and Hot Topics in Estate Planning by Thomas Simmons (University of San Diego)
Marketing Your Elder Law Practice by Julian Gray, CELA

4:15 PM – 6:30 PM
Cocktail Reception

Saturday, September 19th

8:00 am - 12noon
The final day includes collaborative discussions and specialized programming.

8:00 am - 9:00 am Panel Discussion: New ABA Rule 1.14 by Caleb Lihn, Mark Johnson and Michael Kirtland

9:15 am - 11:00 am Analyze This: AI and Human  Insights, Elder Law, and Ethical Oversight by Professor Morgan and Robert Fleming, CELA

12:00 PM
Main Conference Concludes

12:00 – 3:45 PM
CELA UnProgram Sessions (for CELAs only). Separate registration required.

We’re preparing an outstanding program featuring leading voices in elder law—check back shortly for updates.

 

Why Attend the NELF Forum in Denver?

Whether you’re new to elder law or an experienced CELA, the NELF Forum offers practical value at every stage of your career.

  • Build or refine your foundation with real-world, applicable education
  • Stay current on emerging trends, legal updates, and evolving strategies
  • Gain advanced insights to strengthen complex case planning and client outcomes
  • Learn from and engage with top practitioners in the field
  • Expand your network through meaningful conversations, peer connections, and shared experiences
  • Develop lasting professional relationships that lead to mentorship, collaboration, and referral opportunities

For seasoned CELAs, it’s an opportunity to stay sharp, exchange ideas with peers, and strengthen relationships within a trusted professional community.
For newer attorneys, it’s a clear starting point toward building confidence, finding mentors, and pursuing CELA certification. Learn more here.

If you’re serious about growing—and staying connected—at a high level in your practice, the NELF Forum is where you need to be.

Register Today