Edward Zetlin brings years of experience to elder and disability Law. He began his legal career at Legal Services of Northern Virginia in 1985, where he served as Counsel for the Elderly and managed the delivery of elder law services. He now has a solo practice in the areas of elder law, disability law, guardianship/conservatorship, public benefits, estate planning and estate administration.
Ed enjoys working with individuals and families overcoming the challenges of health and disability needs.
He currently serves as a member of the Board of Directors on the Northern Virginia Autism Association. He formally served as President of the National Capital Area Alzheimer’s Association and was a member of its Board for many years.
Ed is an Adjunct Professor of Law at the Washington College of Law of American University where he teaches classes on Elder Law and on Wills, Trusts & Estates.
Ed was named a Fellow of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) in 2006, the highest honor the Academy bestows for excellence in the practice of elder and disability law. Ed served as a Board of Director for NAELA and presided over NAELA’s Guardianship/Capacity Section. In Virginia, Ed helped establish the Virginia Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (VAELA). He is a Past President of VAELA and served on its Board for many years.
Ed co-chairs the Arlington County Bar Section on Law and Aging. The Section has met continuously for over 20 years.
Ed has taught and written for lawyers, law students and laymen on a variety of elder law and special needs planning issues including: Medicaid, Nursing and Assisted Living Contracts and Guardianship/Capacity. He speaks to diverse groups on a variety of topics including: Medicaid Long-Term Care, Medicaid Waivers for the Disabled; Special Needs Trusts, Nursing and Assisted Living Facilities, Guardianship/Capacity and Estate Planning.
Prior to entering law school Edward Zetlin earned a Special Education Degree from George Washington University and worked as a teacher in special education and at job sights with young Autistic adults. He earned his law degree from University of Richmond, T.C. Williams School of Law.
Ed has lived his entire life in Northern Virginia and is well connected with organizations that serve the elderly and the disabled. He is married to Leda Gottlieb who also practices aging and disability law. They have one daughter.
