MAY / JUNE 2018
SPOTLIGHT
Continued from page 9
Texas College of Law . Her experience as a litigator brings a unique perspective to the Elder Law practice , advocating in the courts for her client ’ s rights , and defending our aging population against abuse and exploitation . Erin ’ s strength lies in her ability to provide her clients with counsel that is both compassionate and effective , even in difficult and contentious situations . Erin joined Lori as a partner in 2015 , and Lori A . Leu & Associates transitioned into Leu & Peirce , PLLC . Working together , Lori and Erin have turned Leu & Peirce into one of North Texas ’ preeminent Elder Law firms .
Over the past five years , Lori and Erin have added three attorneys to the team , each focused on furthering Leu & Peirce ’ s mission of committed and compassionate service to seniors and their families . Lauren Olson , a Plano native and graduate of Saint Louis University and the SMU Dedman School of Law , joined the firm in 2013 . Laura Chavero , also a graduate of the SMU Dedman School of Law and a Carrollton native , joined the firm in 2015 . Leu & Peirce ’ s newest attorney , Brisha Gardner , began with the firm as a law clerk in 2016 and permanently joined the Leu & Peirce team as an attorney after graduating from Texas A & M University Law School in 2017 .
Leu & Peirce is devoted to supporting causes
In The Community
that are important to their CLIENTS .
Leu & Peirce is devoted to supporting causes in the community that are important to their clients . From the start , Leu & Peirce has participated in raising money for the Parkinson Voice Project and the Alzheimer ’ s Association , among other causes . Leu & Peirce is a long-time sponsor of the Greater Dallas Chapter of the Alzheimer ’ s Association and supports the mission of eliminating Alzheimer ’ s disease , by participating on the Alzheimer ’ s Speaker ’ s Bureau and hosting and participating in fund raising events throughout the year . This year , Leu & Peirce is proud to announce that Lori and Erin were honored to be selected as Co-Chairs for the 2018 Walk to End Alzheimer ’ s at Grandscape ( including Collin , Denton , and Grayson Counties ), and Melanie Simmons was selected as the Chair of the Sponsorship Committee . Together , Lori , Erin , and Melanie will lead the Grandscape Walk as one of the largest and most successful Alzheimer ’ s Walks in the country . The Grandscape Walk will be held on September 29 , 2018 , in The Colony . Leu & Peirce encourages the community to participate in this effort to find a cure for Alzheimer ’ s disease . You can sign up a team at alz . org / greaterdallas / walk , or join the Leu & Peirce walk team , known as the “ Leu & Peirce Wonder Walkers .”
From the beginning , Leu & Peirce ’ s primary mission has been to educate . Lori and Erin recognize the importance of community education , both to prepare adult children for the issues they will face when caring for aging parents , as well as to counteract the misinformation many seniors and their families are provided by self-proclaimed “ experts ,” who see the growing senior population as an easy target . Thus , the attorneys at Leu & Peirce welcome speaking opportunities to provide accurate and unbiased information to the community on powers of attorney , wills , trusts , public benefits , and guardianships . These speaking engagements further the mission of Leu & Peirce to educate families and help prevent exploitation of seniors . From senior centers to senior living communities , church groups , corporate informational gatherings and dementia support groups , the attorneys at Leu & Peirce seek to provide families the peace of mind that comes with the power of knowledge . Informing and empowering seniors and their families is an integral part of the firm ’ s vision of service .
Leu & Peirce is a proud supporter of the Wellness Center for Older Adults , which is located in Plano , and provides health , counseling , and social services for seniors throughout the Collin County area . Lori serves as the Chairman of the Board and the Leu & Peirce team participates in fundraising activities to support the services offered by the Wellness Center .
Due to the shifting demographics , the need for Elder Law advice is increasing . As the Baby Boomers age , an average of 10,000 people will turn 65 every day through the year 2029 . Alzheimer ’ s disease affects 5.7 million Americans and kills more people each year than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined . Every 65 seconds , someone is diagnosed with Alzheimer ’ s disease , and one out of three seniors dies from Alzheimer ’ s disease or another form of dementia . Because Leu & Peirce primarily works with seniors and their families , they appreciate the myriad of financial and social decisions their clients face and have tailored their practice to focus on these specific needs .
10 DENTON COUNTY Living Well Magazine | MAY / JUNE 2018