Critchfield, Critchfield & Johnston is pleased to announce that Associate Nicole M. Hawks has successfully completed the examination process required by the National Elder Law Foundation (NELF) for certification as a specialist in Elder Law.
NELF is the only organization approved by the American Bar Association to offer certification in the area of Elder Law. To earn the Elder Law certification, the attorney must be in good standing, licensed to practice law for at least five years, complete at least 45 hours of continuing legal education in the specialization, have recommendations from at least five elder law attorneys and pass a rigorous full-day exam and a separate Ohio exam. Hawks joins only 34 other attorneys across the State of Ohio to have earned the Elder Law certification.
Nicole is a member of Critchfield’s Estate Planning and Elder Law practice team. She has extensive experience working with seniors and their families to address the myriad concerns of older Americans. She assists clients in estate and retirement planning, powers of attorney, Medicaid planning strategies, as well as working with Veterans in navigating VA pension benefit programs.
Nicole is also a frequent speaker on elder law issues and presents informative seminars regularly to local organizations that represent the concerns of seniors, as well as to retirement and senior communities across Northeast and Central Ohio.
Nicole is deeply involved in a number of civic and community organizations in the Ashland area, often in a position of leadership. She sits on the Board of Trustees of the Ashland Area YMCA and serves as the firm’s point person for coordinating volunteer work with Ashland United Way. Nicole also performs pro bono work assisting area veterans in obtaining VA Improved Pension Plans.
Nicole earned her law degree from Capital University Law School and her undergraduate degree from Ohio University, graduating cum laude. She is also an Accredited Attorney with the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.