Kimberly Strauchon Verner

Senior Counsel

Twenty-five years ago, Kimberly Strauchon Verner (“Kim”) made the decision to apply to law school because she saw there was a great need for legal professionals who understood the complexities of advocacy, capacity and decision making and government benefits for individuals with disabilities, seniors and their families. Now, as an elder law and special needs attorney, she strives to provide client-focused legal services and estate planning to individuals and their families at any stage of their lives.

Kim believes in the dignity and self-determination of all individuals to pursue the life they choose to live and desires to assist clients develop an estate and long term care plan that truly reflects their personal beliefs and goals. These plans may include the use of Wills, Powers of Attorney and Trusts, including Medicaid “Asset Protection” Trusts and Special Needs Trusts.

Having worked in the disability field prior to law school, she has a special affinity for working with individuals with disabilities. Her prior experience includes serving as a law clerk at the Counsel’s Office for the New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities and working in the elder law and special needs law field in local law firms and as a sole practitioner. She combines both knowledge of the local supports and services as well as the law when counselling individuals and families with special needs related challenges.

Kim also has extensive experience with New York State Medicaid and enjoys the challenge of assisting families to either proactively plan for their long term care needs or assist them to understand their options in a time of crisis.

Kim received her J.D. from Vermont Law School in 1998, where she worked as a law clerk at the South Royalton Legal Services Clinic and represented VLS for 2 years at the ABA Client Counselling Competition. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Music with a minor in Math from University at Albany.

She is active in the community as a member of the New York State Bar Association (Elder Law section) and volunteering her time on the Living Resources corporate Board of Directors and as President of their Certified Home Health Agency Board of Directors. She has also served on the Board for the Capital Region Center for Independence for 18 years. She is a frequent speaker in the Capital Region on Supplemental Needs Trusts, Long Term Care and Medicaid Planning.