Elder Law & Advocacy: The Conversation

Elder Law in Rural California

What does elder law look like in Imperial County and throughout rural California?
In this episode, Jaime Levine sits down with Alan Azevedo-McCaffrey, Staff Attorney at Elder Law & Advocacy, to share what it’s really like working directly with seniors in rural communities where access to legal help can be limited.
Alan discusses the unique challenges older adults face in places like Imperial County, the types of legal issues that often arise, and the barriers many rural seniors encounter when trying to get the support they need. He also offers insight into what advocacy looks like for attorneys serving these rural communities.
The conversation explores why legal services for rural communities are so important, what it’s like working at Elder Law & Advocacy, and how legal advocacy can make a meaningful difference in the lives of underserved older adults in Imperial County.
This episode is especially valuable for elder law attorneys, advocates, social workers, and anyone interested in access to justice for seniors in rural communities in California.

Let’s Talk About Conservatorship

Tune in as staff attorneys David Schwartz and Madison Kovall discuss conservatorship, planning ahead, and how legal support can help older adults and their families navigate complex decisions together.
David explores what a conservatorship is, how a conservator is legally selected, and the difference between medical and financial conservatorships. The conversation also highlights how advance planning and legal documents can help prevent conservatorship issues and reduce complications in the future.
This episode offers helpful insights for caregivers, families, and older adults looking to better understand elder law, conservatorship support, and long-term planning.
 

How Elder Law Attorneys Can Better Protect Seniors

We’re joined by Ann Vu, Volunteer Attorney with Elder Law & Advocacy, for an in-depth conversation on senior debt negotiation, elder rights, and language access in legal services.
Ann shares her experience working with Spanish-speaking seniors, highlighting why culturally competent support and strong translation processes are essential to understanding clients’ stories, protecting their rights, and helping older adults navigate complex legal and financial systems. She discusses practical strategies for supporting seniors through debt negotiation, contract disputes, fraud, and financial abuse.
Drawing from her work in Imperial County, Ann explores the unique challenges seniors face in underserved and rural communities, and highlights local resources beyond traditional legal aid. The conversation also addresses where elder law protections fall short, and what still needs to change at the policy level to protect seniors from abuse.
If you’re an elder law attorney, advocate, social worker, policymaker, or community member working to protect seniors from exploitation and ensure equitable access to justice, this is an episode you won’t want to miss!

2025 Cases That Changed California Elder Law

Attorneys Caleb Logan and Jaime Levine continue their conversation by deep diving into the real stories behind the cases shaping senior protections in California in 2026. Through detailed case breakdowns, they explore how moments of elder abuse, financial exploitation, and legal injustice become turning points that drive change in the law.
This episode takes listeners deep into key 2025 cases, unpacking the people, conflicts, and legal strategies at the heart of each decision. They discuss elder abuse prevention, financial exploitation, and the fight to challenge unjust policies, while highlighting how EL&A CLICC (California Low Income Consumer Coalition) are often looking at the interplay of legislation and case law.
Love deep case breakdowns? This episode is for you. Dive into the facts, legal strategies, and judicial reasoning behind 2025 cases shaping elder law and senior protections across California in 2026.

2026 and the New Era of California Elder Law

Tune in as attorneys Caleb Logan and Jaime Levine break down key California legislation enacted in 2025 that is already shaping how seniors are being legally protected in 2026 and beyond.
They discuss new and existing laws designed to prevent elder abuse and financial exploitation, how recent legal changes impact senior clients and their communities, and the growing role of advocacy organizations like the California Low Income Consumer Coalition in advancing elder protections.
The conversation also explores what it takes to fight for seniors in court under these updated laws - including changes to evidentiary standards, what kinds of proof are now required, and how expanded statutes are shifting accountability. 
A powerful discussion for advocates, attorneys, and community members working to safeguard seniors’ rights in California.

New San Diego Rental Rules: What Senior Tenants Should Know

In this episode of Elder Law & Advocacy: The Conversation, host David Shwartz, attorney at Elder Law & Advocacy, is joined by Madison Kovall, a San Diego–based tenant rights attorney, to unpack an important San Diego City ordinance that changes how utility fees are regulated in rental housing - and what those changes mean for senior tenants.
Together, they explore how updates to local housing policy can affect older adults, the protections built into the new ordinance, and what tenants should know moving forward. The conversation also examines the broader implications for elder law, tenant advocacy, and renter protections across San Diego.

How to Support Aging Loved Ones: Expert Advice from Bryan Devore

In this episode of Elder Law & Advocacy: The Conversation, Bryan Devore joins the show to share his mission to improve the quality of life for older adults and help more seniors age safely and independently at home. Bryan serves as Board President of the San Diego Council on Aging, is a longtime Board Member of ElderHelp of San Diego, and leads the Senior Division at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties.
In this episode, Bryan brings together his experience in senior advocacy, community leadership, and real estate specializing in senior transitions. He offers insights on aging in place, navigating senior housing, supporting aging loved ones, and building communities where older adults can thrive with dignity and connection.
A must-listen for caregivers, families, senior service professionals, and anyone interested in improving aging experiences in their community.

The Truth About Nursing Homes: Attorney Tony Chicotel on Policy, Reform, and Resident Rights

In this episode of Elder Law & Advocacy: The Conversation, Attorney Tony Chicotel shares his powerful journey as an advocate working to improve the quality of life in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and memory care communities. Tony discusses the challenges residents face inside long-term care, the progress driven by legal advocacy and policy reform, and the critical work still needed to protect vulnerable older adults.
Known for his unique blend of expertise, compassion, and even a side passion for rap, Tony brings heart and honesty to every story he tells. This conversation offers a meaningful look at the realities of elder care, resident rights, and the fight for dignity in senior living environments.
 
Listen to the full episode to learn more about the movement to transform long-term care and how you can support seniors and their families.

Volunteer Attorney Ann Vue on Serving Seniors and the Impact of Elder Law Advocacy

In this episode of Elder Law & Advocacy: The Conversation, Attorney Ann Vue reflects on her two years of volunteering with Elder Law & Advocacy and the powerful impact of serving seniors in need. Ann shares what it’s like to work directly with vulnerable older adults, the challenges they face navigating legal issues, and why this work has become one of the most meaningful parts of her career.
She talks about the client stories that shaped her, the supportive and mission-driven team she worked alongside, and how community-based legal aid transforms lives. This episode offers an inside look at the importance of accessible legal services for seniors, family caregivers, and anyone committed to protecting older adults’ rights and dignity.
Listen to the full conversation on Elder Law & Advocacy: The Conversation to learn more about our work and how you can get involved.

Fighting for the Rights of Nursing Home Residents with Attorney Andrew Thompson

In this episode, Attorney Andrew Thompson, a leading advocate for nursing home residents and their families, breaks down the realities of elder neglect, nursing home abuse, and the legal responsibilities long-term care facilities must uphold. Andrew explains how to recognize the early warning signs of neglect, what families should document, and the most common violations of elder care standards that attorneys see in both assisted living and skilled nursing facilities.
We also dive into the legal challenges families face when pursuing a claim - from navigating state elder abuse laws to understanding what constitutes a breach of duty.  Andrew offers clear, actionable guidance on how to advocate for a loved one, protect their rights, and take the right legal steps when negligence or abuse is suspected.
Whether you’re caring for an aging parent, researching long-term care options, or seeking to understand how elder law attorneys hold nursing homes accountable, this conversation provides practical insight from an expert on the front lines of elder justice.
Learn how legal advocacy, accountability, and informed decision-making can make all the difference for vulnerable seniors in nursing homes and assisted living facilities.
Stay connected with Elder Law & Advocacy: The Conversation for more insights on elder justice, legal advocacy, and protecting seniors.