Edward Zetlin

Estate Planning, Elder Law, Guardianship, Special Needs Planning

Edward Zetlin brings years of experience to estate, elder and disability Law. He began his legal career at Legal Services of Northern Virginia, where he served as counsel for the elderly and managed the delivery of elder law services. He now practices in the areas of estate planning, elder law, special needs planning, guardianships & conservatorships, public benefits, and estate administration.

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.  In 2023 Ed was admitted in the Virginia Lawyers Hall of Fame. 

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 adult guardianship/capacity matters. He speaks to diverse groups on a variety of topics including Medicaid Long-Term Care, Medicaid waivers for the disabled; special needs trusts, nursing home and assisted living facilities, adult guardianship/capacity, and estate planning.

Previously Ed was an Adjunct Professor of Law at the Washington College of Law of American University where he taught classes on Elder Law and on Wills, Trusts & Estates.

Prior to law school, Edward worked as a special education teacher and at job sites with young adults on the autism spectrum. 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.