Elder Law & Special Needs Section Spring UnProgram 2026

The UnProgram is a unique event featuring small breakout sessions facilitated by experienced practitioners. Designed to encourage open, free-flowing discussions, these sessions provide a supportive environment to explore any topic affecting you and your practice. Rather than formal presentations, discussions are guided to promote meaningful dialogue and the free exchange of ideas.

This is your opportunity to connect with colleagues who are facing similar challenges in the practice of Elder Law, share insights, and gain practical perspectives you can immediately apply in your work.

We’re excited to share that the 2026 UnProgram will feature two engaging CLE presentations designed to deliver both practical insight and meaningful impact. Attendees will have the opportunity to earn:

• 1.0 CLE credit in Cybersecurity, Privacy and Data Protection – General
• 1.0 CLE credit in Diversity, Inclusion and Elimination of Bias

Join us for timely, relevant discussions that address today’s evolving legal landscape while fulfilling key CLE requirements. Stay tuned for additional details on speakers and session topics—we look forward to seeing you there!

2.0 MCLE Credits: 1.0 Cybersecurity, Privacy and Data Protection-General; 1.0 Diversity, Inclusion and Elimination of Bias 

Elder Law and Special Needs Section Chair: 

Richard A. Marchese, Woods Oviatt Gilman LLP 

Program Chairs: 

Laura Marie Brancato, Brancato Law Group, PLLC

Philip A. DiGiorgio, DiGiorgio Law Firm, PLLC

Brian L. Miller, Littman Krooks LLP

Faculty:

Kristine Garcia-Elliott, Abrams Fensterman LLP 

Event registration includes: 

Thursday: 

• Breakfast
• Lunch 
• A ticket to the offsite reception and dinner at Common Root Brewing Albany Outpost – You must RSVP as part of your registration if you plan to attend

Friday:

• Breakfast

Breakout Sessions 

This list is not final. More sessions will be added. 

• Selected Issues in Special Education
• Grantor Trust Basics
• Hot Topics in Medicaid
• Pooled Trust Administration
• Recent Developments in Guardianship Practice
• Law Office Management for the Elder Law Attorney
• Special Needs Planning
• Selected Issues in Medicaid Trust Drafting 

Full Agenda & Itinerary Coming Soon! 

Add Elder Law 101 as Your Plenary — Free!

Enhance your experience by attending the Elder Law 101 CLE Program on April 22nd as your plenary session. This foundational CLE program (worth 6.5 MCLE Credits) will provide essential insights into core elder law concepts and is the perfect complement to the collaborative, discussion-based UnProgram format.

Once you have completed your registration for the Spring 2026 UnProgram, please contact Bridget Donlon at bdonlon@nysba.org to receive your complimentary coupon code for the Elder Law 101 CLE program.

Lodging: 

There is no room block for this meeting. The hotels listed below are all within walking distance of the NYS Bar Center. 

• Hampton Inn & Suites
• Hilton Albany 
• Renaissance Albany Hotel 
• Fairfield Inn & Suites 
• Hyatt Place 

Pricing: 

*Nonmembers are not eligible for discounted rates.

Elder Law and Special Needs Section Member Registration $400

NYSBA Member registration $500

Young Lawyers (Admitted 5 years or less): $300 

1st Time Attendee: $200 – Please call the Member Resource Center at 1-800-582-2452 to register for this rate. 

Non-member registration $600

This event is in-person only. It will not be streamed or recorded. 

Any questions related to the content of the program should be directed to the program planning chairs.

Direct any questions regarding event registration to the Member Resource Center.

Those who do not want to register online may call the Member Resource Center at 1-800-582-2452 to register. 

Anyone who is unable to login to their NYSBA profile should also contact the Member Resource Center

Tuition Assistance is available for those who qualify. Please visit NYSBA.ORG/TUITIONASSISTANCE for more information.

Accommodations for Persons With Disabilities: NYSBA.ORG/ADA

Cancellation Policy:

Cancellations received prior to April 8th will be refunded 100% of the registration free.

Cancellations received after April 8th will be refunded 50%.

No refunds will be given for no shows or cancellations that occur the day of or after the event.