Laurie Menzies, Esq., Longevity Planner, Elder Law Attorney, Author, Advocate, Daughter
Having served as her parents’ primary caregiver well into their nineties, longevity planner and attorney Laurie Menzies is personally acquainted with the struggles seniors and their loved ones face as they age and may need care. In her role as an elder law attorney, Laurie has worked with hundreds of families as they try to navigate a fragmented, confusing system that often leaves them overwhelmed.
Laurie offers an innovative approach by introducing the concept of longevity planning as a way of moving forward holistically and with clarity.
Laurie addresses the critical need for planning for the later years of life in her new book, “Embracing Elderhood,” with a thoughtful, practical and spiritual approach. She has drawn on her experience as Senior Partner at Pfalzgraf, Beinhauer & Menzies, (PBM Elder Law), the only Western New York law firm dedicated exclusively to Elder Law and Estate Planning, as well as her experience of taking care of her own parents prior to their passing. In addition to the book, she is a leader on issues related to seniors and their families. She also provides comprehensive planning services related to the financial, legal, and long-term care needs of seniors through Embracing Elderhood Planning Services. She is currently working on a plan to work with key community leaders to advocate on behalf of the elderly for a better approach to help them actively plan their elderhood years.
Laurie is one of the region’s foremost experts, and a frequent speaker, on issues related to estate planning and elder law, guiding seniors and their families through the aging process by coordinating legal, financial, and medical issues. She is passionate about helping families create a plan for aging that goes beyond creating legal documents. These plans help families preserve assets, while providing for the wishes and care needs of her clients.
She is a graduate of Vassar College and UB Law School, and is also well-versed in financial issues, having worked in the investment and trust administration field. Laurie is actively engaged with organizations that serve the elderly, including serving on the Executive Committee of the New York State Bar Association’s Elder Law Section, the Trust and Estate Section and with the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA). She also works closely with the Alzheimer’s Association, and sits on the boards of Network in Aging of Western New York, Canterbury Woods Continuing Care Community, and the Town Square for Aging. Laurie has been recognized in Business First of Buffalo’s Who’s Who in Law in 2007 and 2011.
Testimonials
“One of the great rewards of working in the personal finance industry is association with the fine and thoughtful professionals we spend time with. I am grateful to have Laurie Menzies as one of those people. Her heart is on display for anyone to see as she engages mutual clients and helps solve some of the most critical issues they collectively face.
Her disciplined approach to analyzing complex issues and the caring way she addresses those issues are evident throughout “Embracing Elderhood.” I consider it to be a must read for those planning for the next stage of life.
It means more than I can tell you, to have the privilege of writing these words on her behalf. She has become an essential link in my inner circle of trusted professionals and friends, and I value her contribution more than I can say.”
– Christopher B. Shafer, Senior Vice President – Branch Director, RBC Wealth Management