The Center for Elder Law & Justice is a non-profit civil legal aid provider, serving older adults, people with disabilities and low income populations. We provide full legal representation to individuals in eight Western New York Counties  We also operate a statewide Senior Legal Advice Helpline staffed by attorneys 1-844-481-0973, who can provide brief legal advice and referrals to any NYS older resident. In 2020 we directly served 10,416 people, provided community education to 5,171 people and educated 3,009 professionals.  CELJ provides trustee services through the WNY Coalition Pooled Trust in several counties (along with project partners People Inc., and Key Bank) managing over 12 million in fiduciary assets.  CELJ also acts as court-appointed legal guardian in cases of elder abuse, or where there is no suitable family member able to assist.  Our mission is to use the legal system to improve the quality of life for our clients and to help them live independently and with dignity. 

We have three office locations:
Buffalo, New York (Erie County) 853-3087
Lockport, New York (Niagara County) 878-9297
Dunkirk, New York (Chautauqua County) 261-3275




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Legal

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Center for Elder Law & Justice

Karen L. Nicolson

Kimberly M.

Sarah Utkin

Brandy Lynn Hernandez

Christine Laks

Kelly Barrett Sarama

The Legal Team at the Center for Elder Law & Justice provides a full range of civil legal services to older adults, people with disabilities, and low-income individuals across eight Western New York counties. They deliver direct legal representation, offer brief legal advice and referrals via a statewide Senior Legal Advice Helpline, and conduct community education on relevant legal issues. The team also manages fiduciary assets through the WNY Coalition Pooled Trust and may serve as court-appointed legal guardians in cases of elder abuse or when no suitable family member is available to assist.

Legal Team

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