Riker Danzig Scherer Hyland & Perretti in Morristown announced the formation of an elder law group based in its New York and Connecticut offices. The group is led by partner Michael LaMagna, who joined the firm last June. He is a licensed nursing home administrator and has experience managing health care facilities, including assisted living centers, nursing homes and independent housing centers. The group will counsel clients on a range of legal matters affecting seniors and their families, including complex financial and estate planning issues, and long-term care planning, the firm said. The group attorneys will provide legal counsel on all issues related to Medicaid and advanced asset protection planning, guardianships, nursing home placement, long term care insurance, Social Security litigation, and special needs law, the firm said. Also joining the elder law group are: Alberthe Bernier, Artem Djukic and Julie B. Zgoda.

Riker Danzig Adds Elder Law Group Alberthe Bernier

Bernier joins as counsel. She handles Medicaid planning and asset protection planning, trusts and estate planning and administration, special needs planning, contested and uncontested Article 81 guardianship proceedings for individuals and institutional clients, and Article 17-A guardianship proceedings for the special needs population. Bernier received her J.D. from St. John’s University School of Law in 2008 and her B.S. summa cum laude, from St. John’s University in 2004. Bernier is admitted in New York.

Riker Danzig Adds Elder Law Group Artem Djukic