Overview
Kathleen Flammia has been practicing law since 1989. She is a Florida Bar Board Certified Elder Law Attorney, making her a legal expert in this area of law. Kathleen is an Accredited Veterans Claim Attorney, as required to practice law before the VA. She is AV-rated by Martindale Hubbell, which is the highest rating an attorney can receive.
I can help. I can provide compassionate, expert counsel in the area of Elder Law, and offer solutions on how to pay for long-term care through Medicaid and Veterans Benefits.
My Story
I have wanted to be a lawyer since I was 12 years old. I have a passion for helping people in need. I never worked at a big firm, but instead chose to start my career as a public defender. I have always fought for the underdog.
After 15 years in a courtroom trying cases, I turned my advocacy skills to help people who are trying to navigate the complex maze of how to pay for their care, either in a nursing home, assisted living facility, or at home. I make sure they have the legal documents needed to allow the people they want to help them while keeping the government and courts out of their lives.
As society continues to live longer, we must face issues that can be overwhelming. As the past chair of the Alzheimer’s and Dementia Resource Center, I have seen firsthand families struggle with the role reversal of parent and child. It’s hard enough to provide care for our loved ones without worrying about how they are going to pay for that care, or if they have the legal documents in place to allow their loved ones to act for them.
Compassionate Counsel. Expert Advice.
Let Me Help You Plan Your Future, Your Way.
Education
- J.D., University of Florida, Levin College of Law, 1988
- B.A., Business Administration, University of South Florida, 1982
Admissions
- Florida Bar Association
- Licensed to Practice in All Florida State Courts
- Florida Board Certified Elder Law Attorney
- Accredited Veterans Claim Attorney
Early Career
Kathleen began her career at the Orange County Public Defender’s Office. She practiced criminal defense for 14 years before focusing her practice in Elder Law. Today, she uses her extensive courtroom experience, negotiation, and counseling skills to provide expert guidance in the area of Estate Planning, including Special Needs Trusts, Medicaid Planning, Guardianship, and Probate
Awards & Recognitions
Kathleen was named as an “Awesome Attorney 2019” in Orlando Family Magazine.
In 2021, Kathleen received the award for “Neighborhood Favorite” by Nextdoor.
In 2011, 2012, 2015, 2016, and 2018, Kathleen Flammia was named to Florida Trend magazine’s “Florida Legal Elite,” a peer-reviewed list of attorneys representing 1% of the over 67,000 active Florida Bar members practicing in Florida.
Kathleen was also recognized in Orlando Home & Leisure Magazine “Top Women Attorneys” in 2011, 2012, and 2013.
Since 2015, Thomas Reuters has nominated Kathleen as a “Super Lawyer.” This list is published in Florida Super Lawyers© Magazine and is a rating service of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. The selection process is multi-phased and includes independent research, peer nominations, and peer evaluations. Visit Kathleen’s Super Lawyers Profile to learn more.
Community & Organizations
Kathleen is active in numerous civic and community organizations. She served as Chair of the Alzheimer’s and Dementia Resource Center and on the ADRC Board of Directors for 10 years. She also served on the Board of Directors for CERA (Community Education Resource Affiliation, Inc.) from 2010 to 2017.
Kathleen is a member of the National Association of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA), Academy of Florida Elder Law Attorneys (AFELA), WealthCounsel, ElderCounsel, Orange County Bar Association, and the Florida Bar (Elder Law Section). Other affiliations include Past Chair of the Florida Bar Grievance Committee “C” and past member of the Florida Bar Unlicensed Practice of Law Committee “B.”
