Patricia E. Kefalas Dudek is the principal of Patricia E. Kefalas Dudek & Associates. Her practice concentrates in elder law, Medicaid and estate planning, estates/trust administration, probate, administrative law, and disability advocacy. Ms. Dudek represents people in securing the support services they need to play, work and live fully in their communities through Medicaid litigation, Pooled Account Trusts, and Self-Determination. Her practice includes advising and preparing estate planning documents, including special needs trusts; representation in Medicaid hearings to secure appropriate services, administration of estates, trusts, guardianship, conservatorship, and other protective arrangements, and contested litigation in these areas. As an outspoken advocate, Ms. Dudek often provides written and oral testimony on legal and public policy issues pertaining to her clientele.

A prolific writer and lecturer on topics related to Medicaid, alternatives to guardianship and estate planning for people with disabilities, elders and their right to control their support services, Ms. Dudek was the author of the model contracts for Michigan's Medicaid Self Determination Initiative. These contracts facilitate control over Medicaid service budgets and allows for creative solutions for housing and supports. Another creative solution used by Ms. Dudek on behalf of her clients is the use of a Pooled Accounts Trust for Medicaid planning. She was the first attorney in Michigan to draft one of these trusts and to secure approval for Medicaid by both the Social Security Administration and the State of Michigan. Ms. Dudek advises on the administration of special need trusts in creating public/private solutions for the support service and housing needs of elders and people with disabilities.

Awards and Honors:

Council of Advanced Practitioners (CAP) - National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) - 2010
Membership in CAP is available only to preeminent elder law attorneys who have made substantial contributions to elder or special needs law. Requirements include being an NAELA member for a minimum of 10 years, AV rated by Martindale Hubbell and either an NAELA Fellow or Certified Elder Law Attorney.

Fellow Status - National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) - 2009
Their highest honor - a designation for those who concentrate practice in the field of elder law and meet strict criteria (only 76 attorneys hold this title throughout the United States) - April 2009

AV Rated - Martindale Hubbell
An AV certification mark is a significant rating accomplishment - a testament to the fact that a lawyer's peers rank him or her at the highest level of professional excellence. It is the highest rating available to any individual lawyer.

Powley Elder Law Award - National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) - 2005
This award is presented to an NAELA member who has demonstrated a commitment to promote, in the minds of the general public, a greater understanding of the rights and needs of the elderly and how elder law attorneys advocate for those rights.

Super Lawyer - 2009 (from SuperLawyers.com)
Attorneys are only selected for this status following a rigorous review, including peer evaluations and professional achievements.

Chairperson - Elder Law and Disability Rights section of the State Bar of Michigan - 2000-2001

Board Member - United Cerebral Palsy of Metropolitan Detroit

Distinguished Business Award - Arc of Western Wayne County - 1996

Academy of Special Needs Planners - Former Advisory Board Member

See Patti's Publications for links to articles and presentations she has given.

See Patti News for latest happenings.