Overview
Ken Shulman assists individuals and families with estate planning and related issues for elders and families with disabled children. He frequently represents clients in guardianship matters and serves as a trustee for families.
Ken's work in disabilities planning has led him to volunteer with organizations that provide services to persons with special needs. Currently, he chairs the Disabilities Committee of Combined Jewish Philanthropies and he recently completed two terms on the Board of Directors of the Asperger's Association of New England. He previously served as a board member for several human service agencies, including the Greater Boston ARC. He has also served as a consultant to the Massachusetts Office of Handicapped Affairs, the Massachusetts Disability Law Center, and the Massachusetts Mental Health Legal Advisors Committee.
Ken speaks to consumer groups, professionals in the field and others interested in issues related to estate planning, aging, disability, advocacy, financial planning and the preservation of government entitlements. Annually, he presents to many parents groups and professionals at schools and for several advocacy organizations, including chapters of the Arc and NAMI. Ken is also a frequent presenter for lawyer training sessions and regular contributor to publications of Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education (MCLE), including serving as a featured speaker on Medicare and Medicaid liens in personal injury cases at several MCLE Elder & Disability Law Conferences. He is the co-author of the widely acclaimed book,
Managing a Special Needs Trust: A Guide for Trustees.
In addition to his estate planning practice, Ken has extensive experience handling real estate and business matters for his estate planning clients.
Education and Credentials
Education
- Boston University School of Law, J.D., 1974
- Northwestern University, B.A., with Distinction, 1971
Admissions
- Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Affiliations
- Boston Bar Association, Elder and Disability Planning Committee, Co-Chairman
- National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, Massachusetts Chapter, former Board Member
- Special Needs Alliance, member
Recognition and Community
No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the highest court of any state. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. See Awards Methodology.
Recognitions
Selected as the Elder Law Lawyer of the Year for the Boston Metro Area by The Best Lawyers in America (Woodward/White, Inc.), 2023
Chosen for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America (Woodward/White, Inc.), Elder Law, 2013-2025
Selected to the list of Massachusetts Super Lawyers (Thomson Reuters), Estate Planning and Probate, 2005-2019
Honored as a CHAI Champion by Jewish Family & Children's Services, 2017
Recipient of a Day Pitney Coleman Award for his commitment to pro bono and public service, 2010
Community Involvement
Asperger's Association of New England, Board of Directors
Combined Jewish Philanthropies, Disabilities Committee
Committee for Caring and Social Justice of Combined Jewish Philanthropies, 2013-2015
In The Media
Speaking Engagements
- "Special Needs Planning," Granite Academy, November 16, 2022
- "Guardianship and Supported Decision Making," Granite Academy, November 9, 2022
- "Planning for a Loved One with Special Needs," Fidelity Wealth Management Webinar
- Estate and Financial Planning, April 1, 2015
- Estate and Financial Planning, 2015-2020
- Estate and Financial Planning for the Asperger/Autism Community, June 1, 2015
- Estate and Financial Planning For The Special Needs Family, 2006-2021
- Special Needs Trusts Drafting And Administration, 2013-2021
- Special Needs Estate Planning For Families With Children With Disabilities, December 11, 2016
- Special Needs Counseling - Adding Value for Clients Needing Special Needs Estate Planning, April 1, 2016