The New York State Judicial Committee on Elder Justice Newsletter, October 2025
Committee Member Spotlight: Karen Nicholson, Center for Elder Law & Justice
Karen Nicholson has been a member of the New York State Judicial Committee on Elder Justice since its inception in 2015. She currently works at the Center for Elder Law & Justice as the Chief Executive Officer. Ms. Nicholson first worked for the Center as a law school intern. After working in the Criminal Appeals Unit at the Legal Aid Society after law school, she returned to the Center. Ms. Nicholson worked in different capacities, including as a staff attorney and CEO. Throughout her tenure at the Center, Ms. Nicholson has seen her organization grow exponentially, including assisting individuals with benefit and eviction issues, performing policy work, and playing a large role in elder abuse prevention. The Center now provides support and services to older adults across Western New York and receives much needed funding.
In her current role, Ms. Nicholson enjoys being in a position where she can respond to current events and advocate in response to cuts to resources, such as Medicaid and food stamps, and other safety net programs and senior programs. Ms. Nicholson also enjoys seeing young attorneys choosing to work in the elder justice area because they truly believe in service and changing the world.
Another important part of Ms. Nicholson’s position is lobbying for the interests of her company and clients. She is a registered lobbyist herself but also works with other lobbyists to advocate for changes in legislation that affect her clients and elder adults in general. Further, she lobbies in order to receive funding for the many services the Center provides to its clients.
Ms. Nicholson first became interested in social work and social services when she was in high school. She volunteered to assist farm workers in organizing and to support them when meeting with legal practitioners. Her interest was reinforced in college after learning about the daily impact social services can make in other individuals’ lives.
Ms. Nicholson has participated in hundreds of trainings and presentations within her organization and at community events. She also serves on the AARP New York Board and was appointed to the Advisory Committee of Master Planning by GovernorHochul, where she contributed to the Master Plan for Aging.
Ms. Nicholson appreciates that the NYS Judicial Committee on Elder Justice includes professionals across multiple disciplines, all parts of the state, and serves as a great resource for its members. She also values the updates that are shared at the Committee meetings which help keep members up to date on what is going on in the elder law field around the state and beyond.