In the news
New York’s New Coerced Debt Law: A Significant Expansion of Consumer Protection and Economic Abuse Remedies
New York recently joined a host of states in passing legislation that allows a victim of economic abuse to free themselves of debts that they are not responsible for. Governor Kathy Hochul signed Senate Bill S1353/A3038B into law on December 19, 2025, creating new statutory rights and procedures for individuals subjected to financial exploitation through coercion, fraud, or abuse. The law will take effect 90 days after the signing and presents a significant protection for financial abuse victims throughout New York State.
Yorktown nursing home worker accused of raping dementia patient; elder rights lawyer reacts
Advocates are reacting after a Yorktown nursing home worker was accused of raping a patient with dementia at the Yorktown Rehabilitation and Nursing Center. Lindsay Heckler, the managing attorney of the Center for Elder Law and Justice, says she is in shock by the accusations.
The Capitol pressroom: Coerced Debt; an interview with Kevin quinn, managing attorney
The Capitol Pressroom is broadcast from the Legislative Correspondents Association Pressroom at the State Capitol in Albany. The show features interviews with important newsmakers.
WNY Tonight: an interview with Bradley Loliger, supervising attorney
WNY Tonight is a local television program that airs on Lockport Community Television (LCTV), a community TV station based in Lockport, New York. WNY Tonight is a locally produced show that spotlights people, organizations, and issues important to the region, offering interviews and conversations relevant to Western New York viewers.
Issues & views: an interview with kathy kanaley, Supervising Social Worker
"Issues and Views" is a show on Townsquare Media stations in Buffalo, NY. Listen as Center for Elder Law & Justice Supervising Social Worker, Kathy Kanaley, breaks down the many forms of elder abuse, how to recognize warning signs, and what community members can do to support older adults who may be at risk.
Center for Elder Law and Justice Joins CHAMP Network in Western New York
CHAMP is New York State’s independent health insurance ombudsman program for substance use disorder and mental health care.
Center for Law and Justice helps elderly couple scammed out of thousands
Center for Law and Justice helps elderly couple scammed out of thousands, a two-part story.
GUARDIANSHIP ACCESS NEW YORK (GANY) APPLAUDS FINAL MASTER PLAN FOR AGING’S INCLUSION OF STATEWIDE GUARDIANSHIP REFORM
Guardianship Access New York (GANY), a statewide coalition of nonprofit guardians and elder and disability justice advocates, commends the Hochul Administration and the New York State Master Plan for Aging (MPA) Council for recognizing the urgent need to strengthen and reform Article 81 guardianship across the state.
Hundreds of older New Yorkers plan for the future at Elder Law event
Leaders with the Center for Elder Law and Justicesay the event serves as a one-stop shop for legal and related services, as part of the center's mission to provide outreach and community education.
Issues & views: an interview with kathy kanaley, Supervising Social Worker
"Issues and Views" is a show on Townsquare Media stations in Buffalo, NY. It focuses on community issues and airs on STAR 96.1, 106.5 WYRK, 92.9 WBUF, and 93.7 WBLK. The show features interviews with community members, local leaders, and organizations about relevant topics.
'Often underreported': Western New York leaders recognize World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
Local leaders gathered on Monday, June 16 at Old County Hall in Buffalo to recognize World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, a global initiative raising awareness about a serious issue affecting millions of elderly individuals nationwide.
Press release: City of Good Neighbors Joins Global Effort to Recognize World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) is observed annually to raise awareness about the mistreatment and abuse of older adults, a growing issue across the globe. On Monday, June 16, 2025 at 11 am community leaders and advocates will gather outside 92 Franklin Street, Buffalo, NY for the World Elder Abuse Awareness Day press conference.
716 Together: an interview with Brad Loliger, esq.
716 Together is a Western New York audio town hall designed to inform, inspire and empower our community on the social, economic and health issues that affect us all. Listen as Center for Elder Law & Justice Attorney Brad Loliger discusses the variety of services available to New York residents.
Orchard Park Man Receives Prison Sentence for Embezzling Money from Elderly Family Member and Little League Team
Orchard Park Man Receives Prison Sentence for Embezzling Money from Elderly Family Member and Little League Team. District Attorney Keane commends Officer Kelly Wyrough of the Town Orchard Park Police Department and the Center for Elder Law & Justice for their work in this investigation.
New York State Bar Association House of Delegates Adds Center for Elder Law & Justice CEO as Representative of Eighth Judicial District
NEW YORK STATE - Karen L. Nicolson, Esq, CEO of the Center for Elder Law & Justice, was nominated to join the New York State Bar Association House of Delegates as a representative of the Eighth Judicial District.
Governor Hochul Signs Notarization Law Ending Burdensome Requirement for New Yorkers to Notarize All Sworn Statements in Civil Proceedings.
The Center for Elder Law & Justice applauds Governor Kathy Hochul’s enactment of legislation – S.5162(Hoylman-Sigal) / A.5772 (Lavine) – removing an unduly burdensome requirement for New Yorkers to notarize all sworn statements in civil proceedings.
29 Organizations Urge Governor to Sign ‘Data Matching’ Bill, Help 800K+ Households Afford Their Utilities…
Twenty-nine organizations including AARP New York have signed a letter to Governor Kathy Hochul urging her to approve ‘data matching’ legislation that would help over 800,000 struggling New York households pay their utility bills.
Center for Elder Law & Justice Announces Expansion of MedLaw Partnership of WNY Through New Federal Funding Awarded to Eight Programs Nationwide.
Federal funding will enable the Center for Elder Law & Justice and the MedLaw Partnership of WNY to increase their capacity to serve vulnerable families by providing comprehensive legal services and wrap-around social services to families with low incomes to address the root causes of health inequities.
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day Activities & Press Conference Planned
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) is June 15th, 2023, and during the entire month of June, communities around the world work together to promote an understanding of elder abuse as a public health and human rights issue.
UB School of Social Work Honors Bradley Loliger, Esq. as Distinguished JD/MSW Alumna.
Bradley Loliger, Esq, a Senior Attorney at the Center for Elder Law & Justice, was selected by the University at Buffalo, School of Social Work, as a 2023 recipient of the Louis H. Swartz Memorial Award. Loliger is one of three honorees who will be celebrated at the school’s Celebration of Excellence.
Media information
At the Center for Elder Law & Justice, we advocate for justice at all stages of life, empowering our clients to live independently and with dignity. Since 1978, our dedicated team of attorneys, paralegals, and social workers has provided free, comprehensive legal services to older adults, individuals with disabilities, and financially eligible residents of Western New York.
We are appointed as legal guardians for older adults and people with disabilities—many of whom have survived abuse—ensuring they receive compassionate and ethical care. Center for Elder Law & Justice also serves as trustee for the WNY Coalition Pooled Trusts, helping individuals maintain their financial independence and live safely in the community while improving their quality of life.
Headquartered in Buffalo, NY, we operate satellite offices in Niagara and Chautauqua counties and maintain strong medical-legal partnerships at Erie County Medical Center, Buffalo General Medical Center, and John R. Oishei Children’s Hospital.
Together, we work to break the cycle of poverty, protect vulnerable populations, and promote justice for all.
For media inquiries, please contact Kristie Edwards, Director of Donor Development & External Engagement, at 716-853-3087 x 239 or kedwards@elderjusticeny.org.