Landsman Law Group -- Estates, Trusts, Elder Law

MICHELLE M. JOHNSTON, Executive Assistant

B.B.A., Information Decision Systems, James Madison University, 1985
M. B. A., The College of William and Mary, 1991

Michelle M. Johnston Before joining the firm in 2016, Ms. Johnston was a Distinguished Member of Technical Staff at Verizon. She previously held various positions in network technology at C&P Telephone of D.C. and Bell Atlantic.

Testimonials

"In life we collect memories, and I have kind thoughts of Attorney Landsman as a person and the great job he did for me. AS YOU KNOW, WE WON!!"

~ Irene K., Washington, DC

"If you wake up one day and find yourself needing the services of an elder law attorney, Ron M Landsman is your man. One day I did after my husband's hospital stay transitioned to longterm care. What to do? A good friend recommended Ron to me. After the first telephone call, I felt totally de-stressed. I felt as if those problems were lifted from my shoulders."

~ Dorothy J., Bowie, MD

“Our experience with the firm of Ron Landsman was very positive. He helped us to accomplish our goal of securing our Mother's financial independence.”

~ Fred H., Rockville, MD

"We were directed to the law firm of Ron M. Landsman, P.A. and specifically to May-Lis Manley by the Maryland Disability Law Center. The firm represented us in appealing the Maryland Medical Assistance REM program’s termination of nursing services for our adult disabled son. Ms. Manley was thorough and thoughtful in all the encounters and meetings that we had with her. Ms. Manley’s thorough preparation of our case, including assembling an incredible defense of medical professionals who were prepared to testify in our son’s behalf, and knowledge of the law enabled us to prevail. We would not have succeeded without their counsel and are pleased that their conscientious efforts resulted in our son continuing to receive overnight nursing care."

~ Karen C., Rockville, MD

"Working with Ron Landsman and his legal team was a pleasure. They walked me through the process, step by step, and were patient, and reassuring when I had concerns. They helped me to be realistic about outcomes, and provided me with detailed information to make the best possible decisions. I am very grateful to Mr. Landsman and his team."

~ Andrea H., Rockville, MD

"Excellent and comprehensive experience in settling the affairs of my mother. Very available when we had questions during the process."

~ Gail M., Chevy Chase, MD

"I just received the good news from you and your firm today that my parents were approved for Medicaid thanks to your superior work and unwavering dedication. I wanted to write to express more than my heartfelt thanks to you for everything you have done for my family and me. Also, since I have written many times during these past months, about questions, concerns and my other issues that I was nervous or concerned about; yet you have never failed to take the time to get back to me on all counts and thoroughly explain the next steps to me. I am sincerely grateful to you and do not forget those who have helped me in life. It would have been impossible to care for my parents without your knowledge, support and compassion. I am deeply indebted to you and extend my heartfelt thanks to you."

~ Gary M., Washington, DC

"I have been extremely fortunate to have Ron Landsman and others in the firm, especially Tom Hennrikus, work on my husband's serious long term medical and financial care issues. The firm's service has been stellar and a lifesaver in terms of providing quick and positive legal advice and assistance. I would recommend Ron and his firm to anyone who needs an excellent eldercare attorney to help navigate through a complicated system that many people may face. Ron and the firm have known the answers to any and all questions that I have had."

~ Claudia K., Silver Spring, MD

"Alzheimer's is a disease perfectly capable of killing people in pairs – both the patient and their caregiving spouse. Beyond the emotional distress, is the stress caused by the legal and financial implications of the disease. There are a myriad of legal documents that need to be put in place to insure the financial security of the surviving spouse - including durable and healthcare powers of attorney as well as property transfers. Furthermore, advice needs to be taken on the financial implications of needing to apply for Medicaid for institutional care over the course of a long illness.

Ron Landsman's advice, patiently answering my many detailed questions, and the help of his staff were simply invaluable in putting our affairs in order and my mind at ease."

~ Don C., Darnestown, MD

"Retaining Ron Landsman's legal team is one of the best investments our family has made. The law firm absolutely knows what they're doing. We got a successful outcome for my dad in quick order -- much quicker than if we had attempted it ourselves -- and they were advocates for my mom, too. They were knowledgeable, efficient, very responsive, and also sensitive, knowing that we were going through a stressful and emotional time. I came to the practice upon a recommendation from a friend; I would highly recommend them to other families, too."

~ Yong L., Washington, DC

"My friend referred me to May-Lis, who had helped her at an extremely difficult time. I was reluctant to make the call because the issues that needed to be addressed made me extremely anxious. I spoke at various times with both Sanja and Vijaya, and their intelligence and warmth put me at ease and I finally scheduled an appointment.

When I met May-Lis, I felt I was sitting across from a smart and trusted friend. May-Lis made it easy for me to discuss the difficult and confidential issues so safeguards could be addressed in my Trust and Will. The documents she drafted addressed everything and more, and when she sent them to me for review, I experienced a huge sense of relief and could not wait to sign them and put them into effect."

~ Renee L., Washington, DC

"May-lis Manley and Ron Landsman are quite knowledgeable and responsive to all your elder care questions. I have a law degree and deal with attorneys on a daily basis. Ms. Manley and Mr. Landsman are truly the “best of the best” and I wholeheartedly recommend them. I have used them on several occasions regarding my elderly mother and have nothing but the utmost gratitude and respect for their assistance, particularly when the Medicaid caseworker initially denied my mother's Medicaid eligibility."

~ Maria G., Frederick, MD

"My firm has worked with Mr. Landsman in resolving very complicated issues associated with special needs trusts and public benefits (Medicaid, Medicare, SSD, etc.). In 44 years of practice, I have seldom been associated with such a consummate professional. He is incredibly knowledgeable with these types of issues. He is familiar with local and national trends associated with these areas of the law and other leading professionals. He was always responsive and comfortable to work with. His fees were extremely reasonable. We are profoundly thankful for Mr. Landsman's input and expertise. I would not hesitate to recommend Mr. Landsman or to use his services again."

~ John Q., Frederick, MD

"My wife and I just wanted to thank the fine staff at Ron Landsman's office for your gracious help with our estate planning. We wanted to thank you for your patient guidance through a complicated process. We also wanted to express our gratitude for quickly answering our questions and asking us the right questions at the right times. We really appreciated being allowed to consider multiple pathways to reach our goals and being given the time to weigh those options without feeling pressured."

~ Jeffry, J., Silver Spring, MD

"My daughter's physician said that qualifying her for SSI "would not be successful, at least not the first attempt." Her DC attorney referred her to Ron M. Landsman. Ron got her qualified his first attempt. [When] SSI bureaucrats tried to reduce or even deny her benefits, Ron Landsman had them restored."

~ Maurice B., Houston, TX

"Dear Ron, Tom, Vijaya, Associates and Staff,

This note is simply to say thank you, thank you. For more than a decade I have come to you for advice, legal consultation and moral support. You and your exceptional staff have excelled in all of these areas, and I couldn't be more pleased. I appreciate the legal assistance you provided to successfully resolve my son's inheritance and your assistance writing my will and advance directives with honesty, clarity and compassion. Most recently the advice and support you provided to help me navigate the nursing home nightmare, and, in closure, to deal with Mother's death was invaluable. I am sure the level of service you provide will continue to be exceptional and this client sincerely appreciates all that you have done for me and my family."

~ Karen P., Washington, DC

"Mr. Landsman and his professional staff have been a true blessing for our family. Their breadth of knowledge and attention to detail have been crucial in successfully guiding us through a complex situation that involved dealing with asset protection matters across state lines, and helping our father qualify to receive the Medicaid benefits he needs in the Maryland care facility where he lives. At our first meeting I was impressed with the fact that Ron took the time needed to dig deep and get all of the relevant information in order to come up with the client-specific legal and financial strategy that his team helped us put in place. The follow-through from Ron, Vijaya and Sanja is always prompt, efficient, responsive, and accurate -- which is essential, as I live far from Maryland. I have dealt with legal firms throughout the country my entire professional life, and am truly grateful and impressed. I wholeheartedly recommend this team to any family whose loved ones face difficult financial and legal circumstances in their golden years."

~ Karl L., Oxnard, CA

“I met Ron when we were on opposite sides of a case. Based on his knowledge level and professionalism, I have recommended Ron on numerous occasions. In addition, I have had Ron do work on behalf of our company. I could not be happier with his representation and the results.”

~ Samuel M., Lutherville, MD

“May-Lis Manley and the staff I dealt with at Mr. Landsman’s firm literally rescued me by way of their abundance of subject matter knowledge, and professional attitudes with genuine concern. They always kept me informed, openly communicated and worked on my behalf with much diligence, which produced positive life-changing results in an exceptionally short period of time. I am forever grateful and am deeply impressed by the knowledge, skills and abilities of the firm, how they work together as a team, their efforts for their clients, and their involvements in the community.”

~ Tiffany H., Washington, DC

"It is difficult to imagine trying to navigate the complex Medicaid application process, especially in light of my mother’s Alzheimer’s, without the excellent guidance and knowledge provided by Ron Landsman and his staff. Mr. Landsman’s paralegal, Thomas Hennrikus, provided hands-on legal advice and document preparation assistance that made the nine month Medicaid application process successful. Subsequent annual applications were also greatly expedited through the expert guidance of Mr. Landsman’s staff. In the future, we plan to engage Mr. Landsman for all of our eldercare legal issues."

~ Arnold F. Olney, MD

"Ron M. Landsman was referred to us through an attorney that wrote our wills. He's an expert in medicaid. As he told us, in our meeting he would tell us everything we ever wanted to know and more. That was so true. He patiently repeated himself when we didn't understand and entertained our questions. The experience was well worth our time and his fee.

At the end of our discussion, he recommended that we have a General Power of Attorney. His fee was very reasonable and his staff's patience with our questions and 'back and forth' was wonderful. We must have asked his paralegal the same question a dozen times and each time the response was calm, courteous, and professional. Whether the paralegal was frustrated or not, she never let on. I would and do recommend Ron M. Landsman to those in my social and professional circle."

~ Ronald S., Gaithersburg, MD

"Ron,

It was a pleasure working with you over these past few months.

Thanks for all of your hard work on my son's case. Our family is deeply appreciative."

~ James W., Columbia, MD

"Ron and his staff were wonderful and very helpful. Rest assured we will return to you if your services are needed again, and we will certainly recommend your firm to others."

~ Kim A., Gaithersburg, MD

"I and my family have been working with Mr. Landsman for almost a decade, first primarily on behalf of my late father, and now for my elderly mother. Ron has brought us a wealth of knowledge to deal with a range of issues, sometime quite specialized, around legal, medical, and estate planning in conjunction with both the Medicaid system and manuevering the complex elder care landscape. But most significantly, during a period when my father's medical situation became complicated with competing imperatives from medical staff interacting with his advanced care directive, Ron was able to both advise us calmly and intervene when needed to help avoid some potentially frightening developments. Knowing Ron is with us has given us great confidence that we'll be able to do the best we can for our family."

~ Cliff J., Seattle, WA

"Ron M. Landsman, P.A. provided us with an extraordinary level of expertise in the Special Needs Trust area, and a warm personal touch."

~ Gary H., Washington, DC

“Knowledgeable, experienced, professional, courteous and diligent. Ron and his team gave me the sense of confidence I needed to know the matter was in the right hands. I continue to use Ron’s services, and referrals, on a regular basis with that same sense of confidence.”

~ Blair T., Washington, DC

"Dear Ron,

I’m grateful for your knowledge about issues concerning long-term care insurance and planning for the later stages of life. When I listened to you mapping out different scenarios and the accompanying changes in living arrangements as I get older, as well as possible changes in the allocation of money, so that myself and my family are provided for in the best possible way, I felt for the first time that I had control of this whole area of uncertainty with intelligent options. Your colleague, Kim, was helpful in walking me through the different papers and making sure that I understood them and her editorial suggestions were brilliant. Your staff of Sara, Vijaya and Sanja were the best I have seen in an office where the work can be challenging at times."

~ Norma B., Chevy Chase, MD

"The office of Ron Landsman exhibited professionalism and integrity in providing legal counsel to my family. Besides being a great attorney, Ron Landsman has a sincere quality in caring about his clients in securing Medicaid benefits for their elderly relatives. Ron Landsman put us at ease, and his legal expertise with the agencies that administer Medicaid gave us assurance of having excellent legal representation. We felt very blessed that we were able to find Ron Landsman, and recommend him highly."

~ Christine F., Stony Brook, NY

"We could not be happier with your legal services. My 89 year old mother needs an advocate and your firm is that for her. Your sensitivity to my mother’s needs and integrity as a law firm is priceless. My mother can be a difficult character for any of us and you manage to consistently represent her and empathize with her needs. Thank you not only for your integrity, but kindness as a group of people in your law firm who work in service to the elderly."

~ Susan C., Washington, DC

"Dear May-Lis,

Now that I have finally digested the amazing work you and team have done to secure Medicaid coverage for mom, I wanted to extend my deepest gratitude on behalf of mom and our family for all of your efforts - along with Tom and Ron. This was quite a ride, and it was spectacular to have you piloting the process! Your professionalism, accessibility, expertise, humor - and especially your kind understanding along the way - were greatly appreciated. You clearly are masterful at what you do, and for families like me, that is invaluable. And Tom’s grasp of the details - quite prized for “big picture” people like me - as well as his last-minute help with the Medicaid folks to get us to the finish line was truly remarkable. As it that weren’t enough, having Ron’s counsel - especially with helping clear the runway at nursing home - was nothing short of a miracle."

~ Heidi B., Washington, DC

"Mr. Landsman

A year ago you advised my children on how to proceed to secure Medicaid coverage for my wife. Thru the year you and your staff were always professional and very helpful and considerate to myself and my family.

I wish to express my Sincere Thanks to you and your staff, expressly Ms. Manley and Mr. Hennrikus, for always answering our questions and needs.

Again....Well Done and Thanks."

~ John K., Stevensville, MD

"Ron,

I am glad to have the opportunity to compliment you on the assistance you have given my 93 yr old mother. As an attorney, I have been impressed with the quality of your no nonsense, get it done approach to elder care law. I am particularly impressed with your staff and their interpersonal skills in handling both me and my mother in explaining the intricacies of the public assistance programs. You and your staff deserve high praise."

~ Douglas F., Potomac, MD

"In addition to preparing wills, advanced directives and powers of attorney for my wife and myself, Mr. Landsman and his firm established a comprehensive family trust to assist my disabled sister achieve her future goals. What is most appreciated is, in preparing the trust, Mr. Landsman not only coordinated information from my sister’s accountant and my sister's financial advisor but also put together three possible pathways for the trust to take. Mr. Landsman explained each pathway to us in friendly, understandable terms, answering our questions, and keeping us continually informed allowing us to make comfortable decisions. The final trust combines the best aspects of the pathways. The final outcome is peace of mind knowing thorough consideration was given to our situation and Mr. Landsman is available to help us in the future should the need arise."

~ Anthony N., Ellicott City, MD

"I wanted to express my sincerest thanks for assisting me in navigating my Mom's Medicaid redetermination application to answer questions regarding her Trust. I am extremely happy to report that, with your guidance, the redetermination was a success.

I have and will continue to refer you to my friends and family who are all starting to experience similar issues with their aging parents and will most assuredly need some assistance in navigating the world of Medicaid."

~ Christine M., Jefferson, MD

“From the first day my mother and I walked into your office with a box of documents, you made us welcome and answered all our questions – including many we didn’t even know to ask. As I recall, you offered us some homemade halva which was quite delicious! You got to work on our case right away and your staff have kept on top of every aspect of the case since.”

~ P. Brown, Gaithersburg, MD

"Mr Landsman is nothing short of a life saver. The Elder Law issues he helped my family with were too complex for us. Mr Landsman sorted thru the issues like a surgeon. His staff (Hi Kimberly and Tom) is so helpful and caring. We are getting ready to visit again soon to continue following the plan he has laid out."

~ Bruce T., Germantown, MD

“We had communication with Ms. Manley. She was very polite, very nice, very kind, explained things very thoroughly to us, and we were very happy with her.”

~ Anahid K., Gaithersburg, MD

“I feel very pleased in the last three years regarding my dealings with Ron Landsman's office. Ron Landsman and Erin Mahony and Sanja Pirsl and other staff members have always been there for me when I needed them. My parents were very wise when they selected Ron and I would recommend him highly.”

~ Mark B., Silver Spring, MD

"The estate planning services recently provided to us by Ron M. Landsman, P.A. were thorough and very professionally handled. It was a great pleasure working with their attorneys who were consistently patient and helpful in guiding us through the complexities of developing comprehensive estate plans. I enthusiastically recommend this firm to anyone seeking top notch estate planning services."

~ Frederic, W., Silver Spring, MD

"I am extremely happy that I signed on with the Ron Landsman firm and May-Lis Manley who represented me and the entire staff provided me with the most exceptional service. Applying for Medicaid is a more than difficult process and again the entire staff coupled with their knowledge and expertise helped in detail to reduce the stress and tension related to this process. I thank you all very much."

~ Robert M., Olney, MD

"Mr. Landsman's expertise in estate planning has been extraordinarily helpful to my extended family over the past few years. He has guided us through Medicaid applications for my father, helping to shelter income and avoid excessive taxes. In addition, he has helped us to update the last wills and powers of attorney for my mom, wife, and father-in-law. He and his excellent team have been caring, sensitive and extremely competent in helping us to face these challenges."

~ David H., Friendship Heights, MD

"Ron helped with prudent planning that provided our parents with the best in medical care and housing. When the time came, he guided us through the extremely complicated and tedious task of applying for Medicaid. We could not have done this without Ron and his excellent staff."

~ Bill S., Silver Spring, MD

"We found the firm of Ron M. Landsman to be extremely professional and knowledgeable. They provided expert guidance for a situation that we were unable to find with other firms. They provided an understandable explanation of the details of the process and patiently answered all of our questions in a very reassuring manner. We would highly recommend this firm to anyone in need of an attorney."

~ David and Joan C., Clarksburg, MD

"I so appreciate all of the help I received from Mr. Landsman. I brought in a very challenging situation, and found his counsel supportive and helpful. He was knowledgeable and perceptive and kind. He was recommended to me as being the best person to help with my needs, and that was an accurate assessment."

~ Litta S., Walnut Creek, CA

"Thank you for all your work.

My wife and I engaged the Landsman Law Firm to prepare our Last Wills and Testaments, Medical Directives, Powers of Attorney and a Trust. All the work was done extremely professionally and competently. Their attorneys worked with us to make sure that our grown children and grandchildren were completely provided for and that our special concerns for our two dogs, who are part of our family, where also adequately covered. We were impressed with their attention to detail, their keeping us informed of the alternatives available, and their dedication to making sure that we were completely satisfied with the provisions drafted. Without reservation we would highly recommend."

~ Linda & William S., Rockville, MD

“Ron Landsman is so adept in his field and his warm confidence immediately put my mother and me at ease. This also translated through to the associates we worked with, May-Lis Manley and Tom Hennrikus, who were most accommodating to our needs. The firm really strikes a delicate balance between professionalism and altruism for those they serve during such a fragile time of life. I have nothing but deep appreciation for Ron and his team.”

~ Tricia C., Bethesda, MD

“I will forever thank you for your kindness, compassion and professionalism when I was so fragile and desperate. You make me smile when I think so often of you and your team. I love you all. I am 85 and very well.”

~ Mamie M., Washington, DC

"I went to see Ron Landsman for help with a dispute. I wanted to better understand my legal rights and to come up with a successful strategy. He gave me excellent advice."

~ Daniel B., Washington, DC

"I began using the office of Ron Landsman after the sudden death of my husband. We had been discussing the need for a new and updated will, but as so often happens had not proceeded in this matter. Having three adult children in different stages of their own lives, and not having had a discussion with my husband as how to change the very old will which he had left me practically emotionally paralyzed as to how to proceed. I had many questions - the "if-then" type. Both Ron Landsman and Kimberly Kasberg were patient beyond expectation in explaining the possibilities and consequences of the many options I considered. They were a sensitive and reassuring influence when dealing with my many phone calls and were both kind and extremely helpful in answering my questions."

~ Beth F., Silver Spring, MD

"I have been dealing with Ron Landsman for some twenty years and highly value his legal wisdom and eagle eye for detail. He has done trusts, wills, advance directives, and Medicaid planning for my husband and me -- all to our great satisfaction."

~ Charlotte N., Washington, DC

"My entire family remains very grateful to our wonderful lawyer, May-Lis Manley. She helped us to obtain outstanding results, and she did it while sharing a warm and engaging personality with all. I would not hesitate to recommend her, and the entire firm, to all my friends, family, and colleagues."

~ Michael G., Boyds, MD

"Ron Landsman came very highly recommended to me. At our first meeting or two, he laid out what our plan should be to accomplish our needs. Ron was right on and our goals were met with minimum complications. He and his staff were always responsive and reliable.

We thank them for their professionalism and courtesy."

~ Peter B., Washington, DC

"Mr. Landsman gave me excellent advice regarding my parents Medicaid options. He and Mr. Henrikus then got me through a very arduous application process successfully. Thank you both!"

~ Michael S., Frederick, MD

"Mr. Landsman was very helpful with my case. His team kept on top of the whole process. They were very nice and polite, always willing to work with me and explain the issues."

~ Juana C., Hyattsville, MD

Landsman Law Group — Estates, Trusts, Elder Law

Home

Michelle M. Johnston

Medicaid Mastery

-- a unique class to learn state-of-the-art Medicaid planning

Free Seminars

Paying for Nursing Home care & Asset Protection Seminars

Special Needs Trust Seminars

Estate Planning Seminars

Join us on Facebook

Sign Up For Our Newsletter: Landsman’s Lagniappe

Testimonials