Letha Sgritta McDowell, CELA, CAP

Managing Member, Attorney

Certified by the National Elder Law Foundation as a Certified Elder Law Attorney, Letha Sgritta McDowell is a national leader in the elder care law field.  She provides legal expertise on a wide range of client issues with a focus on Estate & Tax Planning and Medicaid Eligibility.

         

Certified by the National Elder Law Foundation as a Certified Elder Law Attorney, Letha Sgritta McDowell is a national leader in the elder care law field.  She provides legal expertise on a wide range of client issues with a focus on Estate & Tax Planning and Medicaid Eligibility.

By focusing on these strategies, individuals can construct a comprehensive plan that not only anticipates the financial demands of long-term care but does so in a manner that aligns with their goals for asset preservation and legacy planning. This approach underscores the necessity of thoughtful, proactive planning in ensuring that individuals can meet their long-term care needs without compromising their financial security or their ability to pass on a legacy to their heirs.

   

     

A Personalized Approach

Letha McDowell’s practice is built on the foundation of genuine care and empathy.  With a warm and approachable demeanor, Letha understands that legal matters can be daunting, which is why she takes the time to forge meaningful connections with each client. By listening attentively and understanding their unique circumstances, Letha ensures that every client feels heard, supported, and empowered to make informed decisions about their future.

Tailored Solutions For Every Situation

With expertise spanning estate planning, Medicaid planning, special needs planning, and tax law, Letha offers a comprehensive suite of services tailored to meet the diverse needs of her clients. Whether navigating complex asset protection strategies or planning for the future, Letha’s provides thoughtful guidance and strategic solutions, designed to achieve her clients’ goals.

Leadership, Educator & Subject
Matter Expert

Letha’s influence extends beyond her law practice.  Letha is passionate about sharing her knowledge and dedication for elder law with others. Her expertise is sought after in the legal community, where she frequently teaches continuing education programs on elder law and special needs planning and has contributed articles to national media outlets and publications. Her educational reach includes teaching Tax & Estate Law, at the prestigious Stetson Law University, where she is an adjunct faculty member. Additionally, she serves as a subject matter expert for InterActive Legal Estate and Elder Law Planning software and has worked on law and technology initiatives, including IBM’s Watson project.

Professional Achievements & Recognized Expertise

Letha’s exceptional contributions have earned her numerous appointments and accolades, including being named a Super Lawyer Rising Star for multiple years and a Super Lawyer for consecutive years. She has earned the prestigious appointment of Fellow, both from the American College of Trust and Estate Council (ACTEC) and from the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA).  Additionally, she is a certified elder law attorney by the National Elder Law Foundation (CELA) and board certified as a specialist in Elder Law by the North Carolina State Bar Board of Legal Specialization. These appointments and accolades serve as a testament to Letha’s unwavering commitment to excellence both in her field and to her clients.

Licensed To Practice & Represent

  • North Carolina State Bar
  • Virginia State Bar
  • United States District Court – Eastern District of North Carolina

Accreditations, Associations & Awards

  • Fellow, American College of Trusts and Estates Council (“ACTEC”) 
  • Fellow, National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) 
  • Elder Law Attorney Certified (CELA) by the National Elder Law Foundation
  • Board Certified as a Specialist in Elder Law by the North Carolina State Bar Board of Legal Specialization
  • Accredited to prepare and prosecute claims with the Department of Veterans Affairs
  • Adjunct Faculty, Stetson Law College 
  • Special Advisor on Elder Law Planning, InterActive Legal
  • Rated AV preeminent 5.0/5.0 by Martindale-Hubbell
  • Super Lawyer 2018 – 2024
  • Super Lawyer Rising Star for 2014 – 2016
  • Member of the Board of Directors for the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) 2017-2023
  • Member, Virginia Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (VAELA)
  • Member, North Carolina Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NC NAELA)

Publications

  • Elder Law Report (Wolters Kluwer)
  • Special Needs Trust Handbook (Wolters Kluwer)
  • Life Estates Revisited (Quinnipiac Probate Law Journal Vol 33, Issue 1, 2019)
  • Dead Celebrity Podcast – Marlon Brando: Loss of Capacity (Welathmanagement.com Oct 2019)
  • Asset Protection Planning for Blended Families (NAELA Journal Nov 2017)
  • IRS Confirms Safety of Qtip and Portability Elections (WG&L Estate Planning Journal Feb 2017)
  • Challenges To Eligibility for Health Coverage (Trusts & Estates Magazine Dec 2017)
  • Recent Developments and Trends in Elder Law (Trusts & Estates Magazine June 2017)
  • Asset Protection and Long-Term Care Planning for The Unmarried Couple (Trusts & Estates Magazine June 2018)
  • Ten Signs Your Client Has Dementia (Trusts & Estates Magazine July 2018)
  • Will Individuals with Disabilities Be Forced into Nursing Homes? (Wealthmanagement.com Nov 2018)
  • Guns & Dementia (Wealthmanagement.com Oct 2018)
  • Protecting The Spouse of a Client Needing Long-Term Care (Wealthmanagement.com February 2019)
  • Protecting The Spouse of a Client Needing Long-Term Care (Wealthmanagement.com February 2019)

Education

  • University of Maine’s School of Law | Juris Doctor, 2004
  • Purdue University | Bachelor of Arts, Political Science, 2001

Testimonials And Reviews

Attorney in Elder Law

“Letha not only knows Elder Law, she is knowledgeable about finance, investing, preparing for the future and all of the retirement products you want to get a well-rounded opinion concerning Elder Law planning. Also, she is generous with her time and lectures, writes CLE publications and provides useful information on her web site. As a fellow lawyer in the community, I am positive when I refer a client to her that they will be represented at the highest level possible.” 

Attorney in Elder Law

“I have worked with Letha on a variety of State Bar projects as well as through the elder law national organization National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA). Letha is currently Chair of the Elder Law subcommittee of the NC State Bar Board of Legal Specialization. Letha is also regarded as very likely on track to be President of NAELA at some point in the foreseeable future. Very highly regarded and I would have no hesitation referring an elder or special needs law matter to her.”

Attorney in Taxation

“I have worked with Letha extensively, both in written work and in discussions, about various income, estate, gift and generation skipping tax matters, and she is extremely knowledgeable.” 

Senior Partner in Elder Law

“Letha is knowledgeable and practical, both of which make her an excellent attorney. She knows elder law better than most elder law attorneys, and is still willing to learn. That ability to remain teachable is part of what makes her such a great attorney.” 

Your Legal Partner For Life’s Journey

With Letha McDowell by your side, you can trust that you will be met with compassion, expertise, and a genuine commitment to your well-being. Contact us today to begin your journey toward a brighter, more secure future. Let Letha McDowell be your advocate as you navigate life’s legal challenges with confidence and peace of mind.

Virginia
4445 Corporation Lane
Suite 200
Virginia Beach, VA 23462
757-863-4890
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North Carolina
Southern Shores Business Ctr.
8 Juniper Trail
Southern Shores, NC 27949
252-390-4690
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