Donna J. Hichman, Esq., of The Hichman Law Office, PLLC, concentrates her practice in the areas of Trusts and Estates and Elder Law. This includes an emphasis on estate planning, estate administration and Elder Law issues, specifically addressing clients' concerns on planning for the protection of assets from potential nursing home or other long term health care costs/Medicaid planning, Supplemental Needs Trusts, Revocable Living Trust Agreements, Powers of Attorneys, Statutory Gifts Riders, Last Wills and Testaments, Guardianships and other related topics.
*The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law, Juris Doctorate (J.D.)
*Wittenberg University, B.A. in Political Science and Business Administration, magna cum laude
*Villanova University School of Law (selected L.L.M. coursework)
*New York State Bar Association, Trusts and Estates and Elder Law Sections
*Pennsylvania Bar Association, Elder Law Section
*National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA), New York Chapter
*Monroe County Bar Association, New York
*New York State Since 1989
*Pennsylvania since 2008
*Rochester Business Journal, 2016 Senior Living and Long-Term Care Services Directory, quoted in article "Stay Fit, Plan Ahead, Say Experts on Aging" (Oct. 14, 2016).
*The Daily Record, quoted in article "New Probate Form Tracks Legal Changes" (April 1, 2008)
*WHAM Radio Interview on Elder Law (March 16, 2008)
*Penfield Community Television, program on Elder Law (Sept. 15, 2006)
*The Daily Record, featured in article entitled "Local Attorney Contributes Expertise to Mercy Center" (April 26, 2002)
*Democrat and Chronicle, featured in article about Revocable Living Trusts and avoiding probate (2000)
*Member of Executive Council, Monroe County Bar Association Trusts and Estates Section (Fall 2015 to June 2018)
*Chair of Executive Council, Monroe County Bar Association Trusts and Estates Section (Fall 2007 to Spring/Summer 2008)
*Secretary of Executive Council, Monroe County Bar Association Trusts and Estates Section (Fall 2006 to Spring/Summer 2007)
*Secretary of Board of Directors, Financial Planning Association of Upstate New York (three years, approximately 2002 to 2005)
*Board of Directors, Financial Planning Association of Upstate New York (approximately 5 years)
*Member of Executive Council, Monroe County Bar Association Trusts and Estates Section (Fall 2004 to Spring/Summer 2006)
*Medaille College, NY, taught Certified Financial Planning Course on Estate Planning (Spring 2002 and Fall 2000)
*Member, Moravian Academy, PA Planned Giving Committee (2009 to 2010)
*Secretary of Board of Directors, Newcomer's Club Lehigh Valley, PA (2008 to 2010)
*Practiced approximately 20 years in a medium to large sized Rochester law firm, specifically in the Trusts and Estates and Elder Law Departments
Continuous lecturing to various community and professional groups on Estate Planning and Elder Law topics. Spoke virtually on estate planning topics to selected local groups on November 10, 2020.
Recently spoke to fellow attorneys, accountants and other advisors as follows:
11/21/2019 Spoke on "Estate Planning and Administration from A to Z," National Business Institute (NBI), Rochester, New York.
08/16/2019 Spoke on "Protecting Assets While Qualifying for Medicaid," National Business Institute (NBI), Buffalo, New York.
12/14/2018 Spoke on "Medicaid Planning," National Business Institute (NBI), Buffalo, New York.
09/24/2018 Spoke on "Protecting Assets While Qualifying for Medicaid", National Business Institute (NBI), Rochester, New York.
Also presented on Medicaid related issues to the Estate Planning Council of Rochester, New York in January of 2015, and on Estate Planning and Elder Law issues for the Society of Financial Service Professionals, Rochester, NY Chapter in May of 2013 and also in early 2012.
Spoken on various Trusts and Estates and Elder Law topics since 1989 to members of the following organizations: New York State Bar Association, Alzheimer's Association/COLA, Society of Financial Service Professionals (Rochester, NY Chapter), Mercy Center with the Aging, Eastman Savings & Loan Branch Managers, MetLife, New York Life, Xerox Retirees/SAG, Lake Country Romance Writers Workshop, Henrietta, NY Senior Center, KAFL, Financial Planning Association (Upstate NY Chapter), Medaille College, Democrat and Chronicle Money Show (2000), Town of Penfield Recreation program, Town of Brighton Recreation program, Church of the Annunciation, and other organizations.
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Covid-19 Office Policies and Procedures:
The Hichman Law Office, PLLC has re-opened for business and will continue to provide legal services with the health and safety of client(s) and staff as a primary concern. Social distancing protocols and sanitation standards are being implemented in the office. In light of the health issues related to Covid-19, the following are but a few of the changes being implemented:
1. Confidential virtual conferences are available to clients either through Zoom or Skype. These conferences are quite effective and allow for discussion without the wearing of masks.
2. Pursuant to the NYS Governor's Executive Orders, as updated, virtual Will or other document witnessing and/or notarizing are available to client(s) located within New York State, as permitted under NYS law.
3. In-person conferences at the office are also available with the following stipulations:
a. If either the client(s) or the attorney, or the office staff, have any Covid-19 related symptoms prior to the scheduled conference, including but not exclusively, the following: fever over 100 degrees, chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty in breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, the affected party will immediately re-schedule the appointment for a time period when he or she is no longer exhibiting Covid-19 symptoms and/or has received a negative Covid-19 test, after the specified quarantine as provided for under NYS law.
b. Upon arrival to the Linden Oaks Office parking lot, the scheduled client(s) should call the office number 585-360-4513 to verify that the conference room has been cleansed and is available. At that time, the client(s) can enter the office building for the appointment.
c. Mask wearing during the appointment is required at all times, unless the client(s) have a medical excuse and/or both parties consent.
Hand sanitizing is available at all times, social distancing protocols are being observed in the office, and cleansed pens will be available for use although it is recommended that the client(s) consider bringing their own.
Any questions related to these policies should be directed to The Hichman Law Office, PLLC.