Legal Eagles: Award-Winning Firm Protects Interests of the Vulnerable

Tom Begley Jr. is no stranger to legal victories.

In mid-August, Begley and his firm, ., were lauded as one of Philadelphia Business Journal’s Top 25 South Jersey Law Firms.

The law group has also received the prestigious AV Preeminent Peer Review rating by Martindale-Hubbell signifying the highest rating in legal ability and ethical standards. And in March, lawyers in the firm were bestowed with the 2011 New Jersey Super Lawyers award.

In a career spanning nearly 50 years, Begley, 73, says the honors are appreciated, but the firm is merely doing its job—one that helps the most vulnerable in society.

Begley Law Group is a highly trained firm dealing in all aspects of elder and disability law. The firm’s four attorneys—Begley, Dana Bookbinder,  and Ethan Ordog—counsel clients in Moorestown, Stone Harbor, Princeton and Huntingdon Valley, PA.

They are experts in their field, speak at national conferences and symposiums, and have written numerous books on the complex areas of elder law and special needs.

“We emphasize client satisfaction,” Begley notes.

Begley was born and raised in Burlington. Begley’s father, Tom Begley Sr., started the firm working with banks and real estate law in 1930.

After a bachelor’s degree at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., Begley got a law degree at Georgetown University Law Center, when legal jobs at large firms were more plentiful. But, Begley returned to South Jersey to work with his father.

In the 1970s, Begley moved the offices to Moorestown, where he resides with his second wife.

Shortly thereafter, as his parents started to age, Begley saw a need for elder care. Back then, no one was doing elder law, and the firm quickly established itself on the cutting edge.

The data reflected that lifestyles and everyday routines had started to change for the average family, says Begley.

“Years ago, grandma and grandpa would move in with one of the kids as they aged,” Begley explains. “Families are not set up to care for extended families anymore. For one, there are more women in the workplace.”

A gentleman in manner with an air of old-world charm, Begley says each family’s needs are different.

“We outline a plan for the family—usually for the kids to follow,” Begley says. “Whether or not a parent will be going into a nursing home or needing help at home, we try to take that stress from the family.”

The lawyers at Begley Law Group generally will provide guidance on power of attorney forms, wills and advanced health care directives to direct end-of-life wishes. 

While people of all socio-economic levels find themselves searching for elder care answers, the very poor usually can retain government benefits, and the very rich are self-sufficient.

Begley says most of his clients are working-class folks.

“Regardless of economic class, when their parents get sick, often the kids have no idea what to do,” Begley says.

In the last 10 years, the firm has been providing legal care for families who have . It's a topic close to Begley's heart: Two of his family members have special needs.

“It’s important to set up these children financially so their needs are protected," says Begley. “One aspect, a trust, helps disabled children retain government benefits.”

After assessing a family’s medical and financial needs, Begley works with Medicaid, Social Security and nonprofit groups.

“The political climate has shifted to the right,” Begley says. “Many benefits are being cut.”

One group that Begley works closely with is Planned Lifetime Assistance Network of New Jersey, Inc. (Plan/NJ)—a Somerville-based group. When parents are gone, the organization will provide practical solutions for children with disabilities—celebrating birthdays or purchasing clothing, explains Begley.

“Plan/NJ is a wonderful organization,” Begley says. “They will even promise to take your child to a weekly movie, if it’s stipulated in your will.”

The firm has a history of sitting on community boards and taking pro bono cases—up to 10 percent of its workload.

These days, Begley spends time updating the five books he has written. He seems to savor relaxing at his beach home in Avalon and spending time with his grandchildren.

“It’s never too early to take care of your loved ones,” says Begley. “You will gain peace of mind.”