INTRODUCING MARK T. JOHNSON, CELA
My practice in special needs law has been an early and integrated part of my practice that also includes estate planning and elder law. It is meaningful to me to be able to help individuals and families by explaining and guiding them through complex legal matters that often involve very personal aspects of their lives.
I assist individuals with disabilities and their families develop the immediate and long-term financial, personal, and legal support to help them live their best lives.
Immerse yourself in the practice. This begins by finding an experienced attorney as a mentor. Get involved in legal organizations that support attorneys practicing in this area of law and services organizations that support individuals with disabilities and their advocates. Embrace the life-long learning of this complex and everchanging area of law. Also, become aware of and comfortable with areas of law that may seem peripheral to special needs law—like real estate, family law, or consumer law—because these areas can intersect with special needs planning.
Helping others aspire to and achieve more than they think is possible on their own, especially in the context of a supportive network of family, friends, and community.
I like to unplug and unwind—no scheduled work or personal commitments—with leisure time with my spouse. We enjoy casual meals, outdoor activities (like walking on the lakeshore path on the University of Wisconsin campus), and cooking meals or desserts from scratch. Ice cream makes any day better, too!
Solito, by Javier Zamora, which is a memoir about a 9-year-old boy’s immigration journey from El Salvador to be reunited with his parents in the U.S.