Tom Begley, Jr., CELA

TOM BEGLEY, JR., CELA

You may know that Tom Begley was the first president of the Special Needs Alliance. But do you know that before there was an SNA there was a Moose Group? The group of elder law attorneys from around the country who made up the Moose Group would meet each year at a resort. Together, they would explore how to take their law practices five years into the future. The idea for SNA first emerged at the 2001 meeting, Tom says.

That year, the Moose Group anticipated losing some legal opportunities because of policy changes the newly elected President George W. Bush would make in Medicaid coverage of long-term care. Group member Dennis Christensen, Esq., suggested that focusing more on special needs trusts could be a fruitful new direction. And so,Tom says, SNA was formed, with 35 initial members.

These members quickly set out to invite others with strong knowledge of special needs trusts to join, ultimately developing SNA into the outstanding forum for in-depth learning that it is today. Tom considers the learning opportunities to be the organization’s best asset. Thanks to SNA members who have generously shared their specialized knowledge, he says, SNA has dramatically advanced the quality of legal support for people with disabilities.

Tom practices at The Begley Law Group in Moorestown, N.J. We asked him to tell us a bit more about himself personally and professionally. Here’s what he said.

I have a daughter and grandson with disabilities. I think we are in a position to make a real difference in the lives of people with disabilities. Many are inspiring.

Get involved. You only get out of life what you put into it. The members are the best and the brightest in the field, and the education is terrific.

“Love Story.” I lived that.

In school I played football. There, one learns the lessons of life. When you get knocked down, get back up. Never give up. Teamwork is important. Teamwork is about giving yourself up for others.

I love to spend Saturdays at the beach with my 2-year-old granddaughter.