Biography
Attorney Patrick G. Curley is an Estate Planning, Elder Law and Asset Protection Specialist. He focuses his practice on protecting clients’ families, homes, savings, and independence – whether planning in advance or in a crisis.
After graduating as Valedictorian from Wakefield Memorial High School, Patrick earned his undergraduate degree from Dartmouth College and his law degree in 1997 from the University of Michigan Law School, which is among the top 10 law schools in the country.
Patrick leads Curley Law Firm LLP, one of the premier Estate Planning and Elder Law firms in Massachusetts. Under Patrick’s leadership, the firm has grown to include two Attorneys, three paralegals and multiple professional support staff – with over 65 years of combined Elder Law experience.
One of just 26 Certified Elder Law Attorneys* (CELAs) in Massachusetts, Patrick earned this prestigious distinction in 2008 by focusing his practice exclusively on Elder Law and Estate Planning, passing a notoriously difficult full-day national Bar-style Exam, taking dozens of hours of continuing legal education, and securing multiple peer references from other expert Elder Law and Estate Planning Attorneys. To maintain his certification, he participates in dozens of hours of continuing legal education every year, and undergoes a strict recertification review by the National Elder Law Foundation (NELF) every five years. Patrick has been selected for inclusion to Massachusetts Super Lawyers® since 2011. Selections are made by Super Lawyers® based upon peer nominations and research, comprehensive evaluation, and further peer review within the attorney’s primary area of practice. Patrick served 13 years on the Board of Directors of the Massachusetts Chapter of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (MassNAELA). This distinguished organization of more than 400 Elder Law and Special Needs attorneys focuses on improving the lives of older adults and individuals living with special needs. At the request of the Massachusetts Bar Association, Patrick has served as a contributing author of the MassHealth chapter of the annual “Elder Law Education Program” publication each year since 2016.
Patrick is Chair of the Board of Directors of the Accelerated Cure Project, an internationally- recognized non-profit that accelerates research to find better treatments and a cure for Multiple Sclerosis. He serves as Scoutmaster for his son’s BSA Scout Troop 48. Patrick resides locally with his wife, Erin, who has taught 1st grade and special education in the Brookline and Reading public school systems, and with their children, Alan and Hannah.
*The National Elder Law Foundation (NELF) is the only national organization certifying practitioners of elder and special needs law. NELF’s Certified Elder Law Attorney (CELA) designation is itself certified by the American Bar Association. NELF is a private organization, whose standards for certification are not regulated by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Practice Areas:
- Estate Planning
- Elder Law, MassHealth Planning and Applications
- Probate and Trust Administration
- Conservatorship/Guardianship
Certified Legal Specialties:
- Certified Elder Law Attorney, National Elder Law Foundation, 2008
Professional Associations
- Massachusetts Chapter of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (MassNAELA), Volunteer Member, Board of Directors, 2003 to Present
- National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA), 2003 to Present
- Elder Counsel, Member
- Wealth Counsel, Member
- Massachusetts Bar Association, 2003 to Present
- Elder Counsel
Education
- The University of Michigan Law School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
- J.D. - 1997
- Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire
- A.B. - 1994
- London School of Economics – Dartmouth Foreign Study Program in Government
- 1993
- Wakefield Memorial High School (Valedictorian)
- 1990
Bar Admissions
- Massachusetts, 2003
- California, 1997
Honors
- Recognition and Commendation from Los Angeles Police Department, Board of Police Commissioners, and City of Los Angeles
- Eagle Scout Award
- Wakefield Historical Commission Preservation Award
- Massachusetts Super Lawyers
- Massachusetts Bar Association Pro Bono Spotlight Recognition
- President’s Award from Massachusetts Chapter of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (MassNAELA)
Classes & Seminars
- Presenter, “How to Prepare for Retirement” with The MassBar Beat Podcast hosted by Jordan Rich (January 28, 2021)
Pro-Bono Activities
- Board of Directors of Massachusetts Chapter of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (MassNAELA), 2009 to 2022
- POA Workgroup of Massachusetts Chapter of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (MassNAELA), 2023 to Present
- Amicus Committee of Massachusetts Chapter of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (MassNAELA), 2021 to Present
- Member of the Rules Committee of the National Elder Law Foundation (NELF), 2024 to Present
- Chair of the Board of Directors of the Accelerated Cure Project, 2016 to Present
- Scoutmaster of Lynnfield BSA Scouts Troop 48, 05/2025 to Present
- Den Leader of Lynnfield Scout Pack 48, 2016 to 2021
- Leadership committee of the Friends of Lynnfield Rail Trail, 2016 to Present
Published Works
- Co-Author of the MassHealth (Medicaid) Chapter of the Massachusetts Bar Association’s annual “Elder Law Education Resource Guide” (2016 to Present)
- Author of “New SECURE Act impacts retirement account planning” published December 2019 in various newspapers
- Author of “MassHealth change negatively impacts “Life Estate” deeds” published September 2019 in various newspapers






