Erica A. Skerl is a shareholder of Phillips & Mille, where she has been an attorney since 2011. Erica is a Certified Elder Law Attorney through the National Elder Law Foundation, which is the only certification accredited by both the American Bar Association and the Supreme Court of Ohio Commission on Certification of Attorneys as Specialists. Of the approximately 37,000 attorneys in Ohio, only 34 are Certified Elder Law Attorneys.
Erica is a very experienced with the unique needs of our seniors as they age. As a Certified Elder Law Attorney, Erica specializes in long term care planning and preserving assets. Erica’s practice also includes the following areas: estate planning, powers of attorney, healthcare powers of attorney, living wills, wills, advance long term care planning, asset protection planning, Medicaid, guardianships, and trust and estate administration. Erica always approaches her clients with compassion and integrity and truly enjoys working with the aging population.
Erica grew up in Berea. Erica currently resides in Brunswick with her school aged children. In her spare time, Erica enjoys spending time with her children. On the weekends, you can usually find Erica at a soccer field with her son or the dance studio with her daughter.
Experience Overview
Elder Law: Erica helps clients navigate the complex legal issues as they age. The field of law covers a broad range of issues affecting seniors including, asset protection planning, end of life planning, long term care planning, legacy planning, public benefit planned, and other elder related legal issues.
Asset Protection Planning: Erica has helped hundreds of families in northeast Ohio save life their life savings from the devastating cost of long term care, whether it be a nursing home or an assisted living. Whether a family has pre-planned for the cost of long term care or finds themselves in a crisis mode, Erica is skilled in preserving assets for the spouse and/or family. Crisis mode planning involves an individual immediately needing long term care and ways in which the assets can be immediately preserved and the individual immediately qualify for public benefits, including Medicaid.
Estate Planning: Erica looks at each client’s situation as a unique scenario. Erica works with clients to customize the best estate plan for each individual or family. Erica looks for the most cost efficient and expedient method to help clients preserve to pass their assets on to their intended beneficiaries. There is no “one size fits” all plan. Prior to meeting with Erica, a client will complete a questionnaire that enables Erica to tailor advice specific to the client(s). Estate plans are often fluid and Erica is there to answer questions and assist in updating as needed. Erica will also counsel clients in avoiding probate and planning for special needs beneficiaries.
Power of Attorney/Advanced Directives: It is important to plan ahead for life’s unexpected situations. Erica works with clients to plan for the unknown, whether financial or healthcare situations. Without the proper planning, an individual may find himself subject to a court’s oversight.
Estate Administration: Whether it’s a non-probate estate, probate estate, or trust estate, Erica is skilled in navigating the process of handling a client’s affairs at death. Erica works with families to efficiently transfer assets from a decedent to the intended beneficiaries.
Education
University of Akron School of Law, Akron, Ohio
J.D. – 2007
Honors: summa cum laude
Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina
Honors: cum laude
Major: Political Science
Honors
Super Lawyers Rising Star 2020 & 2021
Bar Admissions
Ohio, 2007
Classes & Seminars
Adjunct Professor at University of Akron School of Law, Legal Writing and Research (2009-2011)
Frequent presenter on elder law topics within the greater Cleveland community
Pro-Bono Activities
Vice President of Board, Choices, A Community Center, 2010 to 2014
Monthly legal services at a local senior center
Certified Legal Specialties
Certified Elder Law Attorney through the National Elder Law Foundation, 2015
Professional Associations
Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association, 2011 to Present
Ohio State Bar Association, 2007 to Present
American Bar Association, 2007 to Present
National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, 2011 to Present
I could not be happier with the service Phillips & Mille provided for my family. We needed someone who could help sort out what to do next in a time of need. They were professional, efficient, and gave us the piece of mind we needed.
- Matt M.
Good advice.
- Paul M.
In an arena where I was emotional and unsure of how to fight, I found a lawyer who was everything I'd hoped for and more personally and professionally. Everywhere in this town I was told with a serious gaze, "You got yourself a good lawyer there. One of the best."
