Amy DeLaney’s interest in elder law was piqued when she was randomly assigned a mentor who was one of the founders of elder law. But it wasn’t until her grandmother suffered a fall and was misdiagnosed with dementia that she pursued the practice. DeLaney tried to find an elder law attorney in the Chicago area, but there wasn’t one.
So, she left her corporate law practice in the Pacific Northwest and decided to open a practice in her hometown of Chicago to help her grandmother and other people’s grandparents in similar situations, resulting in the launch of DDV Law Ltd., where she serves as the chief executive officer.
DDV Law Ltd. is a premier elder law firm headquartered in Chicago. Founded in 1999, DDV Law specializes in assisting clients with disabilities and aging individuals, focusing on estate planning, Medicaid applications, asset recovery and protection from financial exploitation.
Under DeLaney’s leadership, DDV Law has grown into one of Illinois’s most respected elder law firms. Over the past three years, the firm has achieved a 10% revenue increase and a 7% expansion in its client base, fueled by strategic initiatives such as diversifying practice areas, investing in legal technology and enhancing client communication.
DeLaney is a board-certified elder law attorney, recognized for her exceptional ethics and expertise with the highest AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell. She has been a super lawyer for over a decade, named among the top 50 female attorneys in Illinois, and is frequently featured in media outlets like The New York Times, PBS and CNN. DeLaney has also made significant contributions to the legal community, from drafting impactful legislation like the Illinois Trust Code to serving as an expert witness before Senate and House committees.
“What Amy likes best about being at DDV Law Ltd. is participating in the free exchange of ideas and tapping into some of the best legal minds to develop unique solutions for clients,” said her staff. “Her success is measured in the many client testimonials describing her as an exceptional attorney, detail-oriented, kind-hearted and insightful.”
Beyond her legal accomplishments, DeLaney is a mentor, educator and advocate. “Watching the junior attorneys and staff members I mentor achieve growth and success reignites my own passion, while my hands-on involvement in their development instills a culture of enthusiasm and dedication throughout the firm,” she said.
DeLaney said it is easy to find her passion in this industry. “To continuously reignite my passion for the business, I focus on staying connected to the purpose that drives our work—helping clients navigate complex legal challenges and achieve their goals,” she said.