Patrick G. Curley Esq., CELA - Wakefield, MA
Attorney at Curley Law Firm LLP
Estate Planning Lawyers in Wakefield, MA
1 Common Street Wakefield, MA 01880
- 1 Super Lawyers®
-
29
Years
Experience
Wakefield Estate Planning Lawyer
Updated: 03/31/2026
Areas of Practice
- Estate Planning
- Elder Law, MassHealth Planning and Applications
- Probate and Trust Administration
- Conservatorship/Guardianship
Attorney Information
Overview
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.
Awards and Honors
Honors
- Recognition and Commendation from Los Angeles Police Department, Board of Police Commissioners, and City of Los Angeles
- Eagle Scout Award, 1986 - Present
- Wakefield Historical Commission Preservation Award, 2005 - Present
- Massachusetts Super Lawyers, 2011 - 2019
- Massachusetts Bar Association Pro Bono Spotlight Recognition, 2020 - Present
- President’s Award from Massachusetts Chapter of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (MassNAELA), 2019 - Present
Other Sources of Feedback About Patrick G. Curley Esq., CELA
Included on the 2026 Massachusetts Super Lawyers list
Past Lists
- 2025 Massachusetts Super Lawyers list
- 2024 Massachusetts Super Lawyers list
- 2023 Massachusetts Super Lawyers list
- 2022 Massachusetts Super Lawyers list
- 2021 Massachusetts Super Lawyers list
- 2020 Massachusetts Super Lawyers list
- 2019 Massachusetts Super Lawyers list
- 2018 Massachusetts Super Lawyers list
- 2017 Massachusetts Super Lawyers list
- 2016 Massachusetts Super Lawyers list
- 2015 Massachusetts Super Lawyers list
- 2014 Massachusetts Super Lawyers list
- 2013 Massachusetts Super Lawyers list
- 2012 Massachusetts Super Lawyers list
- 2011 Massachusetts Super Lawyers list
Education
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Legal Education
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The University of Michigan Law School,
Ann Arbor,
Michigan, 1997
J.D.
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The University of Michigan Law School,
Ann Arbor,
Michigan, 1997
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Non Legal Education
-
Dartmouth College,
Hanover,
New Hampshire, 1994
A.B. - London School of Economics – Dartmouth Foreign Study Program in Government, England, 1993
- Wakefield Memorial High School (Valedictorian), 1990
-
Dartmouth College,
Hanover,
New Hampshire, 1994
Current Employment Position(s)
-
Managing Partner
Classes and 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 - 2022
- POA Workgroup of Massachusetts Chapter of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (MassNAELA), 2023 - Present
- Amicus Committee of Massachusetts Chapter of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (MassNAELA), 2021 - Present
- Member of the Rules Committee of the National Elder Law Foundation (NELF), 2024 - Present
- Chair of the Board of Directors of the Accelerated Cure Project, 2016 - Present
- Scoutmaster of Lynnfield BSA Scouts Troop 48, May 1, 2025 - Present
- Den Leader of Lynnfield Scout Pack 48, 2016 - 2021
- Leadership committee of the Friends of Lynnfield Rail Trail, 2016 - Present
Published Works
Articles
-
Co-Author of the MassHealth (Medicaid) Chapter of the Massachusetts Bar Association’s annual “Elder Law Education Resource Guide” (2016 to Present)
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Author of “New SECURE Act impacts retirement account planning” published December 2019 in various newspapers
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Author of “MassHealth change negatively impacts “Life Estate” deeds” published September 2019 in various newspapers
Bar Admissions
- Massachusetts, 2003
- California, 1997
Specialties and Certifications
- Certified Elder Law Attorney, National Elder Law Foundation, 2008
Other Affiliations
- Massachusetts Chapter of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (MassNAELA), 2003 - Present (Volunteer Member, Board of Directors)
- National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA), 2003 - Present
- Elder Counsel (Member)
- Wealth Counsel (Member)
- Massachusetts Bar Association, 2003 - Present
- Elder Counsel
Reviews
Customer Reviews for Patrick G. Curley Esq., CELA
Highlights
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5.0 Value
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5.0 Quality of Service
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5.0 Professional Competence
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Verified ClientHired Attorney 2020-2021We had a relatively complex estate issue surrounding a living trust and it was clear to see that we needed urgent help. Thankfully, we found the law office of Patrick Curley who specializes in elder care and MassHealth Insurance. He and his team have been outstanding in the way they were able to handle our situation and put our minds at ease right from our first phone call with Deb Tura. After multiple calls and remote meetings (due to covid-19) Patrick and his team helped us to understand the cumbersome process in order to obtain MassHealth Insurance for our Mom. Without their help, knowledge and guidance, we would still be struggling - and in the wrong direction! Not only did he get our Mom on MassHealth, but he also negotiated a very substantial discount with the nursing home due to a one month gap difference in coverage Professional, caring and extremely knowledgeable is the best way I can honestly describe Patrick Curley and his team. We couldn't be more pleased with our experience. If you need elder care help, or MassHealth Insurance, Patrick Curley and his team are the answers. You won't be disappointed. We would like to Thank the entire Curley Law Firm for your time, effort, support and help throughout the MassHealth process for our mother. Sincerely, The Lotti Family
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Verified ClientHired Attorney 2020Patrick picked up where another lawyer left off. He familiarized himself with our situation quickly and drew up options for us and explained them thoroughly. An elderly family member was declining. Patrick’s ability to prioritize her well being, and balance that with sensitivity and financial practicality... it couldn’t have gone smoother and the family is grateful for assisting us during an emotionally charged time. Highly recommend.
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Verified ClientHired Attorney 2009-2020Patrick and his team at the Curley Law Firm were pivotal in not only creating the legal documents for our parents estate planning needs - but more importantly - set the stage for their stress-free transition to residential (nursing home and hospice) care later in life. Patrick’s team helped preserve their hard-earned assets accumulated over a lifetime. Our family would most strongly recommend Curley Law for your estate planning needs.
Contact
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