The San Diego Elder Law Center was founded in 1997 by San Diego attorney Philip P. Lindsley to better serve the legal needs of San Diego county's elder and disability communities, their families, and caregivers. Mr. Lindsley has more than 35 years of experience in  Medi-Cal and public benefits planning,  asset preservation,  trust & estate planning, trust administration and probate.  He has extensive experience in issues concerning incapacity and disability, handling conservatorships when necesary and and seeking alternatives when possible. He is a nationally recognized expert in public benefits planning and special needs trusts.  Mr. Lindsley has been designated a Certified Elder Law Attorney (CELA) by the National Elder Law Foundation. This specialization in Elder Law is accredited by the State Bar of California and the American Bar Association. He is one of only a few Certified Elder Law Attorneys in San Diego County. He is also a California State Bar Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate, and an Accredited VA Attorney.   Mr. Lindsley is a native San Diegan. (Crawford Colt!).  He did his undergraduate and graduate work in Psychology at San Diego State University, graduating with honors. He received his Juris Doctorate from USD School of Law in 1980. He is a past Adjunct Professor of Law at the University of San Diego School of Law, and volunteers time as a Pro Tem Judge for the Probate Court. He has been and is a member of many boards and commissions, both professional and community. He recently completed a six-year term on the Executive Commitee for the Trust and Estates Section of the State Bar of California and California Lawyers Association.  Phil is a popular speaker to both professional and lay groups on topics concerning Elder and Special Needs Law and public benefits planning.