Virginia Lawyers Weekly VA Lawyers Weekly
Ken Labowitz
Shareholder
Dingman Labowitz PC
Alexandria
Education
B.A. Grinnell College
J.D. Southern Methodist University School of Law
What services within elder law are you best known for?
Guardianships (I have participated in more than 1000 guardianships in the past 30 years, likely more than anyone else in Virginia), estate administration, fiduciary litigation
Please describe a signature case or representation.
In 2004, a neighbor had been financially exploiting a woman for whom I was appointed guardian and conservator. The neighbor decided that he would end my interference with what he had been doing with her by making a serious effort to kill me after kidnapping me from my home at gunpoint. He was not as good at kidnapping as he was at exploitation and will spend the rest of his life as a guest of the Commonwealth.
What do you find most satisfying about law practice?
Problem solving. People come to us with problems, some of which have legal solutions, and we are asked to find creative ways to resolve at least the legal problems. The fun comes from finding new and perhaps unexpected ways of getting done what is needed.
Describe your approach to advising clients.
Always be truthful and realistic.
What is the best career advice you’ve received?
My long time law partner Peter Dingman’s advice to me: We cannot guarantee results but we can guarantee communication with the client.
What developments or changes in elder law do you expect to see in the coming year?
I really hope that there will be an influx of young lawyers into the field to help us old people out. There is too much going on and we need the fresh blood.
