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A trusted advocate at the intersection of compassion and complex estate law, Shawna Brown brings deep experience in Elder Law and Special Needs matters, guiding families through the legal intricacies of aging, incapacity, and estate disputes with clarity and care.

Shawna is an experienced Elder Law and Special Needs attorney who focuses her practice on estate and trust litigation, including contested and uncontested probate, trust and accounting proceedings. She is frequently appointed to serve as court-appointed attorney or temporary guardian for alleged incapacitated persons in guardianship proceedings. She also assists clients with estate planning and estate administration matters.

Before joining Mandelbaum Barrett PC, Shawna spent a decade at a New York City law firm, where she advised the Public Administrator of New York County on estate administration matters. This unique experience allows her to skillfully navigate the differences between New York and New Jersey estate laws, especially for clients involved in multi-jurisdictional estate matters.

In October 2024, Shawna was honored by the New Jersey Judiciary for her outstanding pro bono service. A dedicated educator and advocate, she frequently presents on estate planning, elder law, probate, and guardianship topics to both community organizations and legal professionals through the New Jersey Institute for Continuing Legal Education (NJICLE). She is also a regular contributor of articles addressing important Elder Law issues, helping individuals and families better understand the legal and practical challenges associated with aging, disability, and long-term planning. In addition, Shawna hosts the firm’s video series, Sit Downs with Shawna, where she interviews professionals and discusses timely legal topics affecting seniors, individuals with disabilities, and their families.\

Areas of Practice

Admissions

  • New Jersey, 2008
  • New York, 2009
 

Education

  • New York Law School, J.D., 2008

Awards

New Jersey Judiciary Award for Outstanding Pro Bono Service, October 31, 2024.

Speaking Engagements

NJICLE webinar: “Guardianships in 2026: The Basics and Beyond,” July 14, 2026.

Union Public Library: “Estate Planning, Wills and Living Wills,” June 9, 2026.

Mandelbaum Barrett PC’s 3rd Annual Elder Law Day: May 19, 2026.

Union Public Library: “Estate Planning, Wills and Living Wills,” March 7, 2026.

NJICLE webinar: “New York vs. New Jersey: Trust and Estate Planning, Administration and Litigation on Both Sides of the Hudson,” January 19, 2026.

Union Public Library: “Estate Planning, Wills and Living Wills,” January 13, 2026.

The Knowledge Group LLC: “Estate Planning Like a Pro: Wills, Wealth, What-Ifs,” October 21, 2025.

Office of Training and Professional Development for the New Jersey Department of Children and Families: Estate Planning Seminar, September 18. 2025.

NJICLE webinar: “Guardianships in 2025: The Basics and Beyond,” July 7, 2025.

Mandelbaum Barrett PC’s 2nd Annual Elder Law Day: May 7, 2025.

NJICLE webinar: “New York vs. New Jersey: Trust and Estate Planning, Administration and Litigation on Both Sides of the Hudson,” January 28, 2025.

NJICLE webinar: “Guardians Ad Litem – How They Work and How to Get Appointed,” September 23, 2024.

Mandelbaum Barrett PC Elder Law Day 2024, March 22, 2024.

NJICLE webinar: “NY vs NJ Estate Planning and Administration,” January 30, 2024.

NJICLE webinar: “Guardians Ad Litem – How They Work and How to Get Appointed,” September 20, 2023.

Hot Topics in Elder Law Speaker Series: “Legacies Instead of Litigation – Tips to Stay Out of Court for the Aging Population,” April 18, 2023.

Hot Topics in Elder Law Speaker Series: “Myths and Misconceptions in Estate and Medicaid Planning,” March 8, 2023.

NJICLE webinar: “2023 Estate Planning for Non-Married Couples,” February 22, 2023.

NJSBA CLE webinar: “New York vs. New Jersey: Trust and Estate Planning, Administration, and Litigation on Both Sides of the Hudson,” January 12, 2023.

NJICLE: “Guardians Ad Litem – How They Work and How to Get Appointed,” September 29, 2022.

Passaic County Bar Association: “Leaving Legacies Instead of Litigation:
Tips to Stay Out of Court for the Aging Population,” February 23, 2022.

NJICLE webinar: “2022 Estate Planning for Non-Married Couples,” February 16, 2022.

NJICLE webinar: “Guardians Ad Litem – How They Work and How to Get Appointed,” September 22, 2020.