The Big Reach: Attorney Michael Hooker
Unfortunately, my parents will never have the chance to do their estate planning with Attorney Michael Hooker of Northampton. That’s because they are in New Hampshire, and Mike practices here in Massachusetts, on the fourth floor of the grand Fitzwilly’s Building in downtown Northampton.
Too bad, because I would guide my parents to Mike in a heartbeat, and not just because he is a good friend with a solid heart but because he has peoples’ best interests in mind, and in a profession that is often held to be stereotypically cold and austere, he runs his practice with compassion and soul.
Mike is 56. He meets clients not only in his office but where they live, which could mean their own homes or nursing homes and retirement communities. He wears a suit to work each day for these meetings, but Mike is happiest in swim trunks and flip-flops or in bicycling gear, and his gentle demeanor gives this away. That’s probably why Mike connects so well to clients. They don’t see a man in a suit. They just see a man.
That’s why Mike’s clients trust him. He is human. He is real. They understand and have faith in what he tells them.
This year Mike is celebrating his 25th anniversary as an estate planning attorney in Northampton. He runs a unique practice that incorporates social work and nursing components, offering holistic estate planning.
Mike has been practicing since 1985, and in February, the Northampton Senior Center’s Conz Street Chronicle will run his column on elder law issues, as it does each edition, along with Mike’s ad, announcing his anniversary.
I interviewed a handful of Mike’s clients and colleagues and helped him develop his ad. Here’s what people said about him:
Beth Vettori, Executive Director Rockridge, Northampton: “Michael and his team have provided compassionate support and guidance for several of our residents over the years. Their warm personalities bring great comfort to clients.”
Lisa Snook-Mohan, Snook and Mohan Insurance Agency, Northampton. “Attorney Michael Hooker’s professionalism and extensive knowledge of elder law are second to none. He and his capable, caring team light the way for families in crisis. ”
Roger Salloom, Musician, Northampton. “Mike and his compassionate team hit a grand slam home run for my parents, rescuing their life’s savings when expensive, long-term medical care became a necessity.”
Mike’s a good guy, and he succeeds because he cares about people. That’s the simple way to say it.
On his resume, the business speak says he serves as fiduciary for hundreds of elders and disabled clients. He also counsels family members who serve as Trustee, Guardian, Power of Attorney, Executor or Conservator. Michael represents numerous nursing homes in the area and works closely with many local elder agencies and providers. He is a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, and he has served on the Ethics Committees of several nursing homes.
Mike has also lectured on issues surrounding elder law.
He lives in the Northampton area with his wife, Jeanne Schubmehl, a good friend of mine, and they have two children.
When Mike isn’t helping seniors navigate their financial and legal lives, he can be found in spandex, road or mountain biking, or in bathing trunks, boating on the Connecticut River.
Weekends, you can also catch Mike in the lounges with a microphone and a beer in hand. He’s a band leader, performing in several different iterations, and he loves nothing better than rocking out.
