Meet Our New Team Members

As 2023 draws to a close, we at Estate Planning & Elder Law Services like to reflect on the changes the year has brought. Some of the most recent developments have also been some of the best: the addition of new team members!

When we bring new attorneys and staff on board, we do so thoughtfully, with an eye to how their unique traits make it possible for us to serve our clients even better. We are constantly on the lookout for team members who not only bring to the table new skills, but who share our commitment to our clients.

One such addition has been Brenda Culcasi, who joined the firm in August 2023 as a receptionist and administrative assistant. Brenda is usually the first voice clients hear when they call the firm, and the first face they see when they enter our doors. She understands that the estate planning, probate, and elder law work we undertake here at the firm is often stressful for the clients we serve. She makes a point of putting clients at ease immediately and setting a positive tone for their legal journey.

In addition to being the first person to greet clients, Brenda is also often the one who delivers their completed estate planning binders. As she observes, “It’s nice to see the process come full circle: from the initial phone calls asking about our services to placing a customized estate plan in the client’s hands. You can see the relief and peace of mind wash over people as they realize that they finally have a plan in place.”

Working with clients is Brenda’s favorite part of her job, but she is also an invaluable support to the firm’s three attorneys and two paralegals. Both within and outside the office, Brenda is known for her organization and attention to detail—few skills are more valuable in an estate planning office!

A native Californian from the Bay Area, Brenda moved to Michigan only four years ago. While she misses her family and California’s warmth, she appreciates the famous Midwestern friendliness and hospitality she has found in Michigan. When not working, Brenda enjoys spending time with her boyfriend and three cats, cheering for her favorite baseball team, and playing softball. She is a competitive softball player whose team won the sport’s “Triple Crown” in their first year: state, national, and world championships! We feel pretty lucky to have Brenda on our team, too.

In October 2023, we brought another attorney, Janet Burcar, into the firm. Although Janet is new to Estate Planning & Elder Law Services, she is an experienced estate planning and elder law attorney. Janet has been in private practice in those areas for the past eight years, and prior to that, spent over 18 years doing similar work for clients through UAW Legal Services.

Janet derives the most satisfaction from helping her clients identify their needs and goals, and then constructing a plan to ensure their wishes are carried out. Clients appreciate Janet’s warmth and support as she guides them through what can feel like an intimidating process. Like all of us here at the firm, Janet enjoys helping clients find the relief that comes with knowing they have a plan in place, no matter what the future holds.

Janet’s addition to the firm adds not only greater capacity to serve our clients, but additional skills to better meet their needs. For instance, Janet has extensive experience in guardianship and conservatorship matters, with which many families need assistance; she also has a background in real estate law, which is frequently helpful in probate matters. Janet is also an Accredited Claims Attorney through the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, which enables her to assist clients in obtaining any veterans’ benefits to which they may be entitled.

Both Brenda and Janet have proven an excellent fit with the culture of the firm, and help us to offer the comprehensive estate planning and elder law services our clients have come to expect. We invite you to contact the firm and to come and meet our new team members in person!