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How to Handle a Client’s Suspected Cognitive ImpairmentHow to Handle a Client’s Suspected Cognitive Impairment

What action should practitioners take and when?

Julie Jason

March 21, 2022

11 Min Read
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With the rising number1 of individuals with dementia or Alzheimer’s, lawyers need to be alert to the possibility of cognitive impairment, especially with the elderly. In that context, should an attorney refrain from an engagement if the attorney suspects impairment? What about an existing client who acts differently than usual? For example, a client who’s exhibited strong math skills over the years becomes confused when it’s time to add a tip to a dinner tab. A perfectionist client whose files and calendar are always organized can’t locate documents. A longtime client is suddenly unable to find your office after years of office visits.

In either case, prudence dictates considering capacity before legal services are rendered. Potential lit...

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About the Author

Julie Jason

Julie Jason, JD, LLM, is the founder of Jackson, Grant, Investment Advisers, Inc., of Stamford, CT, a fiduciary high-net-worth boutique specializing in managing retirement portfolios.  The firm celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2022. Julie got her start on Wall Street as a lawyer before moving into money management.

Known for her work as a proponent of financial literacy, Julie’s books and columns focus on investor protection and sound decision-making.

Her most recent book, The Discerning Investor: Personal Portfolio Management in Retirement for Lawyers (and Their Clients), was published in April 2022 by the American Bar Association.  The book addresses lawyers, as they are a special breed of skeptics who need to delve more into conflicts of interest before embarking on an investment program.  (Non-lawyer skeptics will benefit from reading the book as well.)  

Julie began writing in earnest in 1996 with the publication of her first book, “You and Your 401(k),” for 401(k) participants.  Other books include: “Retire Securely” (2018), offering concise action-oriented insights for retirees, pre-retirees and Millennials (Excellence in Financial Literacy Award, aka "EIFLE"); “The Retirement Survival Guide” (2009/2017), a comprehensive tool chest for all financial levels and ages (EIFLE Award); and “Managing Retirement Wealth” (2011), a guide for high-net-worth individuals (EIFLE Award).

In 1998, Julie began writing a weekly column launched in the Greenwich Time (Conn.), which continues to this day, with more than 1,000 columns published. The column, which is syndicated nationally by Andrews McMeel Syndication, has been recognized for “accurate, timely, informative and helpful tax information,” by the IRS, clarity in writing (CLARION Award), and “Excellence in Journalism” (Society of Professional Journalists and the Connecticut Press Club). 

Julie approaches investing with a blend of optimism (everyone can do something to improve their financial situation) and a dose of healthy skepticism (don't invest unless you understand what can go wrong). These themes describe her “voice” whether on-air or presenting or in print.

You can contact Julie by email ([email protected] or [email protected]) or by phone (203-322-1198). Jackson, Grant is located at 2 High Ridge Park, Stamford, CT 06905.

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