Samuel V. Butcher Esq.

Samuel V. Butcher, Esq. completed advanced studies in Medicaid and Long-Term Care Planning. He was awarded a Certificate of Excellence for his work and performance after completing the course work by nationally recognized David J. Zumpano, President and Founder of MPS, LLC, a national organization that specializes in training lawyers in cutting-edge estate planning strategies. Sam has been certified by MPS to teach a two-hour workshop that outlines, in easy-to-understand terms, the legal and personal issues when planning to protect assets from nursing home costs and helping families carry out their wishes after they have passed. More and more seniors are facing the very real possibility of having their entire life savings consumed by nursing home costs. This added expertise will allow Sam to help them protect what they own and still qualify for Medicaid, if that is advisable. Those wanting more information about the Workshop, Sam, Estate Planning, Elder Law, or Medicaid Planning can call 216-781-2258.

Sam studied law at the Cleveland Marshall College of Law where he earned his Juris Doctor degree in December, 1982. He was admitted to the bar in Ohio and entered the practice of law as an Assistant Prosecutor for Cuyahoga County, Ohio. He was subsequently admitted to the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio and the Sixth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

Sam’s decision to focus an area of concentration in Estate Planning and Elder Law arose not only from his enthusiastic interest in this area of the law but also out of the fear and anxiety expressed by so many of the firm’s client over losing what they have worked so hard for all of their lives. The primary goal of this practice is to assist clients in creating estate plans that will protect their assets during the client’s lifetime and allow clients to pass assets on to their children in a manner that protects their children from lawsuits, divorce, and nursing home expenses and, if necessary, their children’s own indiscretions. The distinguishing feature of Sam’s practice is an education process that simplifies the complex area of estate and Medicaid planning and enables clients to choose a plan based on clear value distinctions. The plan, including trusts, are easily understood and work for everyday people as well as savvy business owners and busy professionals. The objective is to provide favorable solutions to clients’ everyday stresses.

Earlier in his career, Sam also learned the inner workings of the insurance industry first-hand as House Counsel for the Cleveland Office of the Allstate Insurance Company before joining Stewart and DeChant as an Associate in 1989. He was named a Partner of the firm in November, 1993.

Sam has an unusual but most valuable background for an attorney, having graduated in May, 1977 from Ohio Northern University with a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy degree. He received the Smith, Kline & French Laboratories Award for Superior Achievement in Clinical Pharmacy and the Rexall Award for Outstanding Achievement in his pharmacy graduating class. He became a registered pharmacist in Ohio in 1977, and thereafter practiced in major medical institutions and retail environments while pursuing his legal education. Sam still maintains an active Ohio pharmacist license.

Sam has many professional affiliations, including among them his distinction as a Master Bencher of the Judge John M. Manos Inn of Court of the National Inns of Court Foundation. He is also Treasurer of the Cleveland Academy of Trial Attorneys (after having served as a Director for the past six years), and a member of the Ohio Academy of Trial Lawyers, the Ohio State Bar Association, and the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association, Estate Planning, Probate & Trust Law Section. He is a Fellow of the American Society of Pharmacy Law. Most recently, he was selected for inclusion in the 2010 Ohio Super Lawyers list. Only 5% of the lawyers in Ohio are chosen each year.