Burns & Levinson announced today that Debra Rahmin Silberstein, a partner in the firm’s Private Client group, has received the 2018 Powley Elder Law Award given by the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA). The award is presented annually to a NAELA member who is recognized in his or her community as a leader in promoting a greater understanding of the rights and needs of the elderly and people with special needs, and of how elder law attorneys advocate for those rights. Silberstein works with her clients and their families to fully assess their wishes and develop an integrated plan to meet their needs and goals. Her background in inter-generational philanthropic planning helps clients and their families enhance their internal and external relationships and networks while maximizing tax efficiencies. Silberstein values providing personalized attention to her clients’ needs and goals to develop and administer estate plans. In the community, Silberstein is chair of the Lawrence General Hospital Board of Trustees and was recently appointed to the American Hospital Association Board of Governance. She also serves on the Board of Visitors at McLean Hospital. She serves on the Planned Giving Advisory Council for the Carter Center in Atlanta, Georgia. She also serves on the Board for the Anti-Defamation League, New England. Prior to joining Burns & Levinson, Silberstein was in private practice for more than 25 years. The Powley Elder Law Award was established in memory of Wes and Helen Powley, grandparents of NAELA member Timothy L. Takacs, of Hendersonville, Tenn. Both Wes and Helen were active in civic affairs for all of their lives, and Wes practiced dentistry well into his 80s. The award is funded by a cash grant from the Takacs family to a nonprofit organization chosen by the Powley Award recipient. Silberstein has chosen to award $1,000 to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America. Silberstein received her J.D. from Hofstra University School of Law, her Ph.D. from Heller School for Social Policy and Management at Brandeis College, and her B.A. from Syracuse University.