Robert Walton has a special place in his heart for elderly people. As a child, he grew up watching his 84-year-old grandfather caring for his grandmother, who was in a wheelchair.
"I didn't realize then what an impact it would have on me," said Walton, who is now a Stetson Law School graduate focusing his practice on estate planning and elder law. "I approach all my cases from that perspective."
Walton spoke recently at the St. Joseph's John Knox Village in Tampa about important legal matters facing the elderly public. The presentation was a part of the Hillsborough County Bar Association's Lawyer Referral & Information Service's outreach program connecting community members with attorneys who can help them.
Walton says that with the baby boomers reaching their elder years and Florida continuing to be a prime location for retirement, it is important that the Tampa Bay area legal community take active steps to help the elderly.
"It is an absolute need in Tampa Bay, and a need that the Bar has to meet," Walton said. "We need to try to be a part of that law-making practice."
Walton is a very active member of the HCBA. He was selected for the HCBA Bar Leadership Institute Class of 2014-2015 and, as part of the HCBA Lawyer Referral & Information Service, he participates in the monthly Ask-A-Lawyer program on Fox 13 News.
"It's a huge opportunity for someone like me who is a solo practitioner," Walton said of his participation in the HCBA and LRIS programs. "I get to work with my peers and meet people from all over Tampa. It's given me an opportunity to learn and give back to the community. It's tremendous."
For information about joining the HCBA Lawyer Referral & Information Service, call 813-221-7780.
