Amy DeLaney is the Founder and Managing Partner of DDV Law, Ltd., where she focuses her practice on elder law and the legal needs of older adults, individuals with disabilities, and their families. With nearly three decades of experience, Amy provides guidance with sophisticated estate planning, guardianship, probate and estate litigation, Medicaid planning for seniors and people with special needs, estate and trust administration.
Amy DeLaney is a proud fellow of the American College of Trusts and Estate Counsel (ACTEC).Her practice is grounded in a commitment to protecting her clients’ rights, preserving their assets, and helping families plan for the future.
Amy has been recognized throughout her career for her legal work and leadership in the elder law community. She has been named a Leading Lawyer and Super Lawyer and has been recognized among the Top 50 Female Attorneys in Illinois. She holds an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell and a perfect rating on Avvo. Her work and legal commentary have been featured in The New Yorker, Chicago Tribune, The New York Times, CNN, WGN, and PBS.
Amy is actively involved in advancing the practice of elder law and improving protections for older adults and individuals with disabilities. She is a Past President of the Illinois Chapter of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) and serves on its Legislative Committee.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Amy was appointed to the Illinois Secretary of State’s Remote Notarization Taskforce and helped develop emergency rules addressing remote notarization. She has also contributed to important Illinois elder law reforms, including changes involving the Illinois Trust Code, Probate Act, and Nursing Home Care Act.
Through her professional leadership and legislative work, Amy continues to advocate for practical legal solutions that address the evolving needs of older adults, people with disabilities, and their families.
Amy is a frequent lecturer and educator in the areas of elder law, estate planning, probate, and related legal matters. She serves on the faculty of the Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education and has taught at the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law.
She is also committed to giving back to the community and serves on the board of the Veterans’ Legal Aid Society, supporting efforts to provide legal assistance to veterans and their families.
Board-Certified Elder Law Attorney (CELA)
National Elder Law Foundation
Lewis & Clark Law School — J.D.
University of Illinois Springfield — M.S.
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign — B.A.
Outside of her legal practice, Amy enjoys exploring downtown Chicago, discovering local art, traveling, snorkeling, skydiving, and spending time with family and loved ones.
