Dianne O’Donnell McNamara

With a unique background spanning estate planning, elder law, retirement benefits, long-term care planning, and gerontology, Dianne helps clients navigate the legal and practical decisions that come with aging. She identifies not only the legal issues involved, but also the personal, financial, health care and family dynamics that influence every planning decision. Her thoughtful, patient approach is to educate clients so they can feel informed, prepared, and supported throughout the engagement. She also shares her knowledge as a speaker to professional organizations, employers, and community groups.

Dianne earned her undergraduate degree in Mathematics, graduating summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa from Furman University. She received her Juris Doctor from the University of Georgia School of Law and began her career at Ernst & Young.  After fifteen years in tax, retirement planning and executive compensation, Dianne’s interests evolved to issues affecting older adults and long-term care.  To that end, she returned to graduate school in her forties and earned a Master’s degree in Gerontology (the multi-disciplinary study of aging) at Georgia State University.  Her published research and her advocacy work ever since have been focused on family caregivers and person-centered care for those living with dementia.

A life-long learner herself, Dianne most recently earned an LL.M. (Master of Laws ) degree at Arizona State University in Health Care Law and Ethics.  She also participated in an intensive training program in clinical health care ethics at The Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio.  While living in Arizona for over a decade, Dianne became a licensed fiduciary, serving as trustee, executor, guardian and conservator for clients. Dianne is still licensed to practice law in Arizona, as well as in Georgia.

Based in Madison, Georgia, Dianne has embraced the many community service opportunities available there.  She is President of the Morgan County Landmarks Society, a 50+ year non-profit dedicated to education and preservation of local history.  Dianne serves on the Vestry at Episcopal Church of the Advent.  With her Army veteran husband, she travels to air shows throughout the U.S. to demonstrate Vietnam-era aviation with the Army Aviation Heritage Foundation & Flying Museum.  Dianne’s personal interests include art, travel, and old-dog rescue. Jimmy, a 73 lb. mutt, is the latest addition to the family.