First Elder Law LLM Alum Given Prestigious Award
The Colorado Bar Association’s Elder Law Section has recognized Catherine Anne Seal, JD, LLM, CELA, with its 2025 John Campbell Award for Outstanding Contribution to Elder Law. In 2008, Seal became the first person to ever graduate from Stetson Law’s LLM in Elder Law program.
The CBA Elder Law Section’s highest possible honor, the award was presented to Seal at the 2025 Annual Rocky Mountain Elder Law Retreat.
Seal’s contributions to the growing area of elder law are numerous and ongoing.
She has chaired the CBA Elder Law Section and served as president of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) as well as that organization’s Colorado Chapter. She is the author of Elder Law in Colorado, published as a part of the West Practice Series, advised on Uniform Law Commission drafting committees, and published and spoken extensively both in Colorado and nationally.
Empowered by Stetson Law
Named for a longtime member of the CBA Elder Law Section who died tragically in a scuba diving accident, the John Campbell Award is presented to an individual who has made and continues to make significant contributions to the practice of elder law.
Seal said the experience, knowledge, and professional relationships she developed while pursuing her LLM at Stetson Law helped her distinguish herself as a leader in this area of practice.
“Obtaining the LLM in Elder Law allowed me to practice at a higher level,” said Seal. “The classroom instruction and high-level interaction with the faculty enhanced my legal skills and writing abilities. It led to leadership positions in NAELA and the ABA, as well as being sought out by both legal journals and book publications.”
Making an impact west of the Mississippi
While open to any practicing elder law attorney, the Rocky Mountain Elder Law Retreat is sponsored by the Colorado Bar Association and focuses on the Rocky Mountain States of Colorado, New Mexico, Wyoming, Utah and Arizona.
Seal is currently of counsel with the Gasper Law Group in Colorado Springs, Colorado. She concentrates her practice in elder law, especially contested and uncontested guardianships and conservatorships, as well as probate and trust litigation.
Her spouse, Michael A. Kirtland, JD, LLM, and CELA Emeritus, isan adjunct faculty member at Stetson Law.
Seal’s other experience includes two decades of serving as senior partner in Kirtland & Seal LLC in Colorado Springs and 21 years as the public administrator for the Fourth Judicial District of Colorado.
Learn more about Stetson’s LLM in Elder Law program.
Post date: today
Media contact: Kate Bradshaw
[email protected] | 727-430-1580