16 JUL/AUG/SEP 2023 NAELA® News Bridget O'Brien Swartz, Esq. NAELA's 36th President Strength radiates Within her, fierce fire burns bright Woman, unyielding When I think of Bridget O’Brien Swartz, a dear friend and now the newly elected president of NAELA, a cascade of words comes to mind: leader, powerful advocate, exceptional lawyer, compassionate friend, devoted daughter, nurturing mother, and supportive spouse. She is a true force. Bridget’s professional journey, marked by her unwavering commitment to older adults, people with disabilities, and their families, has led her to this pinnacle of recognition and influence in the field of elder and special needs law. Bridget demonstrates the very essence of leadership. Throughout her career, she has consistently navigated the complex legal landscape with unwavering grace and strength. She has improved Marielle F. Hazen, CELA, Fellow, is the founder of Hazen Law Group, a firm dedicated to the practice of elder and special needs law, estate planning, tax planning, and estate administration. She currently serves as secretary on the NAELA Board of Directors and as chair of NAELA’s Federal Advocacy Committee. Leading with VISION, INTEGRITY, and COURAGE By Marielle F. Hazen, CELA, Fellow
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18 JUL/AUG/SEP 2023 NAELA® News countless lives with her expertise, tireless efforts, and remarkable generosity. Her professional life has been a tapestry of diverse experiences that have enriched her legal expertise and broadened her understanding of the complexities surrounding the practice of elder and special needs law. Originally from Duluth, Minnesota, Bridget obtained her undergraduate degree from the University of Notre Dame, where she was a proud member of the marching band. After college, she volunteered with Covenant House, a shelter for runaway and homeless youth, in Houston, Texas. It is through Covenant House that Bridget met her husband, Jay. After completing their volunteer commitment, they relocated to Phoenix where they both embarked on impressive altruistic careers — Jay as a clinical social worker specializing in psychiatric care and Bridget in the field of child and adolescent mental health — before matriculating to Arizona State University where Bridget earned her Juris Doctor and Master of Public Administration. Over the span of her 25-year career, Bridget has had the privilege of practicing with several boutique law firms, including becoming a partner at Dyer, Bregman & Ferris, PLLC. Last year she joined Mission Management & Trust Co. as vice president and fiduciary counsel to, as she stated, “build on its tremendous reputation in the Tucson community, and to reverberate throughout the state of Arizona and expand upon the quality financial and fiduciary services it already provides.” On top of her own legal career, Bridget makes time to teach aspiring lawyers. She serves as an adjunct faculty member at both Stetson University School of Law and the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law, where she shares her expertise and passion for elder and special needs law with her students. Her commitment to mentoring and shaping the next generation of legal professionals is a testament to her belief in the power of knowledge and the importance of giving back to the legal community. Her countless volunteer hours for NAELA exemplify her commitment to its mission of equipping attorneys for the complexity of serving older adults and people with disabilities through education, advocacy, and community. She has volunteered in virtually all aspects of NAELA, including advocacy, conference planning, speaking, writing, strategic planning, and leadership. But it is Bridget’s compassion that truly sets her apart. As a caregiver for her parents at the end of their lives, Bridget experienced firsthand the challenges and emotional intricacies that come with being a member of the “sandwich generation.” Her intimate understanding of the struggles faced by individuals juggling the responsibilities of caring for both aging parents and their own families gives her a unique perspective and a heartfelt connection to the needs of her clients. Whether it’s providing legal guidance, emotional support, or simply lending a listening ear, Bridget's compassionate nature shines through in every interaction. Her ability to empathize and truly understand the concerns and fears of those she assists fosters a sense of trust and reassurance, enabling her clients to navigate the overwhelming maze of elder and special needs law with confidence. Beyond her professional achievements, Bridget’s strength and unwavering dedication extend to her personal Bridget and her brother on the day they were granted Spanish citizenship in 2015, with her mother, a native of Spain. Bridget's professional life has been a tapestry of diverse experiences that have enriched her legal expertise and broadened her understanding of the complexities surrounding the practice of elder and special needs law.
JUL/AUG/SEP 2023 NAELA 19 ® News life as well. As a daughter, she showed profound gratitude and respect for her parents, whose love and sacrifices helped shape her into the remarkable woman she is today. Bridget’s unwavering support, care, and commitment to her parents during their later years exemplifies her innate sense of duty and appreciation for the importance of family bonds. She comes from a long line of strong, spirited individuals. She is a second-generation Spaniard and speaks Spanish nearly fluently. Her maternal grandfather was a famous Spanish bullfighter; her mother fled Spain during the Spanish Civil War, eventually settling in Venezuela where she became one of that country’s first female pharmacists; and her father was an intellectual and worldly professor of German who wrote a murder mystery in his retirement. As a mother, Bridget’s nurturing spirit shines brightly. She has two amazing daughters, the lights of her life. Her boundless love and devotion to them is inspiring. Bridget’s ability to seamlessly balance her demanding career with her role as a mother is a testament to her incredible resilience and dedication. She serves as an inspiration to her daughters and all those around her, demonstrating with humility that it is indeed possible to succeed both professionally and personally. Bridget’s passion for life shines brightly and is contagious. She often shares her love of haiku at meetings and social events. These concise yet evocative poems capture her ability to distill complex emotions into a few carefully chosen words, a testament to her creativity and appreciation for beauty in its purest form. Bridget will accomplish great things as president. NAELA is in very good hands. n Graceful command flows Leader’s vision takes flight strong Inspiring others Bridget regularly cycles up Camelback Mountain in Phoenix, heat and all. Family vacation in Morocco with Kasey, Jaquelyn, and Jay. Cheering on Notre Dame at the 2022 Fiesta Bowl in her marching band cap.