Barbara McGinnis

Barbara McGinnis is a Tennessee elder law attorney and recognized leader in life care planning. She advises individuals and families on estate planning, Medicaid eligibility, appeals, and veterans benefits with a focus on long-term care protection. Her work integrates legal strategy with practical planning to address aging-related challenges. Clients rely on her guidance to navigate complex health, financial, and caregiving decisions while preserving dignity, independence, and security planning.

Before practicing law, Barbara spent over twenty years as a registered nurse and gerontological nurse practitioner across hospitals, clinics, long-term care, and home health settings. She earned a B.S. in Nursing from Austin Peay State University and a master’s degree from Vanderbilt University. She also earned a J.D. from Nashville School of Law. This interdisciplinary education gives her insight into medical systems, care coordination, and the legal realities facing aging clients.

Barbara is certified by the National Elder Law Foundation as a Certified Elder Law Attorney and is accredited by the Department of Veterans Affairs. She has served in leadership roles with the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, including national board service, and previously chaired the Tennessee Bar Association Elder Law Section. She also advises attorneys nationwide through life care planning consulting, helping expand comprehensive elder-focused legal services.

Dedicated to education and advocacy, Barbara McGinnis regularly presents to professional organizations and community groups on elder care law topics. She co-hosts a weekly podcast addressing aging and legal planning issues and contributes to regional media. Her practice emphasizes proactive planning, coordinated asset management, and compassionate guidance. Clients benefit from a holistic approach designed to reduce crises, protect families, and support informed decision-making throughout later life stages nationwide.

Law Office Affiliations

• Attorney & Partner, Johnson McGinnis Elder Care Law & Estate Planning PLLC
• Board of Directors, National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys
• Former President, National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, Tennessee Chapter
• Former Chair, Tennessee Bar Association, Elder Law Section

Licensed State

• Tennessee

Education

• Nashville School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Vanderbilt University
  Master of Science
• Austin Peay State University
  Bachelor of Science

Awards & Badges