John Laster

John Laster is a Falls Church, Virginia, attorney who focuses on estate planning, elder law, special needs planning, trusts, wills, powers of attorney, healthcare decision issues, estate administration, estate taxes, and disability concerns. He is licensed to practice in Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia. His work helps individuals and families plan for the future, protect loved ones, and address important decisions involving wealth transfer, incapacity, and long-term care.

John earned his J.D. from Catholic University in 1979 and his A.B. from Oberlin College in 1972. His academic background supports a practice centered on careful planning, legal analysis, and practical guidance for clients with personal, financial, and family concerns. This training helps him advise clients on estate documents, trust structures, tax-related issues, and planning tools designed to protect dependents and preserve assets.

John has served clients for more than 25 years, including seniors, caregivers, young parents, couples with adult children who have significant disabilities, individuals in non-traditional relationships, and single people. His experience includes planning for wealth transfer, estate administration, disability concerns, charitable goals, and the needs of vulnerable family members. He has also lectured for institutions, government agencies, civic organizations, and professional associations.

John Laster is recognized with AV Preeminent Peer Review, The Best Lawyers in America, and Virginia Super Lawyers honors. He is a member of the D.C. Estate Planning Council, a founding member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, and a charter member of the Academy of Special Needs Planning. His leadership also includes former service as chair of the American Bar Association Committee on Special Needs Trusts and Long Term Care.

Law Office Affiliations

• Principal, Law Offices of John L. Laster
• Member, Virginia State Bar
• Member, Maryland State Bar Association
• Member, District of Columbia Bar
• Member, American Bar Association
• Adjunct Professor, Aging & Law at Georgetown University Law School
• Former Chair, Committee on Special Needs Trusts and Long Term Care
• Member, District of Columbia Estate Planning Council
• Member, Board of Directors, Community Living Alternatives, Inc.
• Founding Member, National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys
• Charter Member, Academy of Special Needs Planners

Licensed State

• Virginia
• District of Columbia
• Maryland

Education

• Catholic University
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Oberlin College
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges