Gleason, Dunn, Walsh & O’Shea Announces Significant Expansion of Trust & Estate and Elder Law Practice
Gleason, Dunn, Walsh & O’Shea is pleased to announce the addition of an experienced team of attorneys and professionals formerly of Burke & Casserly, effective January 1, 2026. This expansion significantly strengthens the firm’s Trust & Estate and Elder Law practice and reinforces its long-standing commitment to providing comprehensive, client-focused legal services.
Joining the firm as Of Counsel is James R. Barnes, Esq., a seasoned Trust & Estate and Elder Law attorney with decades of experience advising individuals and families on estate planning, elder care planning, and asset protection strategies. Mr. Barnes will also serve as Co-Chair of the firm’s Trust & Estate and Elder Law Practice Group, alongside JulieAnn Calareso, Esq.
Read James R. Barnes, Esq.’s full bio here: https://www.gdwo.com/team/james-r-barnes/
Also joining the firm is Amanda B. Chesterfield, Esq., who will become an Associate Attorney in the Trust & Estate and Elder Law Practice Group. Ms. Chesterfield brings extensive experience assisting clients with estate planning, trust administration, and elder law matters, and will work closely with the firm’s growing team to serve both individual and family clients.
Read Amanda B. Chesterfield, Esq.’s full bio here: https://www.gdwo.com/team/amanda-b-chesterfield/
Supporting the attorneys is an experienced professional staff, including Shannon E. Kassov, who joins the firm as a Paralegal, and Alexis Meister and Donna McNerney, who join as Legal Assistants. Their addition ensures continuity and depth of service for clients transitioning to the firm and enhances the practice group’s operational strength.
The firm’s Trust & Estate and Elder Law practice has been anchored by JulieAnn Calareso, Esq., and her paralegal Margaret Bechtel, and this expansion allows the firm to meet growing client demand while maintaining its high standard of personalized service.
In addition to the expansion of the practice group, Gleason, Dunn, Walsh & O’Shea is also pleased to announce the hiring of two key administrative leaders. Cheri Bardin joins the firm as Firm Administrator, and Lynne Baldauf joins as Financial Coordinator. Ms. Bardin and Ms. Baldauf each bring more than 25 years of experience in their respective roles and will play a vital role in the firm’s continued growth and operational excellence.
“These additions represent a meaningful investment in our clients and our future,” said Jack Calareso, Managing Principal. “We are proud to welcome this exceptional team and look forward to expanding our Trust & Estate and Elder Law services while continuing to deliver the thoughtful, experienced counsel our clients expect.”
For more information about Gleason, Dunn, Walsh & O’Shea and its Trust & Estate and Elder Law Practice Group, please visit www.gdwo.com.