PATRICK C. SMITH, JR., Board Certified Elder Law Attorney, is the principal and founder of Think Different Legal Group, f/k/a/ The Smith Law Firm, P.C., with offices located in Augusta, Columbus, Conyers, Macon and Warner Robins, Georgia. The Firm was founded to offer qualified estate planning and asset protection legal advice to families in many areas, but primarily for families facing an increasingly common dilemma: protecting their hard-earned assets from the costs associated with providing long term care for a loved one, while also achieving the highest level of care possible. Patrick focuses his practice solely in Elder Law, and provides sound, proven legal solutions to our clients' Medicaid, Veteran's Benefits, Asset Protection Planning and Special Needs planning needs. Mr. Smith earned his Doctor of Jurisprudence from the Emory University School of Law, where he was awarded the Atlanta Law School Fellowship. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the United States Air Force Academy, and also a Master's degree in Public Policy and Administration from Georgia College & State University. Mr. Smith is a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys and was an officer (secretary in 2010, President in 2011) in the Georgia Chapter of NAELA; the Academy of Special Needs Planners; the Academy of V.A. Pension Planners; Lawyers With Purpose; ElderCounsel; WealthCounsel; Elder Law Answers; Georgia Bar Association and is currently (2022) President of its Elder Law Section; American Bar Association; and the Augusta Bar Association. He is licensed to practice law in all state courts in Georgia, and the United States District Courts for the Southern and Northern Districts of Georgia.