Attorney

Patrick M. Klemz

"The difference between practicing in estates & trusts and practicing elder law is measured in how the attorney approaches the needs of the client. As an elder law attorney, I use creative problem solving to obtain the best results for my client regardless of whether the matter involves planning, administration, negotiation, or litigation. Each client comes in the door with unique challenges and the best remedy is often a novel approach."

Overview

Patrick Klemz is an experienced attorney with the firm’s Estates & Trusts practice group. He advises clients on all matters relating to estates and trusts, probate, elder law, and fiduciary law. Among other accomplishments in his career, he has developed a focus on maximizing the elective share for surviving spouses in Maryland, a growing practice area due to a recent legislative change in the law.

Patrick is also skilled in special needs planning and Medicaid planning. He has made an extensive study of the complex regulations governing Medicaid long-term care and other public benefits programs — knowledge which allows him to maximize the benefits for his clients.

Prior to joining Miller, Miller & Canby, Patrick practiced in elder law, estate planning and litigation with firms in Washington, D.C. and Montgomery County, Maryland. He represented trustees, personal representatives, heirs, legatees, surviving spouses, and beneficiaries in state and federal courts. Patrick served as Judicial Clerk to the Hon. Ilisa Rooke-Ley in Eugene, Oregon, before entering private practice.

Patrick earned a JD from Lewis & Clark Law School, and a B.S. in Journalism from the University of Wisconsin. Prior to law school, he worked as a political features reporter for newspapers in California and Montana.

Patrick is active in organizations that promote forestry initiatives and wildlife conservation. He is a former AmeriCorps service member, having served with a community-building organization on the South Side of Chicago.

Testimonials

I consider it an honor to work with attorney Patrick Klemz at MM&C and highly recommend him. His knowledge of probate law and procedure is unmatched. Klemz is a "lawyer's lawyer;" direct, focused and objective. He is supportive with the right amount of "I got this," confidence every client trusts their attorney to have. He secured our position in probate Court because he kept the focus on the facts and how they are relevant to the law, while refusing to waste time by being pulled into frivolous, off topic allegations. Klemz is an probate expert who cares about his clients and the successful outcome of his cases.

Rupa Copen

Bar Admissions

  • Maryland
  • District of Columbia
  • Oregon (active pro bono)
  • U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia
  • U.S. District Court of Appeals, D.C. Circuit
  • U.S. Tax Court

Professional Affiliations

  • Bar Association of Montgomery County
  • Maryland State Bar Association
  • Board Member, Urban Forest Institute
  • Board Member, Management Skills for Wildlife Conservation

Education

  • Lewis & Clark Law School, J.D., 2012, cum laude
  • University of Wisconsin, B.S., 2005

Honors and Awards

Super Lawyers, Rising Stars

Oregon State Bar Pro Bono Honor Roll