Nicki Applefield Engel

Helping families plan for and navigate the cycle of life is my passion. My practice involves aiding clients in crisis and those planning ahead by identifying their objectives and achieving those objectives with specially tailored strategies. Through focused planning and compassionate advocacy, I empower clients to protect their loved ones, safeguard their resources, and prepare for an uncertain future.

As an experienced elder and special needs law attorney, Nicki Applefield Engel helps clients deal with the legal issues involved with the cycle of life.  Nicki is licensed in North Carolina and South Carolina, and she has over 14 years of experience representing and advocating for older adults and individuals with disabilities. She prides herself on crafting creative solutions and providing peace of mind for her clients and their families.  Her core areas of practice include estate and special needs planning, asset preservation, public benefits, and long-term care planning, guardianships and conservatorships, and probate and trust administration. 

Nicki is a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA), and she is the past president and a current board member of the North Carolina Chapter of NAELA.  She is the former Chair of the Elder and Special Needs Law Section of the North Carolina Bar Association and current Co-Chair of the Section’s Pro Bono Committee.  Nicki is a member of the Special Needs Alliance, an invitation-only, national cohort of special needs law attorneys committed to the practice of disability and public benefits law.  Nicki is also a board member of the North Carolina Guardianship Association and a board member of Philips Academy, a unique school for children with special needs in Charlotte.  In addition to her volunteer and leadership positions, she is certified by the North Carolina State Board of Legal Specialization as an Elder and Special Needs Law Specialist and as a Certified Elder Law Attorney by the National Elder Law Foundation.

Prior to joining Johnston Allison Hord, Nicki practiced at several firms across North Carolina in the areas of elder law and special needs planning.  She worked as a public benefits paralegal before law school, which provided her with vital hands-on experience assisting individuals with disabilities and older adults.  Nicki approaches her work with compassion, precision, and diligence.  She is devoted to providing comprehensive and effective life care planning services for families facing the challenges of life.