DeLila Bergan

Adjunct Instructor

J.D., Cleveland-Marshall College of Law

DeLila Bergan, J.D, M.A. is an elder law attorney, medical ethicist and elder mediator. In her former practice as an elder law attorney, she worked with older adults and their families in planning for possible illness or incapacity, providing care for incapacitated individuals, estate planning, the probate of estates after death and governmental benefits (Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid and Veterans' benefits). She is also a family caregiver and has served as a court-appointed guardian and conservator for individuals with cognitive difficulties. She received her law degree from Cleveland-Marshall College of Law.

Because her legal cases were frequently intertwined with moral and policy questions related to health care and aging issues, Ms. Bergan obtained a Master's degree in Bioethics and Health Care Policy from Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago. This graduate experience gave her a better philosophical and theological background in which to frame and consider those difficult health care and policy issues she saw in her practice. She currently teaches medical ethics as an Adjunct Assistant Professor at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School in Dallas and through continuing education courses for health care professionals.

Ms. Bergan currently works with families in the relatively new field of elder mediation. Her efforts there are designed to help families explore aging-related needs, develop plans to address those needs in a principled manner, resolve their conflicts and strengthen vital family relationships. She is a frequent speaker on elder mediation, aging issues and caregiver concerns throughout the DFW area.