When Ben Tiefenback first experienced Virginia Peninsula Community College, he was a homeschooled high school student in the dual enrollment program. Eager to learn, he soaked it all in and began mapping out his future.
He said the early exposure to higher education was eye-opening, rewarding, and unforgettable.
“One of the things I have fond memories of and that’s going back about 20 years … I (remember) how enriching I found it to be in classes with a wide range of ages and backgrounds,” he said. “Attending classes with people who were doing lifelong learning, maybe in their 60s and older, people who were just above my age. I was 16 years old, and there weren’t very many people my age. That’s something that I think back on fondly. When I went to get my undergraduate degree, I really missed that environment.”
Tiefenback enrolled full-time at VPCC in 2013. In its Paralegal Studies Paralegal Studies program, he found not only coursework, but mentorship. With high praise for the program, he is grateful for the supportive faculty, especially Paralegal Studies Program Chair Amy Anderson. She encouraged him to take the LSAT, setting the stage for a career he loves.
Today, he serves as counsel and director of Client Services at Commonwealth Community Trust (CCT), having spent five years as a trust and estate attorney focused on special needs trust planning. Continuing his tradition of providing services for vulnerable or disabled people, he has been with CCT, a non-profit pooled trust administrator, for two years.
Tiefenback’s dedication to his work is deeply personal so he gives it his all.
“Two of my sisters are in the special needs community, so it’s something that is close to my heart,” he emphasized.
He admits his current work differs greatly from that of private practice, and he thoroughly enjoys it.
“The estate planning is sort of like putting together a puzzle. You’ve got different tools for accomplishing people’s goals. It’s not adversarial. You’re not going at it, hammer and tongs with opposing counsel,” he mused.
“You’re just helping people set things up in such a way that their lives and their estates will pass as they want them to. That’s something that I like, I’m good at, and I enjoy it,” Tiefenback added.
Before launching his career after his VPCC experiences, Tiefenback continued his education. He earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Christopher Newport University, a J.D. from Regent University (cum laude), and a master’s in tax law from the University of Alabama (magna cum laude).
His commitment to college education paid off, setting him up for the ideal career. For current students and those planning to attend college, he offers simple advice: build relationships with your professors.
“They can be a wealth of knowledge outside of the narrow confines of the classroom. They can perhaps point you in directions that you wouldn’t necessarily have thought of, such as Prof. Anderson encouraging me to take the LSAT,” he said, pointing out their lasting friendship.
Would he recommend Virginia Peninsula Community College?
“Yes. I found my time there to be worthwhile, enriching, and enjoyable. It prepared me well for what has happened in my life,” he said.
Tiefenback has earned national recognition for his expertise. He’s a sought-after speaker across the nation, frequently invited to bar associations and other organizations to discuss issues related to special needs planning. He also writes for CCT and other publications. In 2024, his article on pooled special needs trusts was featured on the cover of NAELA News, a National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys magazine.
As for civic engagement, he serves on the board of directors for the Alliance of Pooled Trusts and is a member of the Virginia Bar Association and the National Association of Elder Law Attorneys – Virginia chapter.
Outside of work, Tiefenback, who lives in James City County, enjoys reading and spending time with his wife and their two young children. His wife is his main source of support and motivation.
“It would be hard to name anyone … who would be above my wife. She worked at the (Newport News) shipyard as a programmer for six years. Her support and encouragement when (she worked) as a professional, supporting the family while I pursued my law degree, was really tremendous. Now, fortunately, she’s able to stay at home caring for our children,” he said.
Secure in his home life and professional sphere, Tiefenback plans to remain dedicated to providing legal services that help those who have special needs while also educating others through his published works and speaking engagements.
“I look forward to carrying on the charitable purpose of Commonwealth Community Trust. I look forward to opportunities to speak on the subjects that I have expertise in to make people aware of some of the options for folks who have special needs issues … and to continue serving that population to the best of my ability,” he said.