Blustein, Shapiro, Frank & Barone, LLP (BSF&B) Partner Richard J. Shapiro has been named to the 2024 Top 50 Upstate New York Super Lawyers list for the first time. One of only two attorneys from Orange County to make the list, he was also included for the fourth time to the Top 25 Hudson Valley list and for the 11th time to the Upstate New York list in the field of elder law.
“Rich has proven himself to be the top estate planning/elder law lawyer in the region,” said BSF&B Managing Partner Michael S. Blustein. “His dedication is unmatched, and he continually provides his clients with expert advice demonstrating both professionalism and a deepening expertise. This recognition is truly well-earned.”
Head of BSF&B’s Estate Planning, Probate, and Elder Law Department, Shapiro is the only Certified Elder Law Attorney (CELA) in Orange or Sullivan counties, one of only 38 CELAs in New York State, and one of fewer than 529 CELAs nationwide. The CELA designation is earned through the National Elder Law Foundation (NELF), the only organization approved by the American Bar Association to offer certification in the area of elder law.
Shapiro was also selected to the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys’ (NAELA) Council of Advanced Practitioners (CAP). Members of the Council are peer-nominated and must exemplify trustworthiness, professionalism, and commitment to their clients. In addition, CAP members must hold an AV rating under the Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings, which is the highest rating for ethical standards and professional ability.
Joining Shapiro on the 2024 Upstate New York list are Blustein (fifth consecutive year for his work in real estate law), partner Gardiner “Tad” Barone (13th consecutive honor for his work in business litigation), and partner William A. Frank (eighth consecutive year for his work in state, local, and municipal law). The firm’s youngest partner, Megan R. Conroy, was also chosen to the Rising Stars list — her third consecutive honor — which acknowledges exceptional attorneys who are 40 years old or younger, or who have been practicing law for 10 years or less.
“It is an honor to be recognized alongside my esteemed peers on the Super Lawyers list, the Top 25 Hudson Valley list, and now the Top 50 Upstate New York list,” said Shapiro. “BSF&B is committed to providing exceptional legal services, and these selections demonstrate that our firm consists of the best attorneys in all of Upstate New York.”
Super Lawyers, part of Thomson Reuters, is a rating service of lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. The annual selections are made using a patented multiphase process that includes a statewide survey of lawyers, an independent research evaluation of candidates, and peer reviews by practice area. Each year, no more than 5% of the lawyers in the state are selected by the research team at Super Lawyers to receive this honor.