Blustein, Shapiro, Frank & Barone, LLP Partner Richard J. Shapiro has been named as one of the Hudson Valley’s top 25 attorneys by Super Lawyers for 2021.
Shapiro is one of only five Orange County attorneys on the “Top 25 Hudson Valley 2021” list, which includes attorneys who practice in the New York area north of Westchester County and south of the Canadian border. Shapiro was also named for the eighth consecutive year to the Upstate New York Super Lawyers list in the “Elder Law” category.
“We’ve always known that Rich is the best of the best in the region, as he is one of the most dedicated lawyers I’ve met,” said BSF&B Managing Partner Michael S. Blustein. “He always strives to deliver counsel to his clients with the utmost professionalism and an ever-expanding knowledge of the practice of elder law, making this recognition extremely well-deserved.”
Each year, no more than five percent of the practicing attorneys per state are named to the Super Lawyers list through a patented multiphase selection process which includes peer nomination, independent research, and peer evaluation. The “Top” lists are then determined by the lawyers who received the highest point totals during the selection process.
Head of Blustein, Shapiro, Frank & Barone, LLP’s Estate Planning, Probate, and Elder Law Department, Shapiro is the only Certified Elder Law Attorney whose home office is based in Orange, Sullivan, or Dutchess counties, one of only 40 CELAs in New York State, and one of fewer than 535 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 2021 Upstate New York Super Lawyers list are Blustein and partners Gardiner S. Barone and William A. Frank. Blustein was honored for the second consecutive year for his work in real estate law, Barone earned his tenth consecutive recognition for his work in business and estate litigation, and Frank earned his fifth consecutive recognition for his work in state, local, and municipal law.
About Blustein, Shapiro, Frank & Barone, LLP: Blustein, Shapiro, Frank & Barone’s accomplished lawyers are known throughout the region as professional advocates who provide one-stop diversified legal services with a strong focus on litigation, business law, municipal law, estate planning, wealth preservation, and representation of commercial and residential lenders. BSF&B has a long-standing reputation of providing stellar legal advice and obtaining favorable results for individual, business, institutional, and family clients. Visit mid-hudsonlaw.com or call 845.291.0011 for more information.