About Richard J.
Richard J. Shapiro is a companion at Blustein, Shapiro, Frank & Barone, LLP, positioned in Goshen, New York. He joined the New York State Bar in 1991, bringing over three decades of legal know-how to his practice. The company, located at 10 Matthews Street, focuses on property making plans, estate administration, and senior law offerings throughout the Hudson Valley region. This center of attention lets in Richard to deal with the diverse wants of clients, making sure they obtain tailor-made legal solutions.
He earned his Juris Doctor (J.D.) from the University of Pennsylvania Law School in 1988. Prior to that, Richard completed his Bachelor of Science (B.S.) diploma at Cornell University in 1985. His commitment to non-stop education is evident; he participated within the Esperti-Peterson Institute’s Advanced Wealth Strategies software in 2002. This software gave him superior knowledge in wealth control, in addition enhancing his capacity to create effective legacy plans for his clients. Richard’s practice is primarily targeted on growing tax-green legacy plans and asset protection strategies for clients of varying net worth.
His expertise on this region is underscored by his standing as the only Certified Elder Law Attorney (CELA) in Orange and Sullivan counties. This certification, granted by the National Elder Law Foundation, is a prestigious designation held by solely 38 attorneys in New York State and fewer than 530 nationwide. The American Bar Association acknowledges the National Elder Law Foundation as the only company authorized to offer certification in elder law, highlighting Richard’s exceptional qualifications. Before becoming a member of Blustein, Shapiro, Frank & Barone, LLP, Richard served as a municipal attorney. His involvement in community affairs has been significant; he has served as a trustee for local clinical facilities and as a director for the Hudson Valley Estate Planning Council.
These roles reflect his commitment to both his career and the community, as he actively contributes to nearby governance and healthcare initiatives. Richard is a member of several professional organizations, which includes the New York State Bar Association and the Orange County Bar Association. He is also involved in the Trusts & Estates and Elder Law Sections of the New York State Bar. His expert accolades consist of recognition in the Upstate New York Super Lawyers listing for 12 consecutive years, and he was named one of the Hudson Valley’s Top 25 attorneys by top-rated attorneys list for four consecutive years. Outside of his professional life, Richard is living in Goshen with his wife, Terri Small; their daughter, Emily; son, Aaron; and their canine, Mila, reflecting his robust family values and network ties.
