Curriculum Vitae
Education
2015
1987
1984
Stetson College of Law; LLM Elder Law
Brooklyn Law School, JD
SUNY Albany, BA, dual major: Economics and Political Science
Stetson College of Law: LLM Elder Law
Brooklyn Law School, JD
SUNY Albany, BA dual major: Economics and Political Science
Certifications
2021-2022
Interdisciplinary Aging, Public Health and palliative Care, University of Rochester Medical Center
University of Rochester Aging Institute and Finger Lake Geriatric Education Center
Certified Dementia Practitioner, National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners
essentiALZ – Alzheimer’s Training and Certification, Alzheimer’s Association
Court Admissions
1987
State of New York – First Department
Second Circuit Court of Appeals 1989; Southern District of New York 1989 Eastern District of New York 1989. Northern District of New York 2000
1999
State of Florida
2000
State of New Jersey
New Jersey District Court 2000
2009
State of Pennsylvania
Experience
2010-present
Ranni Law Firm: Boutique firm concentrating on disability and elder law with a primary focus of clients aging in place; asset protection planning; and avoiding institutionalization.
2006-2013
Town Justice, Town of Chester: Handled caseload of arraignments, misdemeanors, trials, hearings, Vehicle & Traffic, small claims, landlord tenant.
2008-2010
Bonacic Krahulik & McMahon: Litigation Trial Counsel with a small partnership. Primarily employment discrimination and disability rights on behalf of plaintiffs.
2005-2008
Jacobowitz & Gubits LLP: Litigation Trial Counsel. Primarily employment discrimination and disability rights on behalf of plaintiffs.
2001-2005
Law Office of Joseph J. Ranni: Solo practice focusing upon discrimination and disability litigation.
1996-2001
Ranni et al: Managing Partner – Primarily employment discrimination; first party insurance claims; disability and litigation on behalf of plaintiffs.
1987-1996
Lawlor & Caulfield: Trial Attorney Personal injury insurance defense litigation in all NYC metro courts. Third party defense; insurance arbitrations; first party claims; coverage disputes.
Professional Associations - current
New York State Bar Association
- Committee on Disability Rights, Past-Chair
- Elder Law Section, Long Term Care Reform Committee
- Health Law Section, Health Policy Committee, Long Term Care Committee
- Former Elected Delegate, 9th Dist., House of Delegates (2012-2016, 2018-2020)
Bar Association of the City of New York
National Employment Lawyers Association-New York
- Former Member of the Board of Directors
- Legislative Committee
- Diversity Committee
Orange County (NY) Bar Association
New Jersey Bar Association – Elder and Disability Law Section
Florida Bar Association, Elder Law Section
State of Pennsylvania Bar Association
Pro Bono-current
2016-present
Independent Living Inc., Past Chair
ILI is a non-profit Independent Living Organization (ILO) created following the Willowbrook Decree that provides community supports and services for the elderly and disabled who might otherwise face institutionalization. ILI provides accommodative housing, crisis intervention, mental health and developmental disabilities supportive services including being a fiscal intermediary and consumer directed supports.
1998-present
New York State Surrogate Decision Making Committee
Committee makes medical/end of life decisions for totally incapacitated persons or persons with severely diminished capacity, without guardians or family.
2006-2016
Mock Trial Program Coach
Chester Academy High School team
1988-present
Disability Representation, discrimination, benefits, nursing home rights and institutional extrication.
Continuing Legal Education Programs
December 2025
Coordinator, Moderator and Panelist
From past to future: 30 years of Innouctive living for People with Disabilities and Older Adults
May 2021
Panelist-Healthcare Liabilities, COVID and Immunities
NYSBA Health Law Section CLE
January 2020
Coordinator – NYSBA Annual Meeting
Medicaid Redesign Roundtable
January 2018
Presenter NYSBA Annual Meeting
“Who helps when the Lawyer is the One in Need?”
September 2012
Program Chair: Mediation and the EEOC
EEOC Mediation presented in coordination with the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Women’s Bar Association of Sullivan and Orange Counties
January 2010
Program Chair and Presenter: “Elder Rights: Empowerment and Protection”
Presented during the 2009 New York State Bar Association Annual Meeting. Sponsored by the NYSBA Committee on Issues Affecting Persons with Disabilities and Co-sponsored by the Trusts and Estates and Health Care Law sections
January 1999
Program Chair and Presenter
“Americans with Disabilities Act, Disability and Worker Compensation”
Presented during the 1999 New York State Bar Association Annual Meeting. Focused on the overlap of these practices to encourage the representation of the disabled.
Awards:
2024
Top 10 Best Elder Law Attorney
2012, 2013, 2017, 2020, 2021, 2024, 2025
Super Lawyer of the Hudson Valley
2012, 2013, 2017, 2018, 2029, 2020, 2021, 2024, 2025
Top Attorneys in the Hudson Valley
2020
Top Attorneys of America President’s Circle
2018-2019
Top Attorneys of North America
2017
National Advocates Top 100
2017
Elite Lawyers; Super Lawyers of the Hudson Valley; Top Attorneys of the Hudson Valley
2018
PULSES -Outstanding Service Award (Special Education)
Articles
Accommodative Residences Utilizing Community Medicaid Exemptions for Older Adults and People with Disabilities, NYSBA Health Law Section Journal, Oct. 2021, Vol. 26, No. 3
Current Initiative:
Freedom Residential Suites
Concept focused upon keeping spouse, child or caregiver together in a residential suite consisting of bedroom, bath, sitting area and bayard free kitchenette in a residence of 8-12 suites with a core area of kitchen with 24/7 food security with supportive non-licensed services that reduces the costs of living in a resident controlled barrier-free environment.