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

Certifications

2022

2021

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: Handle 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

Travelers Insurance Company: 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

  • Co-Chair Committee on Disability Rights
  • 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

Erie County Bar Association

New Jersey Bar Association – Elder and Disability Law Section

Florida Bar Association

State of Pennsylvania Bar Association

Pro Bono-current

2016-present

Independent Living Inc., President of the Board
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. I have been with ILOs since the late 1980s.

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

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

Super Lawyer of the Hudson Valley

2012, 2013, 2017, 2018, 2029, 2020, 2021

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:

Accommodative Housing for Older Adults and People with Disabilities
Working concept for utilizing community primary residence exemption to purchase a Medicaid exempt interest in a full service residence at which seniors and persons with disabilities can age in place with their spouse; never have to move; and preserve personal resources for liquidity or inheritance.  Significant Medicaid savings through small economies of scale.

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