GOSHEN – Four Blustein, Shapiro, Frank & Barone, LLP partners have been named to the 2021 Upstate New York Super Lawyers list in recognition of their high achievements and standards within their respective legal fields.
“This recognition is representative not only of our partners’ efforts but the efforts of everyone who works within the firm,” said Managing Partner Michael S. Blustein, who was honored for the second consecutive year for his work in real estate law.
The title of a Super Lawyer indicates that a lawyer has the respect of his or her colleagues and the public, and has represented his or her clients well. No more than five percent of the practicing attorneys in each state can be added to the registry each year.
“We’re incredibly proud to serve our communities with professionalism and a high degree of legal knowledge,” said Partner Richard Shapiro, who was recognized for his accomplishments in elder law for the eighth consecutive year. “It is gratifying to be recognized for our commitment to legal excellence.”
Joining Blustein and Shapiro on the 2021 Upstate New York Super Lawyers list are partners Gardiner Barone, celebrating his tenth consecutive recognition for his work in business and estate litigation, and William Frank marking his fifth consecutive recognition for his work in state, local, and municipal law.
Bar associations and courts across the country have recognized the legitimacy of the Super Lawyers selection process. In July 2008, the New Jersey Supreme Court upheld the findings of a Special Master assigned by the court to, among other things, examine the details of the selection process. In his report, the Special Master lauded the lawyer-rating process, stating “It is absolutely clear from this record that (Super Lawyers does) not permit a lawyer to buy one’s way onto the list, nor is there any requirement for the purchase of any product for inclusion in the lists or any quid pro quo of any kind or nature associated with the evaluation and listing of an attorney or in the subsequent advertising of one’s inclusion in the lists.”
Lawyers are prohibited from self-nominating, campaigning, or soliciting nominations. Instead, a lawyer must be nominated by his or her peers, via third-party feedback or managing partner surveys, or by the Super Lawyers research team.
