About Richard J.
Richard J. Shapiro is a partner at Blustein, Shapiro, Frank & Barone, LLP, located in Goshen, New York. He joined the New York State Bar in 1991, bringing over three decades of legal expertise to his practice. The firm, situated at 10 Matthews Street, specializes in estate planning, probate, and elder law services throughout the Hudson Valley region. This focus allows Richard to address the diverse needs of clients, ensuring they receive tailored 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.) degree at Cornell University in 1985. His commitment to continuous education is evident; he participated in the Esperti-Peterson Institute’s Advanced Wealth Strategies program in 2002. This program gave him advanced knowledge in wealth management, further enhancing his ability to create effective legacy plans for his clients. Richard’s practice is primarily focused on developing tax-efficient legacy plans and asset protection strategies for clients of varying net worth.
His expertise in this area is underscored by his status 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 only 38 attorneys in New York State and fewer than 530 nationwide. The American Bar Association recognizes the National Elder Law Foundation as the sole organization authorized to offer certification in elder law, highlighting Richard’s exceptional qualifications. Before joining 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 medical centers and as a director for the Hudson Valley Estate Planning Council.
These roles reflect his commitment to both his profession and the community, as he actively contributes to local governance and healthcare initiatives. Richard is a member of several professional organizations, including 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 professional accolades include recognition in the Upstate New York Super Lawyers list for 12 consecutive years, and he was named one of the Hudson Valley’s Top 25 attorneys by Super Lawyers for four consecutive years. Outside of his professional life, Richard resides in Goshen with his wife, Terri Small; their daughter, Emily; son, Aaron; and their dog, Mila, reflecting his strong family values and community ties.
