Given annually, or at the discretion of the General Practice Section, to honor an individual who is outstanding, innovative, and has made significant contributions to improve the daily practice of law for general practitioners in New York State.
Presented by: General Practice Section
Contact: GeneralPractice@nysba.org
Nomination Deadline: November
Date Presented: January Annual Meeting
Award Criteria: This award recognizes a person who has contributed their time and expertise to improve the daily practice for law for general practitioners in New York State, and who has demonstrated a strong dedication to the profession. Consideration will be given to involvement in NYSBA and/or General Practice Section activities.
Prize Awarded: Plaque and $1,000 check
2021 Award Winner
Elisa S. Rosenthal, Esq.
Of Counsel, Franchina Law Group, LLC, Garden City, NY
Elder law is increasingly complex, as litigation has become commonplace involving wills, estates and guardianships. Attention to detail in drafting estate planning documents ensures that clients’ wishes are carried out when they can no longer advocate for themselves.
A graduate of Hofstra University School of Law, Elisa brings litigation expertise at the state, federal and appellate courts level that provides an extra dimension to our elder law legal services.
Experienced in drafting wills and trusts, Elisa also handles both the litigation aspects as well as the day-to-day guardianship matters, recognizing the complex issues these matters involve. She has been a Court-appointed Evaluator in guardianship matters and has also received Referee appointments in commercial litigation matters. As a court reporter for 15 years, her listening skills and attention to detail prove invaluable in formulating these documents.
Active in the legal community, she currently sits on the board of the Nassau Academy of Law, is the Immediate Past Chair of the General Practice Section of the New York Bar Association, and serves as a delegate in the House of Delegates. As a member of NYSBA’s Cannabis Committee’s Executive Board, Elisa continually works to remain on the cutting edge of issues facing our elderly, including those dealing with medical marijuana pain and health issues relating to aging and other medical conditions.
Elisa is a fellow of the New York Bar Foundation and continues to be active in community affairs as a member of the Long Island Elite networking group, a 501(c)3 charity that raises money and provides support to local charitable organizations such as ACLD, Sibs Place, Long Island Reach, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, New Ground and the Long Island Alzheimer’s Foundation.
Her proactive support and advocacy for elder care issues assures that our clients receive comprehensive legal support.
Past Recipients:
- 2019 – Richard A. Klass
- 2018 – Paul J. O’Neill, Jr.
- 2017 – Martin Minkowitz
- 2016 – Robert L. Ostertag
- 2015 – Willard H. DaSilva
- 2014 – Leonard E. Sienko, Jr.