Steven H. Stern is Of Counsel to the law firm of Davidow, Davidow, Siegel & Stern and concentrates in the areas of Elder Law, Estate Planning, Guardianships, Business Succession Planning and Long Term Care Planning. Mr. Stern’s credentials are perfectly suited for the firm, originally founded in 1913, which continues its tradition of providing quality legal services devoted to the elderly, the taxpayer, the business owner and people with special needs on Long Island.
Mr. Stern graduated from Tulane University School of Arts and Sciences in New Orleans, Louisiana and then received his law degree from Thomas M. Cooley Law School in Lansing, Michigan, graduating Cum Laude. He is also a Certified Elder Law Attorney (CELA), awarded through the National Elder Law Foundation.
Prior to Mr. Stern’s legal studies, he served on the Staff of the U.S. House Select Committee on Aging which involved Congressional Hearings dealing with the issues of elder abuse, long-term care, and health and legal services for Long Island’s senior citizens. While attending law school his concern and interest for the elderly were actively pursued by participating as a Senior Associate on the Law Review as well as an internship with the Sixty Plus Elder Law Clinic, which offers free legal services to senior citizens within the community.
In addition to practicing law, Mr. Stern dedicates his efforts to several professional and charitable organizations. He is a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys and past editor of its national publication. He is also active in the New York State Bar Association’s Elder Law Section, representing Long Island’s judicial district. Mr. Stern is a past chairman of the Elder Law Committee of the Suffolk County Bar Association and also the past-chair of the Young Lawyer’s Division of the Suffolk County Bar Association and has served as an Officer of the Suffolk Academy of Law. Mr. Stern is a member of the Board of Directors of the Variety Children’s Learning Center, legal counsel to From Our Hearts, Inc. and is also a trustee of the Multiple Sclerosis Society – LI Chapter.
Mr. Stern is a valued speaker on Elder Law issues and has addressed both local and national professional organizations and community groups. A frequently published author, Mr. Stern has had numerous articles appearing in “Suffolk Lawyer”, “Elder Law Attorney” and “Senior News” and has also been featured in “Newsday” and the “New York Times”. He received the distinction of being named one of Long Island’s top 40 rising leaders under the age of 40 by Long Island Business News early in his career.
CELA (Certified Elder Law Attorney)
Although not a requirement, Steven H. Stern has taken the additional steps necessary to become a Certified Elder Law Attorney (CELA). This certification is awarded after passing a six hour bar type exam and satisfying strict criteria by The National Elder Law Foundation, which is not affiliated with any governmental authority, but is recognized by the ABA. (American Bar Association) New York State does not mandate that this certification is necessary to practice elder law and feels that it does not necessarily indicate greater competence than other attorneys experienced in this field of law. However, successfully completing the process of becoming a Certified Elder Law Attorney, although not required, clearly illustrates the depth of Mr. Stern’s dedication and commitment to this area of the law. His knowledge, expertise and experience are constantly fine-tuned and expanded, ensuring quality legal advice for his much valued clients.