Honors and Awards:

• Being named a Fellow is the highest honor NAELA can bestow on a member.  Fellows are selected annually by a committee that evaluates a candidate's credentials. Only those who have shown extraordinary service and committments are given the title., Fellow of the Academy, National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, 2004
• This award is given annually to a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys in recognition of the recipien's accomplishments and committment to the Elder Law bar., Outstanding NAELA Member, Theresa Alexandra Russo Foundation, 2005
• Awarded annually to a chapter member who has demonstrated superior skills and leadership., Chapter Member of the Year, New York Chapter of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, 2006

Special Licenses/Certifications:

• The National Elder Law Foundation, under the auspices of the American Bar Association, has been authorized to grant certification in Elder Law. The ABA's Standing Committee on Specialization for accreditation has approved NELF as a certifying agency - the only organization offering certification in elder law. At the present time there are less than 400 Certified Elder Law Attorneys in the United States.The certification program has been developed to identify those lawyers who have the enhanced knowledge, skills, and experience to be properly identified to the public as certified elder law attorneys. The Board has developed and promulgated rules and regulations regarding certification and has begun the process of accepting applications. The certification process includes peer review and a full day written examination.

Bar/Professional Activity:

• Stephen is member of the Academy of Florida Elder Law Attorneys
• Stephen has previously served as an officer of the New York State Bar Association Elder Law Section. Among his accomplishments was reviewing and suggesting changes in legislation to improve the planning process in New York

Pro bono/Community Service:

• Directly assisted Family Residences for Essential Enterprises raise over $150,000 to assist the organization in its goal to benefit children with special needs

Scholarly Lectures and Writings:

• With the lessening impact of the estate tax, income tax issues in elder law and estate planning have become more important. As a result, in planning for clients, the advisor must make sure that recommended planning strategies do not inadvertently cause additional income tax liabilities. This session examines the complex income tax basis issues that typically arise in the course of advising clients., Speaker, Tax Basis Issues in Elder Law Planing, NYU 64TH Institute on Federal Taxation, 2005

Other Outstanding Achievements:

• Kansas City Barbeque Society Certified Barbeque Judge. Has judged numerous barbeque competitions throughout the Northeast.