3 minute read
AWARD WINNERS
Q&A
What/who inspired you to be on the path you’re on today?
My parents taught me to be passionate about what I do. There was a lot of discussion on what they would do differently if they had the chance. We talked about living my life in pursuit of the things that made me come alive. So I did.
Q&A
What/who inspired you to be on the path you’re on today?
Jennifer Cona, the Managing Partner and Founder of the firm I’ve called home for the last twenty years (Cona Elder Law) is without doubt the reason why I’m on the path I am on today. In the legal world, Jenn is known as a pioneer in our field; but ever since my first days at the firm as law school student, the true magic behind Jenn’s success is her unmatched business acumen and exceptional work ethic. During the first decade of my relationship with Jenn, she entrusted me with the corporate side of the firm’s work and supported my abilities and judgment with a practice area she literally built from the ground up. And with the exponential growth at the firm my family has grown as well (with what feels like exponential children) and it is Jenn’s leadership I appreciate most of all—for the firm she has created that covets a “family first” atmosphere in a highly competitive arena.
David R. Okrent, managing attorney at the Law Offices of David Okrent, concentrates in the Elder Law, Tax, Estate Planning, Administration, Special Needs Planning & Asset Protection. He has more than 39 years in both the legal and accounting fields. He received The L,I. Coalition for the Aging, Inc. "Man of Spirit" Award for commitment to the field of Aging, in 2006, was honored by the L.I. Alzheimer’s Foundation as an "Angel of Spirit” in 2010, by Day Haven and in 2012, with a “Leadership in Law” award by the Long Island Business News.
David is a frequent lecturer and author and appeared on Channel 12’s“Best Years" and cohosted WEVD's morning "Elder Law & Senior Forum" radio program.
He is a Member of the Board of Directors of the Suffolk County Bar Association, Managing Director of its Charity Foundation, member of the Executive Committee NYSBA’s Elder Law Section, NYSBA Trust & Estates Committee, and Elder Law & Surrogates Court Committees of the Suffolk County Bar association.
At St. John's University School of Law, David received his Juris Doctor, graduating Cum Laude in the top fifth percentile of his class. He received his B.S. degree in Accounting, Cum Laude, from the School of Professional Accountancy at Long Island University, C.W. Post Campus and the Faculty Award for Academic Excellence in Accounting. Finally, his experience includes judicial internships with The Honorable Judge Cecelia H. Goetz at Hauppauge Bankruptcy Court and The Honorable Judge Raymond C. Radigan at Nassau County Surrogate's Court.
Q&A
What has been your greatest achievement(s) within the past year?
Seeing the success of my triplet sons as they graduate from college with great success and move forward into the world as valuable contributors.
CONSTANTINA S. PAPAGEORGIOU
Vishnick McGovern Milizio LLP
Constantina Papageorgiou is a partner in Vishnick McGovern Milizio LLP’s Wills, Trusts, and Estates Practice. Her work focuses on Trust and Estate Planning, Trust and Estate Administration, and Elder Law.
Constantina assists individuals and families with asset protection and long-term care planning through advance directives and various planning techniques. She also provides legal counsel to individuals and families with the administration of estates and the liquidation of a deceased’s assets.
Her practice additionally focuses on estate planning and guardianship matters for young families. Her passionate advocacy for her clients and sharp business acumen have made her the youngest partner in the firm’s history. She has been named to Best Lawyers, Super Lawyers, a Long Island Herald “Top Lawyers of Long Island Rising Star” and a Long Island Business News “Top 50 Women in Business.”
Her practice has been named a New York Law Journal “Top-Rated Trusts and Estates Lawyers” and in U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Law Firms in America.”
Constantina is an active member of the New York State Bar Association Trust and Estates and Elder Law Sections and the Queens County Women’s Bar Association, as well as a board member of HANAC (Hellenic American Neighborhood Action Committee), Hellenic Lawyers Association, and St. Demetrios of Astoria Alumni Association.
Q&A
What has been your greatest achievement(s) within the past year?
As the Covid-19 pandemic ravaged the elderly population medically and financially, as well as the nursing home industry, with the significant familial and financial challenges of in-home care, and with the constantly changing legal landscape, I was called upon relentlessly to protect my clients’ rights and wellbeing. I've worked nights and weekends to ensure their wellbeing. For just one example, I myself am the legal guardian of 17 clients. But helping the elderly and their families be safe and have peace of mind has been immensely rewarding.
