Practice areas: Elder Law, Estate Planning & Probate; view more
Licensed in New York since: 1985
Education: Boston University School of Law
Selected to Super Lawyers: 2014 - 2025 Call today:
347-296-8200
Fern Finkel & Associates, PLLC
26 Court StSuite 2500
Brooklyn, NY 11242 Visit website
Fern J. Finkel is the esteemed founding attorney of Fern Finkel & Associates, PLLC. Her practice is focused on elder law, estate planning, asset protection, benefits, special needs planning, trusts, Medicaid and probate. Since launching her private practice in 1990, Fern has consistently demonstrated a commitment to her clients, offering both experience and compassion. Her analytical skills are highly regarded, allowing her to provide practical solutions that help seniors and disabled individuals maintain their independence.
Ms. Finkel graduated with honors from New York University College of Business and Public Administration in 1981, later earning her Juris Doctor degree from Boston University School of Law in 1984. The courts and family members alike have frequently appointed her as guardian and/or trustee for individuals requiring assistance with personal needs and property management. Her extensive experience with guardianship proceedings includes roles as counsel and court evaluator for the New York State Supreme Court.
Through community outreach and pro bono services, Ms. Finkel has significantly impacted the lives of countless seniors in New York City. Notably, she spearheaded the Legal Education and Assistance Project (LEAP) at the Brooklyn Bar Association Volunteer Lawyers Project, which aims to equip pro bono attorneys with the necessary skills to assist seniors in maximizing their independence.
As the immediate past chair of the New York State Bar Association’s Elder Law and Special Needs Section and a past president of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys’ New York Chapter, Ms. Finkel continues to influence the legal community. Her leadership extends to her role as chair of the Brooklyn Bar Association’s Law Committee and as a special master for the Appellate Division Second Department’s Mandatory Civil Appeals Mediation Program.
Ms. Finkel has lectured extensively on topics such as advance directives, Medicaid and asset protection, and guardianships. Her mentorship at various law school clinics further underscores her dedication to fostering the next generation of legal professionals. Her numerous awards, including the 2019 “Champions of Justice: Women in Leadership in Law and Administration of Justice” Honoree by the Brooklyn Daily Eagle, highlight her unwavering commitment to pro bono service and community engagement.
Practice areas
Elder Law, Estate Planning & ProbateFocus areas
Estate Planning, Living Wills, Power of Attorney, Probate & Estate Administration, Trusts, Wills
- 50% Elder Law
- 50% Estate Planning & Probate
First Admitted: 1985, New York
Professional Webpage: https://www.ffelderlaw.com/attorney-profiles/
Bar / Professional Activity
- Immediate Past Chair of the New York State Bar Association (NYSBA) Elder Law and Special Needs Section
- National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA), New York Chapter: Past President
- Brooklyn Bar Association Foundation Law Committee: Chair
- Brooklyn Bar Association Elder Law Committee: Vice Chair
- WINGS (Working Interdisciplinary Network of Guardianship Stakeholders): Co-Facilitator, Working Model of Guardianship
- Committees on Character and Fitness, Second Judicial Department: Member, since 2008
- Appellate Division Second Department Mandatory Civil Appeals Mediation Program: Special Master
Pro bono / Community Service
- Selection as a "Champions of Justice: Women in Leadership in Law and Administration of Justice" honoree by the Brooklyn Daily Eagle, 2019
- Brooklyn Bar Association Volunteer Lawyers Project
- Legal Education and Assistance Project
- Recipient of the Brooklyn Bar Association Volunteer Lawyers Project, Building Bridges Award, 2013
- Recipient of the Women’s Bar Association of the State of New York Hanna S. Cohn Pro Bono Award, 2004
- Recipient of New York State Bar Association Pro Bono Award for the Second Judicial District, 2003
- Recipient of Brooklyn Bar Association Frieda S. Nisnewitz Award for Pro Bono Service, 1996
Educational Background
- New York University College of Business and Public Administration, Bachelor of Science in Economics, 1981
Honors
- New York Super Lawyers Honoree in the field of Elder Law in 2014 - 2023, Super Lawyers
- Brooklyn Bar Association Volunteer Lawyers Project Pro Bono Award, Brooklyn Bar Association, 1999
- Selection as a "Champions of Justice: Women in Leadership in Law and Administration of Justice" honoree , Champions of Justice: Women in Leadership in Law and Administration of Justice, Brooklyn Daily Eagle, 2019
- Brooklyn Bar Association Volunteer Lawyers Project, Building Bridges Award, Recipient of Brooklyn Bar Association Volunteer Lawyers Project Building Bridges Award, Brooklyn Bar Association, 2013
- Brooklyn Bar Association Distinguished Service Award, 2013, Recipient of Brooklyn Bar Association Distinguished Service Award, Brooklyn Bar Association, 2013
- Brooklyn Bar Association Distinguished Service Award, 2009, Recipient of Brooklyn Bar Association Distinguished Service Award, Brooklyn Bar Association, 2009
- Women’s Bar Association of the State of New York Hanna S. Cohn Pro Bono Award, 2004, Recipient of Women's Bar Association of the State of New York Hanna S. Cohn Pro Bono Award, Women's Bar Association of the State of New York, 2004
- New York State Bar Association Pro Bono Award for the Second Judicial District, 2003, Recipient of New York State Bar Association Pro Bono Award for the Second Judicial District, New York State Bar Association, 2003
- National Center for Missing and Exploited Children Award of Merit, 1997, Recipient of National Center for Missing and Exploited Children Award of Merit, National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, 1997
- Brooklyn Bar Association Frieda S. Nisnewitz Award for Pro Bono Service, Recipient of Brooklyn Bar Association Frieda S. Nisnewitz Award for Pro Bono Service, Brooklyn Bar Association, 1996
These comments were made by fellow attorneys during the annual nomination process.
“Outstanding Attorney: Experienced, knowledgeable on all areas of Trusts, Estates, and Guardianship Litigation as well as asset protection planning. Prominent in her field and often called upon to comment on the ethics of guardianship practice and best practices as an elder law attorney.”
“Fern Finkel is the smartest guardianship and estate planning attorney out there. ”
Selections
- Super Lawyers: 2014 - 2025
