Practice areas: Estate Planning & Probate, Elder Law, Employment & Labor; view more
Licensed in New York since: 1987
Education: Brooklyn Law School
Selected to Super Lawyers: 2012 - 2013, 2017, 2020 - 2026 Joseph J. Ranni is a seasoned attorney with a robust focus on elder law and disability law, leading the Ranni Law Firm in Florida, New York. He is committed to safeguarding the rights of individuals, ensuring that they have access to optimal legal resolutions. He focuses his practice on elder law, employment law and disability law.
Beginning his legal journey in the New York City metro area in 1987, Mr. Ranni has extensive experience in litigation related to employment and disability cases across state and federal courts. His dedication to community service is evident from his role as a New York State Certified Nursing Home Ombudsman.
During the 1990s, with the passage of The Americans with Disabilities Act, Mr. Ranni identified a strong connection between disability and elder law. He believes that every individual, regardless of age or circumstance, is entitled to live in the least restrictive environment possible, with self-facilitation and reasonable accommodation as their inherent rights.
Securing a bachelor’s degree in economics and political science from the University at Albany, Mr. Ranni went on to obtain his Juris Doctor at the Brooklyn Law School in 1987. Later, at the Stetson University College of Law, he completed his Master of Laws in elder law in 2014.
Mr. Ranni is licensed to practice law in New York, Florida, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. His previous role as Presiding Justice for Chester, New York, reflects his deep legal acumen and leadership. Known for his client-centered approach, he prioritizes the goals and future needs of his clients, rather than solely their disabilities. In recognition of his efforts, he has been rated with a perfect score of “10.0” on Avvo.
Beyond his legal practice, Mr. Ranni is actively engaged in community service. He contributes his time to various nonprofit committees and local civic organizations and offers pro bono legal services through regional advocacy groups. His commitment to serving the community and empowering individuals through effective legal strategies remains unwavering.
Practice areas
Estate Planning & Probate, Elder Law, Employment & Labor: EmployeeFocus areas
Employment Law - Employee, Estate Planning, Guardianships & Conservatorships, Labor Law, Living Wills, Power of Attorney, Probate & Estate Administration, Sexual Harassment, Trusts, Unions, Wage & Hour Laws, Whistleblower, Wills
- 40% Estate Planning & Probate
- 40% Elder Law
- 20% Employment & Labor: Employee
First Admitted: 1987, New York
Professional Webpage: https://rannilaw.com/about/
Bar / Professional Activity
- Co-Chair Disability Rights Committee, New York State Bar Association, 2019
- NYSBA Elder Law and Special Needs Section - Long Term Care Facilities Reform Legislative Committee, 1917
- NYSBA Health Law Section - Committee on Long Term Care and the Public Health Committee, 2019
- National Employment Lawyers Association/NY-Former Board Member, Legislative Committee, 1995
- NYS Bar Association House of Delegates - 9th District Committee on Disability Rights, 2019
- New Jersey Bar Association - Elder and Disability Section, 2015
- New York State Magistrate's Association, 2006
- Pennsylvania Bar Association, 2009
- New Jersey Bar Association, 2000
- Florida Bar Association, 1999
- New York State Bar Association, 1989
- Erie County Bar Association, 2019
- Orange County Bar Association, 2003
Pro bono / Community Service
- Independent Living Inc. - Board President, 2016
- New York State Surrogate Decision Making Committee, 1997
- Nursing Home Ombudsman, 2001
- Suffolk Independent Living Organization, 1992
Educational Background
- Stetson College of Law - LL.M. Elder Law, 2013
- Interdisciplinary Aging, Public Health and Palliative Care Certificate Program; Finger Lakes Geriatric Education Center, University of Rochester Aging Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center
- Interdisciplinary Aging, Public Health and Palliative Care Certificate Program; Finger Lakes Geriatric Education Center, University of Rochester Aging Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center
- Brooklyn Law School, 1987
- National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners - Certified Dementia Practitioner, 2022
- Alzheimer's Association - Certification Alzheimer's essentiALZ, 2021
Scholarly Lectures / Writings
- A multi-disciplinary collaborative effort to develop privately owned fully accommodative suites in a condominium environment with direct access to common areas in which spouses or family can reside together despite escalating needs through end of life without any need for transfer., Author, Accommodative Residences Utilizing Community Medicaid Exemptions for Older Adults and Persons with Disabilities, 2021
Other Outstanding Achievements
- Top Attorneys of North America, 2021
- Top Attorneys of North America - Diamond Member, 2020
- Top Attorneys of North America - Presidents Circle, 2019
- Top Attorneys of North America - Diamond Member, 2019
- Top Attorneys of North America, 2018
- Super Lawyers, 2017
- Expert Network - Distinguished Lawyer, 2017
- National Advocates Top 100, 2017
- Heritage Registry Who's Who, 2014
- Super Lawyers, 2013
- Who's Who for Attorneys and Professionals, 2013
- Super Lawyers, 2012
Awards
Avvo Client's Choice Award: This award is granted to attorneys with at least 5 reviews with 4+ stars in a given year on Avvo.com
Industry Groups
- Beneficiary contests
- Developmental Disability
- Immigration Trusts
- Living Trusts
- Older Adults
- Special Needs Trusts
- TBI/Work-life disability
- Trustee guidance and litigation
- Trusts-Medicaid Protection
Selections
- Super Lawyers: 2012 - 2013, 2017, 2020 - 2026
