About Stephen J. Silverberg, Esq.
New York Elder Law Attorney
Stephen J. Silverberg is nationally recognized as a leader in the areas of estate planning, estate administration, asset preservation planning, and elder law. He is a past president of the prestigious National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA), and a founding member and past president of the New York State chapter of NAELA.
Silverberg was awarded the credential of NAELA Fellow, the highest honor bestowed by NAELA to “attorneys… whose careers concentrate on elder law, and who have distinguished themselves both by making exceptional contributions to meeting the needs of older Americans and by demonstrating a commitment to the Academy.” Silverberg is also a founding member of the New York State chapter of NAELA.
He holds the designation of a Certified Elder Law Attorney (CELA), awarded by the National Elder Law Foundation. There are fewer than 520 CELAs throughout the United States.
He has been awarded the Accredited Estate Planner® Designation, by the National Association of Estate Planners & Councils. The AEP designation is the only graduate-level designation in estate planning. The designation is administered and is awarded only to estate planning professionals who meet special requirements of education, experience, knowledge, professional reputation, and character.
Martindale-Hubbell® has rated Silverberg an AV® Preeminent 5.0 out of 5.0 attorney, the highest possible designation from Martindale-Hubbell. Super Lawyers has named Silverberg to its select list of attorneys for fifteen consecutive years, from 2007 to 2022. Silverberg has been recognized since 2015 by Best Lawyers from U.S. News & World Report.
He has served as an active member of the Nassau County Bar Association’s Elder Law, Social Services and Health Advocacy Committees and is a long-standing member of the Estate Planning Council of Nassau County. Silverberg is a past President of the Pension Council of Long Island. For eleven years, Silverberg has been an active member of the IRS District Directors Liaison Group. He is also an author of the Elder Law module of the Interactive Legal Document Systems, the preeminent document drafting program for attorneys.
Silverberg is frequently invited as a keynote speaker before national conferences, bar associations, universities, and legal and financial organizations on topics including estate planning, Elder Law, and tax planning matters. He has published in many legal and scholarly journals, including Trusts and Estates Magazine, The New York State Bar Monthly News, and is a widely quoted source for the news media on issues concerning estate and Elder Law.
Silverberg is a graduate of Hartwick College (B.A., 1973) and Brooklyn Law School (J.D., 1976). He is admitted to practice in New York and Florida.
In 2009, Stephen was profiled in “How Can I Help?” in NAELA News. The article captures his unique personality, interests and dedication to NAELA and Elder Law. The “Little Known Steve Facts” are a fun compliment to the seriousness of the work he does.
Publications and Speaking Appearances
NAELA News & Online Journal/ May 2023
“SECURE 2.0 Opens the Door for Qualified Longevity Annuity Contracts (QLACs)”
NAELA News & Online Journal – October/November/December 2022
“Planning for Disabled Beneficiary Post SECURE: Minimize Income Tax with Qualified Disability Trusts”
NAELA News & Journal Online – May 2020
“Waiver of Required Minimum Distributions and Other Provisions Affecting Withdrawals From Qualified Plans and IRAs Under the CARES Act”
Tax Section/NAELA News Online – June 2018
“A Clear Winner in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017: Qualified Disability Trusts”
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 greatly enhances the income tax benefits of a Qualified Disability Trust.
NAELA Summit 2018
“Choice of Entity After the Tax Reform” Presentation
NAELA News – Spring 2016
“What Is a Qualified Longevity Contract?”
A few things Elder Law attorneys should know about this new investment option.
NAELA News – Oct/Nov/Dec 2015
“The Day an Elder Lawyer Walked Into a Room of Retirement Experts”
Stephen J. Silverberg, CELA, CAP, testified at a recent DOL ERISA Advisory Council hearing on “de-risking” transactions of employer-sponsored defined benefit plans.
Nassau Lawyer – June 2014
“Clayton Elections vs. Qualified Disclaimers in Estate Planning”
Retaining post-mortem flexibility when designing an estate plan is paramount.
National Aging & Law Institute 2012
“Everything You Always Wanted to Know About SNTs” Online Presentation
NAELA News Feb/Mar 2010
“Need-to-Know Tax Law Changes” Online Presentation
NAELA/GCM Joint Conference 2005
“Minimizing Income Taxes With “Qualified” Special Needs Trusts” Presentation
