Abrams Fensterman is proud to announce that Robert Abrams (Bob), co-Founder and Executive Partner, received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Elder Law and Special Needs Section of the New York State Bar Association on January 16, 2025 at the New York Hilton Hotel. This award recognizes Bob’s groundbreaking contributions to the development of substantive areas of legal practice that address the needs of older Americans and their loved ones.
Howard Fensterman, co-founder and Managing Partner, reflected on the milestone with admiration:
“I met Bob 33 years ago, and we started this journey together when we began Abrams Fensterman. Bob has not only shaped a practice but built a legacy that will inspire generations to come.”
Bob has helped to shape the very foundation of Elder Law in New York State. His achievements include:
- As a founding member of the Elder Law Section, he actively participated in creating a new substantive area of the law.
- Bob served as Editor-in-Chief of the 1700-page treatise on Guardianships titled “Guardianship Practice in New York State”. Working with approximately one hundred lawyers, judges, court administrators and other members of the legal community, Bob simultaneously facilitated professional growth while creating a collegial environment.
- Represented New York State twice at the White House Conference on Aging.
- Designed a structure and strategy for meeting with legislators in New York and Washington, D.C. to address the legal needs of older persons, especially payment options to pay for long term care services.
- Created Healthcare Decision-Making Day, an annual event to educate the public regarding the use of advance directives.
In addition to these milestones, Bob, along with Howard Fensterman and his Abrams Fensterman partners, has created a powerful and influential full-service law firm which has over one hundred lawyers and offices throughout New York State. Over the past twenty-five years, the Abrams Fensterman team has provided quality legal services to thousands of clients.
Bob finds great fulfillment in working alongside his partners to address intricate legal issues in a professional and ethical manner. His passion for mentoring young lawyers has also been a hallmark of his career. Bob often says, “I learn more from them than they do from me.”
As noted on CBS’s “48 Hours” and HBO’s “The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst”, Bob has developed a national reputation in connection with his representation of family members of murder victims. His ability to navigate these and other complex matters has earned him the respect of his clients, judges and even his adversaries.
Bob’s longtime partner, Ellyn Kravitz stated,
“Bob’s leadership has shaped this practice and touched countless lives. I can’t think of anyone more deserving of this honor.”
