Cona Elder Law Elevates Two Attorneys

Marcus O’Toole-Gelo and Diana Choy-Shan Named Partners

Melville, NY, May 11, 2021 – Cona Elder Law announced that Marcus O’Toole-Gelo and Diana Choy-Shan have each become partners in the firm. The moves were the latest in the continuing growth of the Melville-based elder law, trusts and estates and health care law firm.

“Diana and Marcus have each proven their mettle, exhibited all aspects of our firm’s core values and earned their promotion to partner through hard work and perseverance,” said Jennifer Cona, the firm’s founder and managing partner. “The addition of Marcus and Diana to the leadership team is great news for our firm as we look toward the future.”

Mr. O’Toole-Gelo joined the firm in 2016.  An integral part of the Estate Planning and Estate Administration Department, Marcus concentrates his practice in the areas of estate and asset protection planning, trust and estate administration, probate, tax planning, business succession planning and estate litigation.  Marcus advises high net-worth clients regarding sophisticated estate and tax planning, analyzing matters to determine the best course of action to protect assets, minimize estate taxes and transfer wealth to the next generation.    As head of the Estate Administration Department, Marcus handles all aspects of Surrogate’s Court work, including probate and estate administration, and assists clients with the collection of assets, preparation of estate tax returns, distribution of assets, and the preparation of accountings.  As an estate litigator, Marcus handles will contests, fiduciary disputes, beneficiary rights, disputed accountings and related tax disputes.

Marcus serves on the Board of Directors of the Long Island Network Exchange (LINX) and is a frequent author, lecturer and guest on various radio and TV outlets, including Fox 5 News as well as other local and public access outlets.  He is a graduate of St. John’s University School of Law and received his undergraduate degree from the University of California, San Diego. Marcus resides in Amityville.

Ms. Choy-Shan, a resident of St. James, earned her J.D. from New York Law School and a B.A. from Drew University.  A part of Cona Elder Law since 2009, Diana concentrates her practice in government benefits eligibility, complex Medicaid cases, Fair Hearings, Guardianships, Estate Planning and Medicaid/Asset Protection Planning.  Among a long list of recognitions, Diana has been recognized as a Super Lawyers Rising Star and was honored as an Outstanding Woman in Law by Hofstra University’s Maurice A. Deane School of Law.

“This is truly an exciting time for Cona Elder Law,” said Ms. Cona. “We’ve earned our reputation as the best in our field over the last 20 years on Long Island. The addition of two new members (Ken Kern and Melissa Negrin-Wiener became members in January), and two new partners in 2021 along with our passion for innovation, thought leadership and best-in-class client service, speaks volumes about our commitment to exceeding the expectations of our clients.”