LONG ISLANDER NEWS • HUNTINGTON WEEKLY

January 4, 2017

Andrew Wroblewski

​Jennifer Cona, Esq., elder law attorney and managing partner at Melville-based Cona Elder Law, was recently honored in the inaugural class of New York Law Journal’s 2016 Top Women in Law. She is the only Long Island based attorney of the 30 honored across New York State to receive this prestigious award. According to Rebecca Baker, managing editor, New York Law Journal, “these outstanding attorneys, gathered with the help of recommendations from the legal community, are making stridesto push the legal profession forward for women.” As an advocate for the elderly, Cona boasts numerous accomplishments. Her challenge of Medicaid rulings has set precedent, sparing the elderly and their families the responsibility for health care bills they could not afford resulting from state agency delay. She opened a caregiver resource center three years ago in the firm’s office to offer elder care resources and free legal help to senior citizens and their caregivers. She also publishes “Your Guide to Elder Law and Estate Planning,” now in its fourth edition. Responding to the needs of eldercaregivers in the workplace, Cona launched an elder care employee benefits program for Long Island businesses. The benefits program gives working elder-caregiversthe toolsthey need to navigate the elder care landscape while remaining present and productive at work. In addition, her annual “Caregiver Conference” supports and educates those caring for older adults. Cona said she is “honored to be included in this group of forwardthinking, ground-breaking women attorneys who are raising the bar every day through their excellent advocacy in their respective fields.” This inaugural class includes women from nearly every sector of the law. Several run their own firms or work in large firms, where they have opened the door for women and minorities to succeed. They have contributed to the profession well beyond their workplace as volunteers on legal boards and committees, task forces and commissions. And nearly all have done so while balancing the demands of motherhood and family obligations. A recipient of numerous awards, Cona has been acknowledged for her professional leadership and business acumen. She is rated a Super Lawyer by “The New York Times” and named a Top 10 Legal Eagle on Long Island. Recently, Jennifer was awarded the SmartCEO magazine’s Brava Award for high achievement female CEO’s in New York. She has received Long Island Business News’ Leadership In Law Award and has twice been named a Top 50 Most Influential Woman in Business.

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