The National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) has announced Distinguished Adjunct Professor Peter J. Strauss as the 2022 recipient of the 28th Annual NAELA Theresa Award. The Theresa Alessandra Russo Foundation presents the NAELA Theresa Award annually to a NAELA attorney in recognition of his or her outstanding achievements, efforts, and advocacy for individuals with disabilities.
At New York Law School (NYLS), Professor Strauss is co-director and founder of the Elder Law Clinic, which provides representation to persons for whom a guardianship is sought and serves as court evaluator in guardianship proceedings. He also teaches elder law courses.
Nationally, Professor Strauss is recognized as a pioneering attorney in the field of elder law, specializing in legal issues affecting the aging and individuals with disabilities. Throughout his distinguished career, he has been a passionate elder law educator, a vocal advocate, and a dedicated practitioner in areas of personal planning, guardianship, estate planning, and trusts and estates law. In addition, he is a founding member of NAELA and a co-founder of the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers.
NYLS Dean and President Anthony W. Crowell said, “Professor Strauss brings heart and conscience to his work on behalf of vulnerable clients. We are proud of his accomplishments, and his work so beautifully represents the spirit and values of the NYLS community.”
“Professor Strauss is very well deserving of the honor,” said Eric Einhart ’12, a former student of Professor Strauss as well as incoming NAELA Secretary and Partner at Russo Law Group, P.C. “His teaching and genuine enthusiasm for advocacy of our society’s most vulnerable populations sparked my love of elder law and special needs planning, and my own involvement with NAELA.”
NYLS congratulates Professor Peter Strauss on earning this prestigious award.