Donald Vanarelli

Donald Vanarelli, a graduate of Rutger's Law School, has been a dedicated legal professional since 1983, with admissions in New Jersey and New York. His practice focuses on elder law, estate planning and administration, special needs planning, probate and guardianship litigation, and Social Security and SSI disability appeals.

Prior to his legal career, Donald worked at the Social Security Administration, adjudicating claims related to Social Security, SSI, Medicare, and Medicaid. Following law school, he clerked for Hon. Herbert S. Alterman, J.S.C. He is board-certified in elder law and accredited by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to handle veterans' claims.

In 1992, he established his own law firm and has since expanded to include a team of legal professionals. In 2015, Donald was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award by the New Jersey State Bar Association’s Elder and Disability Law Section for his distinguished service and significant contributions to elder and disability law. This award highlighted his advocacy and precedent-setting legal victories that advanced the rights of seniors and individuals with disabilities.

Donald has been recognized as a NJ Super Lawyer from 2007 to the present and holds an "AV Preeminent" rating from Martindale-Hubbell, reflecting the highest level of professional excellence. He also co-founded the Elder Mediation Center and the NJ Collaborative Law Group. His litigation experience spans federal and state courts, as well as administrative agencies.

Donald is married and a proud father of three children.