Ilene S.
Cooper
Estate Litigation
Partner
Uniondale
T: 516-227-0736
icooper@farrellfritz.com icooper@farrellfritz.com
About Ilene
Ilene S. Cooper practices litigation and estate planning in Surrogate’s Courts throughout the Metropolitan area. In addition to her work at Farrell Fritz, Ilene is an adjunct professor of law at Touro Law School. Ilene previously served as a visiting professor at Hofstra Law School, where she taught trusts and estates.
Ilene writes a column, “Trusts and Estates Update,” for the New York Law Journal, is the author of “Case Notes,” a quarterly column published in the New York State Bar Association’s Trusts and Estates Law Section Newsletter and is a columnist for the Suffolk County Bar Association’s publication, the Suffolk Lawyer. She also writes for Trusts and Estates magazine. In 2002, she published a textbook entitled, “Wills, Trusts and Estates—Essential Tools for the New York Paralegal,” which serves as a practice tool and guide for paralegals. Further, Ilene is the editor of the volume on litigation in New York Surrogate’s Courts, published by Warren’s Heaton, and has written several articles for the The New York Bar Journal.
Experience
- Ten and a half years as Principal Court Attorney/Referee for the Surrogate of Suffolk County, Honorable Ernest L. Signorelli
- Drafted a proposal to amend Rule 4503(b) of the New York Civil Practice Law and Rules, which was signed into law, calling for the exception to the attorney-client privilege that applies in proceedings concerning the validity or construction of wills to be extended to revocable trust contests.
- Responsible for an amendment to EPTL5-3.2, in order to increase the inheritance rights of non-marital children.
- Together with members of the New York State Bar Association’s Trusts and Estates Law Section, drafted an amendment to SCPA 2307-a, dealing with attorney-fiduciaries.
- Instrumental in initiating and spearheading an amendment to Surrogate’s Court Procedure Act (SCPA) 2211, which provides for discovery prior to the filing of objections in accounting proceedings.
- In 2006, drafted legislation, signed into law, which provides that abusive parents, whose rights have been terminated, are disqualified from receiving an inheritance from the abused child’s estate.
Credentials
Education
- Cornell University
- Hofstra University School of Law
Bar Admissions
- New York
Affiliations & Appointments
- New York State Bar Association, Past Chair and Member of Executive Committee, Trusts and Estates Law Section
- New York State Bar Association, Past Member, Committee on Legal Education & Admission to the Bar and Committee on Professional Discipline
- New York State Bar Association House of Delegates, Past SCBA Representative
- New York State Bar Association, Past Chair, Trust and Estate Administration Section
- New York Bar Foundation, Board Member and Fellow
- New York Bar Foundation, Member, Grant Committee
- American College of Trusts and Estates Council (ACTEC), Past Member, Special Committee on Fiduciary Appointments
- American College of Trusts and Estates Council (ACTEC), Fellow
- American College of Trusts and Estates Council (ACTEC), Member, Legal Education Committee
- New York City Bar Association, Past Member, Surrogate's Court Committee
- Suffolk Academy of Law Advisory Council
- Suffolk County Estate Planning Council
- Suffolk County Bar Association, Past Member
- Suffolk County Child Care Council, Board Member
- Suffolk County Coalition Against Domestic Violence Honorary Board, Past Member
- Suffolk County Women's Bar Association, Past Member
- Suffolk County Youth Board Coordination Council, Past Member
- Suffolk County Bar Association, Selected Delegate from the 10th Judicial District to the House of Delegates
- Former Supreme Court of the State of New York, Grievance Committee Member, 10th Judicial District
Articles & Advisories
Mid-Year Developments: Stipulations Of Settlements, Situs, Digital Assets
The spring season brought with it decisions from around the state that were of interest to Surrogate’s Court practice. Addressed…
August 09, 2023
From Season to Season, Decisions Abound for Trusts and Estates Field
As the summer months approach, and the winter and spring seasons leave their trail behind, we consider the many instructive…
June 13, 2023
Appellate and Surrogate’s Courts Weigh In on Trusts and Estates Practice
Recent weeks have seen Surrogate and Appellate Court opinions addressed to a multitude of issues affecting trusts and estates practice.…
March 30, 2023
Trusts and Estates Update: The Start of a New Year
As we enter the year 2023, we consider those opinions that rounded out and concluded the year 2022, as well…
February 07, 2023
A Review of Notable Decisions as the Year Ends
As 2022 comes to a close, we look back on a year marked by numerous decisions of interest impacting trusts…
December 04, 2022
Spring Happenings In Trusts and Estates
The spring season saw multiple decisions of interest to the trusts and estates practitioner. Addressed to such issues as breach…
August 01, 2022
Appellate Court Update: Fiduciary Removal, Lack of Jurisdiction, Claim Not Time Barred
Over the past several months, Appellate Division departments have considered a wide range of issues affecting the field of trusts…
April 05, 2022
A New Year Begins: Fiduciary Fees, SCPA 1404 Examinations and More
As the year 2021 came to an end, and working remotely and virtual court appearances remained the norm, the Surrogate’s…
February 07, 2022
Closing Comments At the Close of the Year
As the year comes to a close, and we begin to resume life as we once knew it, we take…
December 06, 2021
Mid-Year Review: Three Notable Surrogate’s Court Decisions
The past several months saw a continuum of opinions rendered by the Surrogate’s Court addressed to issues affecting the practice…
October 04, 2021
Mid-Year Developments: Fees, Duties and Commissions
As we continue to open our courts and office doors, the Surrogate’s and Appellate Courts throughout the state have been…
August 03, 2021
Emerging Into Spring: Discovery Sanctions, Gifts, Breach of Duty
The second quarter of 2021 has seen a host of significant decisions from the Surrogate and Appellate courts addressed to…
June 07, 2021
Appellate Review in the First Quarter
As the year 2020 concluded, and the year 2021 began, the Appellate Division was hard at work rendering decisions addressed…
April 05, 2021
The Closing Days of 2020
As the year 2020 comes to an end, we stop to remember the trials and tribulations of days past, and…
February 01, 2021
The Selection of the Right Fiduciary
The testator’s selection of a fiduciary is given great deference by the Surrogate’s Court. Indeed, such respect is accorded to…
December 08, 2020
As Fall Begins, Looking Back at Cases
As the summer ends, and the colors of fall emerge, Surrogate’s Courts throughout the state continue to examine a broad…
October 05, 2020
Opening Up
This month’s column, coming on the heels of New York’s re-opening, provides a glimpse of the important work the Surrogate’s…
August 03, 2020
Appellate Courts Weigh In
Despite the many challenges that have been wrought on the court system over the past several months, decisions of interest…
June 01, 2020
Cutting It Short: Motions For Summary Judgment
Motions for summary judgment are often utilized in the Surrogate’s Court to crystallize issues and reach a quick result in…
April 20, 2020
2019: A Formidable End To a Formidable Year
The final months of 2019 saw decisions that were as impactful as they were instructive. Addressed to digital assets, revocation…
February 03, 2020
Article 31 in Surrogate’s Court: The Road to Discovery
The past several months have seen significant decisions concerning Article 31 discovery in the Surrogate’s Court. Addressed to such issues…
December 10, 2019
Ilene S. Cooper: Multifaceted Opinions As Summer Came to a Close
Ilene Cooper writes about recent multi-faceted opinions addressing a variety of issues affecting Surrogate’s Court practice in her New York Law…
October 07, 2019
Sale of Estate Property, Records Inspection, Will Construction
As August moves along, and the summer sadly draws to an end, this month’s column takes a different approach by…
August 12, 2019
Roundup of Decisions by the Four Appellate Division Departments
During the past year, the appellate courts have rendered decisions of interest to the field of trusts and estates. The…
June 10, 2019
A Little Bit of This And a Little Bit of That
This month’s column brings the variety that has typified decisions over the past several months. From issues involving domicile, summary…
April 08, 2019
Be Wary How You Plead
Pleadings, the most fundamental part of trusts and estates practice, if not all practice areas, are often the subject of…
February 04, 2019
Discovering the Undiscovered
When a will has gone missing, or assets cannot be found, the issue usually becomes the subject of a Surrogate’s…
January 07, 2019
Highlights and Notable Decisions From Summer 2018
The summer months have seen decisions as variable as the weather, addressed to claims against an estate, fiduciary bonds, and…
October 15, 2018
The Inside Pages: Two Recent Decisions Worth Noting
The past few months have seen the inside pages of the law journal abound with decisions of interest. Indeed, while…
August 17, 2018
Receipts and Releases: End of the Road or Just the Beginning
The discharge of an executor or trustee is the ultimate end-game of most, if not all, estate and trust administrations.…
June 14, 2018
Spring Kick Off: Important Opinions Impacting the Trusts and Estates Field
As the interminable winter has finally come to a close, and spring has thankfully began to emerge, Surrogate and Appellate…
June 11, 2018
Closing Bell: Three Year-End Decisions From the Surrogate’s Court
As the year 2017 came to a close, Surrogate’s Courts throughout the state continued to address a multitude of issues affecting…
February 16, 2018
Repeat Performance: More Insights on Receipts and Releases
Recent months have been witness to multiple opinions addressed to receipts and releases. Three of these opinions, In re Ingraham…
December 11, 2017
Receipts and Releases: A Word to the Wise
Receipts and releases have been used as both a shield and a sword in estate proceedings when fiduciaries are confronted…
October 11, 2017
Trusts and Estates Update: Variety Fare: Counsel Disqualification, Directed Accounting, Sua Sponte Review
The past several months have witnessed significant decisions on a multitude of issues affecting the field of trusts and estates.…
August 15, 2017
Trusts and Estate Update: Duress as an Objection to Probate
In Matter of Rosasco, 31 Misc3d 1214(A), the Surrogate’s Court, New York County (Glen, S.). engaged in a thorough analysis…
June 14, 2017
The Eligibility of a Fiduciary
While deference is accorded to the testator’s selection of a fiduciary, there are circumstances when judicial intervention is required in…
April 13, 2017
Year in Review: Highlights From the Four Appellate Departments
This past year, the appellate courts have addressed a myriad of issues impacting the field of trusts and estates. This…
February 15, 2017
The Close of 2016 Provides Useful Instruction
As we conclude the year and look forward to 2017, we continue to appreciate the instruction we receive from Surrogate’s…
December 13, 2016
Substantive and Procedural Issues Impact Surrogates’ Decisions
As summer began and came to an end much too quickly for us all, the Surrogate’s Courts were busy producing…
October 10, 2016
Requests for Disclosure: Protective Orders and Preclusion
Motions for protective orders and orders of preclusion are defensive measures frequently utilized by Surrogate’s Court practitioners as a means…
August 09, 2016
Issues Affecting Estate Litigation and Practice
Litigation in the Surrogate’s Court often brings with it a multitude of issues affecting the outcome of estate litigation. These…
June 13, 2016
Reasonable Compensation for the Individual Fiduciary – Searching for a Definition
Introduction The commissions of an individual serving as a fiduciary – be it an executor, trustee or even a guardian…
June 06, 2016
Mistake, Disqualification of Counsel and Personal Jurisdiction
Reprinted with permission from New York Law Journal, Monday, April 11, 2016 issue. The past several months have been witness…
April 18, 2016
Opinions Instruct on Removal of fiduciaries, Elective Share, Investing
As the year concluded and a new year began, both the appellate courts and the Surrogate’s Courts addressed a variety…
February 09, 2016
Privilege, Standing, Capacity, Equitable Adoption
Reprinted with permission from New York Law Journal, Volume 254-No. 113, Monday, December 14, 2015. As the days of summer…
December 15, 2015
Trusts and Estates
Reprinted with permission from The Suffolk Lawyer, Vol. 31, No.2, October 2015. Discovery of Assets In Matter of Perelman, the…
October 23, 2015
Summary Judgment In the Surrogate’s Court
Reprinted with permission from New York Law Journal, Volume 254-No. 62, Tuesday, September 29, 2015 issue. Although in years past,…
October 02, 2015
Trusts and Estates Update: Discovery Matters, Will Revocation Issue, Reformation of Trust
Reprinted with permission from an ALM Publication, New York Law Journal, Volume 254-No.27, August 10, 2015 issue. With the advent…
August 12, 2015
Winter’s Roar: Surrogates Tackle Good Faith, Post-Nuptial Waiver, Capacity
Reprinted with permission from New York Law Journal, Vol. 253-No. 69|Monday, April 13, 2015 With below-freezing temperatures, snow, sleet, hail,…
April 13, 2015
Forfeiture and New York’s “Slayer Rule”
Reprinted with permission from : New York State Bar Association Journal, March/April 2015. Vol. 87, No. 3, published by the…
March 30, 2015
Discovery Motions and the Statute of Limitations: Timing Is Everything
Reprinted with permission from New York Law Journal, Vol. 253-No. 29, March 2, 2015 issue. While motion practice in…
March 02, 2015
Trusts & Estates Update: New Year in Surrogate’s Courts: Off to a Running Start
February 01, 2013
Chair’s Message
Reprinted with permission from: Trusts and Estates Law Section Newsletter, Spring 2013, Vol. 46, No. 1, published by the New…
February 01, 2013
Trusts & Estates Update: Weathering the Storm: Court System Stays the Course
December 10, 2012
Exoneration Clauses in Inter Vivos Trust Instruments
Reprinted with permission from: Trusts and Estates Law Section Newsletter, Summer 2012, Vol. 45, No. 2, published by the New…
October 03, 2012
Trusts & Estates Update: Probate Proceedings, Trust Disputes and Other Summer Happenings
August 10, 2012
Incomplete Protection: Exoneration Clauses in New York Trusts and Powers of Attorney
July 10, 2012
Trusts & Estates Update: Gifts: Validity, Enforceability, Fodder for Litigation
June 08, 2012
Trusts & Estates Update: Attorney-Client Relationship: Fees, Retainer, Disqualification, Malpractice
April 09, 2012
Trusts & Estates Update: Appellate Review of Objections to Probate and Other Issues
February 09, 2012
Trusts & Estates Update: Back to Basics: Opinions Refresh Essential Principles
October 06, 2011
Trusts & Estates Update: Surrogates Address Security, Exoneration Clauses, Commissions
August 08, 2011
Usurpation of Trust Opportunities and Self-Dealing
Reprinted with permission from: New York State Bar Association Journal, June, 2011, Vol. 83, No. 5, published by the New…
June 01, 2011
Trusts & Estates Update: Wintery Mix: Guidance on Substantive and Procedural Issues
April 11, 2011
Client Advisory – Recession Presents Opportunities for Estate Planning with Real Estate
As we all know, commercial real estate holdings have been significantly impacted by the recession. Vacancy rates have risen, rents…
October 01, 2010
Trusts & Estates Update: Dramatic Court of Appeals Rulings & Lessons From Supreme Court
July 12, 2010
Life After Death: The Authority of Estate Fiduciaries to Dispose of Decedents’ Reproductive Matter
Reprinted with permission of the Touro Law Review. Further duplication without permission is prohibited. For information, contact the Touro Law…
June 01, 2010
Trusts & Estates Update: Legislation Signed & Vetoed & Court Opinions Calling for Change
May 10, 2010
Client Advisory – The 2010 Federal Estate Tax “Repeal”
As you may already know, much to the astonishment of the legal community, Congress has failed to pass legislation extending…
February 23, 2010
Trusts & Estates Update: Decisions at Close of 2009 Address Wills, Witnesses, Revocation
January 11, 2010
Trusts & Estates Update: Appellate Decisions on Privity, Discovery, Gifts, Other Issues
November 23, 2009
Exoneration Clauses – Not All They’re Cracked Up to Be
Reprinted with permission from: New York State Bar Association Journal, October 2009, Vol. 81, No. 8, published by the New…
October 01, 2009
Trusts & Estates Update: First Impression Cases, Unique Issues Dominate First Quarter
May 11, 2009
Trusts & Estates Update: Appellate Courts Offer Guidance on Gifts, Wills & Procedural Issues
February 23, 2009
Trusts & Estates Update: Attorney-Client Relationship: Fees, Malpractice, Counsel Withdrawal
January 12, 2009
Trusts & Estates Update: Fiduciary Relations: Role of Fiduciary & Counsel
November 17, 2008
Trusts & Estates Update: Extrinsic Evidence in Construction of Decedent’s Will
September 15, 2008
Trusts & Estates Update: On Powers of Attorney, Exoneration Clauses, Sanctions
May 18, 2008
What’s a Distributee to Do? Renunciation and the Dead Man’s Statute
Reprinted with permission from the New York State Bar Association Journal, March/April 2008, Vol. 80, No. 3, published by the…
April 01, 2008
Trusts and Estates Update: Judiciary, Legislature: New Advertising Rules for Lawyers
November 15, 2006
A New Weapon for Objectants? Probate Contests and Waiver of the Attorney-Client Privilege
Reprinted with permission from the New York State Bar Association Journal, October 2006, Vol. 78, No. 8, published by the…
October 01, 2006
POSTHUMOUS PATERNITY TESTING: A PROPOSAL TO AMEND EPTL 4-1.2(a)(2)(D)
Reprinted with permission from Albany Law Review, June 2006 issue. Ilene Sherwyn Cooper, Posthumous Paternity Testing: A Proposal to Amend…
August 13, 2006
Trusts and Estates Update: Many Decisions, Big and Small, Key to Mid-Year Coverage
July 12, 2006
Trusts and Estates Update — Cases on Responsibility to Uphold Integrity of Attorney’s Role
September 15, 2005
Trusts and Estates Update — Supreme Court, Civil Court Opinions on Relevant Issues
July 14, 2005
Proposed Amendment to EPTL 4-1.4 Expand Grounds for Parental Disqualification
Reprinted with permission from the New York State Bar Association Journal, June 2005, Vol. 77, No. 5, published by the…
June 01, 2005
Trusts and Estates Update — Posthumous DNA Test Results, Same-Sex Marriages
March 10, 2005
Trusts and Estates Update — Amendment to Establish Limit For Electing Against Decedent’s Will
January 19, 2005
Trust and Estates Update — In Terrorem Clause, Constructive Trust, Fiduciary Liability
September 15, 2004
Trusts and Estates Update — Legislative Highlights and Decisions of Interest
July 21, 2004
Trusts and Estates Update — The Spring Semester: Blooming With Options of Interest
May 13, 2004
Trusts and Estates — Bills of Particulars, Gift, Renunciation
Bills of Particulars In a contested accounting proceeding, motion was made, inter alia, for an order of preclusion based upon…
April 01, 2004
Trusts and Estates Update
While front page news of recent decisions is certainly eye-catching, and indeed, may prove significant to practitioners, more frequently than…
March 10, 2004
Court Notes
APPELLATE DIVISION – SECOND DEPARTMENT Attorney Resignations: The following attorneys, who are in good standing, with no complaints or charges…
May 01, 2003
Revocation of Letters — Trusts and Estates Update
The decedent executed a Last Will and Testament, dated June 5, 2000, naming five executors, her brother and her sister,…
March 01, 2003
Appointment of Guardian Ad Litem — Trusts and Estates Update
Before the Court was an omnibus proceeding commenced by the decedent’s surviving spouse in her individual capacity as well as…
February 01, 2003
Disqualification of Spouse — Trusts and Estates Update
In a contested proceeding for letters of administration, the decedent’s daughter requested the issuance of letters to herself, and the…
January 01, 2003
Probate Proceeding — Summary Judgment
In a contested probate proceeding, the petitioners moved for summary judgment dismissing the objections to probate.The Court granted the motion…
December 01, 2002
Letters of Administration — Trusts and Estates Update
Before the Court was a contested proceeding between the decedent’s son, on the one hand, and four of his siblings…
November 01, 2002
On Duty to Diversity, Validity of Conveyance, Standing To Challenge
The last half of the calendar year, 2001, saw significant activity at the appellate level affecting the area of trusts…
January 30, 2002
News
The Halfway Point: Decisions of Interest Mid-2022
As 2022 reaches its midway point, consideration should be given to some of the recent opinions rendered by the Surrogate’s…
June 06, 2022
Hofstra Law Announces Inaugural Hall of Fame Inductees and 50th Anniversary Celebration
The Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University announced that 50 alumni, as well as 14 distinguished alumni…
November 12, 2021
Ilene Cooper Named to Youth Board Council
Ilene Cooper has been re-appointed to the Suffolk County Youth Board Coordinating Council. She was appointed to a three-year term…
August 28, 2014
Farrell Fritz Named to 2013 U. S. News & World Report’s National Best Lawyers – “Best Law Firms’ List
Farrell Fritz is pleased to announce the firm has received a Tier 1 (highest) ranking in the 2013 Edition of…
January 02, 2013
Ilene Cooper Named Volunteer of the Year by the Times Beacon Record: Children, Charities Benefit From Her Perseverance
Sandra Day O’Connor turned down eight invitations from Ilene Cooper to speak at a Suffolk County Bar Association luncheon before…
December 29, 2010
On the Move: Ilene Cooper Elected Treasurer of the Trusts & Estates Law Section of the NYSBA
February 20, 2009
People on the Move: Ilene Cooper Elected Treasurer of the T&E Law Section of the NYSBA
February 09, 2009
JLNS: Ilene Cooper Elected Treasurer of the Trusts & Estates Law Section of the New York State Bar Association
February 05, 2009
Farrell Fritz Launches New York Trusts & Estates Litigation Blog
Farrell Fritz trusts and estates associates, Jaclene L. D’Agostino, Robert M. Harper and Frank T. Santoro will also contribute to…
January 26, 2009
Newsday: Ilene S. Cooper Named Outstanding Woman of the Year by Suffolk County Coalition Against Domestic Violence
To view this entire article, please copy and paste the following link into your browser: http://www.newsday.com/services/newspaper/printedition/sunday/lilife/ny-winners5858033sep28,0,5852188.story
Farrell Fritz Attorneys Appointed to Several Boards
UNIONDALE, N.Y. — According to Farrell Fritz, P.C. Ilene Cooper, a partner in the Trusts and Estates Practice Group, has…
June 15, 2004
Press Releases
23 Farrell Fritz Attorneys Recognized as 2023 Leading Lawyers in Their Respective Areas of Practice
Farrell Fritz has a combined total of 23 attorneys selected to the 2023 New York Metro Super Lawyers and New…
September 26, 2023
29 Farrell Fritz Attorneys Recognized as 2024 Leading Lawyers by Best Lawyers
Farrell Fritz congratulates 19 attorneys on being selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© 2024.…
August 18, 2023
22 Farrell Fritz Attorneys Recognized as 2022 Leading Lawyers in Their Respective Areas of Practice
Farrell Fritz has a combined total of 22 attorneys selected to the 2022 New York Metro Super Lawyers and New…
September 29, 2022
21 Farrell Fritz Attorneys Recognized as 2023 Leading Lawyers by Best Lawyers
Farrell Fritz congratulates 17 attorneys on being selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© 2023.…
August 18, 2022
27 Farrell Fritz Attorneys Recognized as 2021 Leading Lawyers in Their Respective Areas of Practice
Farrell Fritz has a combined total of 27 attorneys selected to the 2021 New York Metro Super Lawyers and New…
September 30, 2021
17 Farrell Fritz Attorneys Recognized as 2022 Leading Lawyers by Best Lawyers
Farrell Fritz congratulates 12 attorneys on being selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© 2022.…
August 19, 2021
30 Farrell Fritz Attorneys Recognized as 2020 Leading Lawyers in Their Respective Areas of Practice
Farrell Fritz has a combined total of 30 attorneys selected to the 2020 New York Metro Super Lawyers and New…
November 04, 2020
18 Farrell Fritz Attorneys Recognized as 2021 Leading Lawyers by Best Lawyers
Farrell Fritz congratulates twelve attorneys on being selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© 2021.…
August 20, 2020
Four Farrell Fritz Partners Receive Top Awards
Farrell Fritz is pleased to announce that John J. Barnosky and Robert E. Sandler both received the Best Lawyers in…
October 04, 2019
29 Farrell Fritz Attorneys Recognized as 2019 Leading Lawyers in Their Respective Areas of Practice
Farrell Fritz has a combined total of 29 attorneys selected to the 2019 New York Metro Super Lawyers and New…
September 17, 2019
Ten Farrell Fritz Attorneys Named to The Best Lawyers in America© 2020
Farrell Fritz congratulates ten attorneys on being selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© 2020.…
August 15, 2019
30 Farrell Fritz Attorneys Recognized as 2018 Leading Lawyers in Their Respective Areas of Practice
Farrell Fritz had a combined total of 30 attorneys selected to the 2018 New York Metro Super Lawyers and New…
September 13, 2018
Ten Farrell Fritz Attorneys Named to The Best Lawyers in America© 2019
Farrell Fritz congratulates ten attorneys on being selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© 2019.…
August 09, 2018
Farrell Fritz Receives Tier 1 Ranking in 2018 U.S. News – Best Lawyers’ “Best Law Firms”
Farrell Fritz is pleased to announce that, for the sixth consecutive year, the firm has received a Tier 1 Ranking…
November 01, 2017
31 Farrell Fritz Attorneys Recognized as 2017 Leading Lawyers in their Respective Areas of Practice
Farrell Fritz had a combined total of 31 attorneys selected to the 2017 New York Metro Super Lawyers and New…
September 20, 2017
Ten Farrell Fritz Attorneys Named to The Best Lawyers in America 2018
Farrell Fritz congratulates ten attorneys on being selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© 2018.…
August 15, 2017
Ilene Sherwyn Cooper of Farrell Fritz Joins The SYJCC Board
We are pleased to announce that estate litigation partner Ilene Sherwyn Cooper has been appointed to the board of The…
June 19, 2017
30 Farrell Fritz Attorneys Recognized as 2016 Leading Lawyers in their Respective Areas of Practice
Farrell Fritz had a combined total of 30 attorneys selected to the 2016 New York Metro Super Lawyers and New…
September 21, 2016
Nine Farrell Fritz Partners Named to The Best Lawyers in America© 2017
Farrell Fritz congratulates nine partners on being selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© 2017.…
August 16, 2016
30 Farrell Fritz Attorneys Recognized as 2015 Leading Lawyers in their Respective Areas of Practice
Farrell Fritz had a combined total of 30 attorneys selected to the 2015 New York Super Lawyers and New York…
September 16, 2015
Seven Farrell Fritz Partners Named to The Best Lawyers in America© 2016
Farrell Fritz congratulates seven partners on being selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© 2016.…
August 21, 2015
30 Farrell Fritz Attorneys Recognized as 2014 Leading Lawyers in their Respective Areas of Practice
Farrell Fritz had a combined total of 30 attorneys named to the 2014 New York Super Lawyers and New York…
September 23, 2014
Farrell Fritz Partner, Ilene Sherwyn Cooper, Appointed to the New York Bar Foundation’s Planned Giving Task Force
Farrell Fritz is pleased to announce that Ilene Sherwyn Cooper was recently appointed to the New York Bar Foundation’s (“The…
September 15, 2014
Six Farrell Fritz Partners Named to The Best Lawyers in America© 2015 List
Farrell Fritz congratulates six partners on being selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© 2015.…
August 18, 2014
Farrell Fritz Partner, Ilene Sherwyn Cooper, Appointed Co-Chair of the Fellows of the New York Bar Foundation for the 10th Judicial District
Farrell Fritz is pleased to announce that Ilene Sherwyn Cooper was recently appointed co-chair of the Fellows of the New…
February 07, 2014
Farrell Fritz Partner Ilene Sherwyn Cooper Appointed to the Board of Advisors of Touro Law Center’s Aging & Longevity Law Institute
Farrell Fritz congratulates Ilene Sherwyn Cooper on her recent appointment to the Board of Advisors of Touro Law Center’s Aging…
October 04, 2013
Five Farrell Fritz Partners Named to The Best Lawyers in America® 2014 List
Farrell Fritz congratulates five partners on being recently selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America®…
August 15, 2013
Ilene Sherwyn Cooper of Farrell Fritz Appointed to Two New York State Bar Association Committees
Farrell Fritz warmly congratulates trusts & estates partner Ilene Sherwyn Cooper on her recent appointment to two New York State…
June 12, 2013
Ilene Sherwyn Cooper Elected Suffolk County Bar Association Representative to the New York State Bar Association House of Delegates
Farrell Fritz trusts and estates partner Ilene Sherwyn Cooper has been elected to serve as the Suffolk County Bar Association’s…
February 07, 2013
Five Farrell Fritz Partners Named to The Best Lawyers in America® 2013 List
Farrell Fritz congratulates five partners on being recently selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America®…
November 14, 2012
Farrell Fritz Attorneys Recognized as Leading Lawyers in their Respective Areas of Practice
Farrell Fritz congratulates ten partners and one counsel on being selected for the 2012 New York Super Lawyers – Metro…
October 11, 2012
Farrell Fritz Partners Named to the New York Super Lawyers and Rising Stars Lists
Farrell Fritz congratulates seven partners on being selected for inclusion on the New York Super Lawyers 2011 – Metro Edition…
October 27, 2011
Touro Law to Honor Farrell Fritz Partner, Ilene S. Cooper, as Adjunct Professor of the Year
On Sunday, May 29, 2011, Farrell Fritz trusts and estates partner, Ilene S. Cooper, will be presented with the Adjunct…
May 20, 2011
Friends of Karen Names Ilene S. Cooper, Esq. to Steering Committee
Ilene S. Cooper, Esq. has joined Friends of Karen’s Steering Committee and Long Island Advisory Board. Cooper, a partner at…
February 14, 2011
Five Farrell Fritz Partners Named to 2010 Super Lawyers List
Farrell Fritz congratulates five attorneys on being selected for inclusion in the 2010 New York Super Lawyers®. The five partners…
October 15, 2010
Ilene S. Cooper to Receive Award from The Carol M. Baldwin Breast Cancer Research Fund
On Friday, March 12, 2010, Farrell Fritz trusts and estates partner, Ilene S. Cooper, will receive a special award from…
February 02, 2010
Five Partners Named to 2009 Super Lawyers List
Farrell Fritz congratulates five attorneys on being selected for inclusion in 2009 New York Super Lawyers® – Metro Edition. The…
October 16, 2009
Ilene S. Cooper Installed as Third Female President of Suffolk County Bar Association in 101 Year History
On Thursday, June 4, Farrell Fritz trusts and estates partner, Ilene S. Cooper, was installed as President of the Suffolk…
June 05, 2009
"The Doctors Are In" ~ Women’s Health Symposium to be Co-Chaired by Ilene S. Cooper
March 05, 2009
Ilene S. Cooper Elected Treasurer of the Trusts & Estates Law Section of the NYSBA
January 29, 2009
Ilene S. Cooper to Receive Outstanding Woman of the Year Honor from Suffolk County Coalition Against Domestic Violence
September 10, 2008
Ilene Cooper Appointed to Honorary Board of Suffolk County Coalition Against Domestic Violence
June 12, 2008
Ilene S. Cooper Appointed to Suffolk County Youth Board Coordination Council
March 12, 2008
Ilene S. Cooper Keynote Speaker at Suffolk Academy of Law’s "Women and the Law" Seminar
May 08, 2007
Children’s Advocate, Ilene S. Cooper, Drafts Legislation; Governor Pataki Signs Into Law
September 18, 2006
Farrell Fritz Attorneys Receive Special Honors and Two New Associates Join the Firm
April 20, 2005
Former Chief U. N. Weapons Inspector, Dr. Hans Blix, to Address Suffolk County Bar Association
April 12, 2005
Former New York State Governor Mario Cuomo to Speak at Huntington Hilton Hotel
July 23, 2004
I. Cooper Board Appointment, Award Recipient; K. McElroy Joins Farrell Fritz
July 22, 2004
Ilene S. Cooper Appointed to the House of Delegates of the New York State Bar Association and as Sec
May 18, 2004
Cooper, Curry And Forrest Appointed to Several Boards
Ilene S. Cooper Appointed to the House of Delegates of the New York State Bar Association and as Secretary of…
May 18, 2004
Hazing, Gang Affiliations, Harassment and the Social/Legal Implications for Our Children and Institu
May 10, 2004
Ilene S. Cooper, Esq., Named Partner at Farrell Fritz, P.C.
Ilene S. Cooper, an attorney at Farrell Fritz who practices in the area of Trusts and Estates, has been named…
January 12, 2004
Recognition
Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University
Hall of Fame honoree 2022
Best Lawyers in America
Lawyer of the Year—Long Island 2019, 2021
Best Lawyers in America
Litigation - Trusts & Estates 2013 - present
Super Lawyers – New York Metro
Top 100 List 2019, 2020
Super Lawyers – New York Metro
Top 50 Women, 2020
Super Lawyers
New York Metro (Estates & Trust Litigation) 2008-Present
AV Preeminent Martindale-Hubbell
Peer Review Rating
Martindale-Hubbell Top Women Lawyers in the Northeast
Trusts & Estates, Wills & Probate 2011
Long Island Business News
Who's Who in Women in Professional Services 2010, 2013
Times Beacon Record
Volunteer of the Year 2010
The Carol M. Baldwin Breast Cancer Fund
Special Award 2010
Long Island Center for Business and Professional Women
Achiever in Law 2007
Long Island Business News
Top 50 Women Hall of Fame Inductee 2005
Community Work
Ilene is a board member of the Suffolk County Child Care Council and Child Abuse Prevention Services (CAPS). She serves on Friends of Karen’s Advisory Board and Touro Law School’s Board of Governors.
Ilene is a member of the Museum of Modern Art’s Friends of Education Committee. She also serves on the Nassau County Museum of Art’s Annual Ball Committee.
Ilene is also a member of the board of directors of The Safe Center LI, located in Bethpage, a nonprofit agency serving the victims of domestic abuse and child abuse.
Ilene is a past member of the Children’s Medical Fund Corporate Alliance, The Hills Foundation, Half Hollow Hills Business Advisory Council, and West Hollow Middle School’s School-Based Management Team.