Attorney Franklin A. Drazen has earned the distinction of Certified Elder Law Attorney from the National Elder Law Foundation. A native of New Haven, Connecticut, Attorney Drazen earned a B.S. in Finance and Economics with highest distinction from Babson College and was awarded his Juris Doctorate from New England School of Law. He also earned an Advanced Law degree in Taxation from Boston University School of Law. He was admitted to the Connecticut Bar in 1977, the Massachusetts Bar in 1978 and the United States Tax Court in 1983. Attorney Drazen’s practice focuses on elder law, estate planning, estate administration and probate, Title XIX (Medicaid) planning and eligibility, Life Care Planning, business continuation, disability and special needs planning, trust planning and administration, and related tax matters. He is a member of the Connecticut Bar Association and the Milford Bar Association, and serves on the Executive Committee of the Elder Law Section of the Connecticut Bar Association.

Attorney Drazen is a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, Inc. (NAELA) and has served on numerous committees and sections for the organization. He is currently a member of its Tax Steering Committee. He founded the Connecticut chapter of NAELA and served as the chapter’s first president. In 2011, Attorney Drazen was voted as CT-NAELA’s Member of the Year. In 2010 and 2011, Attorney Drazen was nominated by his peers as a result of his legal work on behalf of clients to the Connecticut Super Lawyers, who comprise the top of their profession.

Attorney Drazen was also a founding member of the Life Care Planning Law Firms Association (LCPLFA) and has been a member of its Board of Directors since the LCPLFA was founded in 2005. In addition to serving as the LCPLFA’s first mentor for less experienced members, he has held many leadership roles and is currently serving as President. Attorney Drazen is also a member of National Elder Law Foundation and served as a member of the Appeals Committee for the CELA examination process.

Active in his community, Attorney Drazen is a member of the Orange Chamber of Commerce and served on the Board of Members for the Orange/Milford branch of the YMCA for many years. He also served on the board of the Milford Chamber of Commerce and was elected to the Woodbridge, CT Board of Education.

Attorney Drazen is a popular speaker whose seminars on estate planning and elder law issues draw audiences of all ages. He has been speaking at adult education events, public seminars and professional association events since 1992.

ADMISSIONS:

United States Tax Court

State of Connecticut

State of Massachusetts

Attorney Steven L. Rubin has earned the distinction of Certified Elder Law Attorney from the National Elder Law Foundation. He has been in training for his dream job as an attorney, since he was 5 years old. His trustworthy, shoot-from-the-hip, “pull no punches” approach is appreciated by clients. Most of his passion stems from the fact that Steve knows what it’s like to sit on the other side of the desk.

While Steve was in law school, his mother was diagnosed with ALS and given less than a year to live. He was thrust into a number of roles that his clients often find themselves in — caregiver, advocate, provider, and concerned loved one.

While his mom lost her battle to ALS, Steve vowed never to give up the fight. He finished Widener University School of Law and has dedicated his career to helping his clients deal with tough issues — such as death, incapacity, disability, special needs, social security, asset protection, litigation and taxes – and providing that assistance in the best and least stressful way possible.

Attorney Rubin was born in New Haven and has been a life-long Connecticut resident. He graduated from Cheshire High School and the University of Connecticut (UCONN) with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science. While attending the University of Connecticut, Attorney Rubin was a member of the governing counsel for the Housing Board of Directors and the vice president of the Jewish Student Association. He graduated UCONN a member of Phi Alpha Phi — the national political science honor society.

Attorney Rubin then attended Widener University School of Law in Pennsylvania. While attending Widener, he was a member of the Trial Advocacy Honor Society and participated in numerous Moot Court arguments. He was also a founding member of the Animal Rights Legal Society and Treasurer of the Environmental Law and Policy Society, involvements that put into action his values and ideals.

Attorney Rubin has passed the Bar in Connecticut, New York, and Florida. He is a member of organizations that reflect his career directions and active participation: Connecticut Bar Association; the Connecticut Trial Lawyers Association; the New York Bar Association; the Florida Bar Association; the Connecticut Bar Association Young Lawyers; the Florida Bar Association Young Lawyers Division; the New York Bar Association Young Lawyers Division; New Haven Bar Association, New Haven Bar Association Young Lawyers; New Haven Bar Association Public Service Committee; the New Haven Bar Association Trusts and Estates Committee; Court Relations Committee; and the American Bar Association. His practice focuses on elder law, estate planning, estate administration and probate, Title XIX (Medicaid) planning and eligibility, Life Care Planning, business continuation, disability and special needs planning, trust planning and administration, and related tax matters.

Attorney Rubin volunteers his free time at the Veterans Legal Clinic, providing free advice to veterans who otherwise could not afford legal representation. When not working, Steven enjoys reading books, watching and attending sporting events, and spending time with his dog and family. He is a fundraiser for the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Association, and the American Cancer Society. Attorney Rubin also volunteers his time at soup kitchens and other philanthropic activities.

ADMISSIONS:

United States District Court for the District of Connecticut

State of Connecticut

State of New York

State of Florida

Accredited by the Veterans Administration

Leah Persano is the Executive Paralegal at Drazen Rubin Law, and Office Manager, or most commonly referred to as, the boss of the boss.

Leah’s main goal at the firm is assisting clients in the difficult transition through the loss of a loved one by making the Estate and Trust Administration process as simple and easy as possible. Her attention to detail, and caring demeanor ensure that the process is completed in a timely fashion, with minimal stress on our clients.

Leah further assists our firm in its daily management by ensuring that day-to-day operations run smoothly and efficiently. She also supports our firm in fulfilling its mission to empower our clients to achieve their goals and leave the legacy that they choose.

Leah received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from the University of New Haven and received a Certificate in Paralegal Studies from Post University.

During her free time, Leah enjoys fishing, boating, hiking, and spending quality time with her family, friends, and pets.

James Maroney works in Business Development and Community outreach at Drazen Rubin. He is a near lifelong resident of Milford, Connecticut. He is a 1992 graduate of Jonathan Law and a 1996 graduate of Yale University, where he ran both Cross-Country and Track and was elected captain of the Track Team. He founded First Choice College, an educational consulting and test preparation firm, in 1999, and helped guide the firm for over 20 years. In addition, he has served on the Milford Board of Education, as a State Representative for the 119th district and he currently serves as the State Senator for the 14th district. He is a past co-chair of the Aging Committee and the Veterans Affairs Committee and currently serves as co-chair of the General Law and Regulations Review committees. He lives in Milford with his wife Jennifer Ju and their son Jay.

Michelle DeFelice is the Elder Care Coordinator and Benefits Specialist at the Drazen Rubin Law. Michelle joined the firm after acquiring many years of experience working in the health care field specializing in health insurance, audiology, assisted living facilities, and Gaylord Hospital where she assisted patients in coordinating their treatment plans. Throughout her work experience, Michelle was able to work with patients and their families to enhance the quality of life by obtaining proper treatment through appropriate care planning. Michelle is an experienced caregiver, and she understands the issues that families face. This is what inspired her to seek the role as Elder Care Coordinator.

Michelle has continued to expand on her skills for care coordination and patient advocacy while obtaining knowledge of the resources available for the aging and neurodiverse community. Michelle’s role is to ensure that our clients have the compassionate support they need in every step of the family’s long-term care journey. Her goal is to make sure our clients do not feel alone in this process.

Michelle received her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and Counseling from Albertus Magnus College. She also obtained a Paralegal Certificate from The National Academy of Paralegal Studies, Michelle enjoys spending her free time with her daughters, extended family, and friends. She loves to cook and travel when possible. Her favorite place to be during the summer months is on the beach.

Firm Administrator

With many years behind him in the tech industry, John brings his dabbling of all things "computer" to the firm. Outside of the office, he has an unhealthy obsession with horror and his three, very lazy dogs."

Sam serves as the Director of Client Relations here at Drazen Rubin Law. Whether you are looking to get a question answered or need help with booking an appointment, Sam is often the first person that clients and their loved ones will come into contact with. She is the face you will find behind our front desk, answering the phone and emails with her sparkling personality. Sam is motivated to advocate for our clients during the legal process, and her previous experiences in banking complement our holistic approach to our practice.

Sam has a background in the funeral service industry and business management. She enjoys spending time with her dogs, her roommates, friends, and a good glass of cabernet!

Lisa has been a full time Real Estate Paralegal for 30 years. She loves being able to help clients through what can be a stressful time when buying or selling a home. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling and spending time with her family and her dog, Benz.

Julia R. Vassallo is a dedicated and compassionate advocate with a strong commitment to making a difference in people’s lives. She graduated from the University of Connecticut with a unique double major in Political Science and Disability and Law, a reflection of her lifelong passion for championing individuals’ rights. Julia went on to earn her law degree from the University of Connecticut School of Law, where she immersed herself in public service, completing a Human Rights Certificate and fulfilling a Pro Bono Pledge of over 100 hours.

Throughout her studies, Julia gained hands-on experience by working with Disability Rights Connecticut, advocating for individuals facing challenges in housing, employment, and healthcare accessibility. She also provided legal support for veterans, helping them navigate complex benefits and support systems. Her commitment to justice is evident in her published work on guardianship law, where she explores the importance of empowering individuals through supported decision-making.

Originally from Windsor, Connecticut, Julia is thrilled to bring her knowledge and dedication to the Drazen Rubin team. When she’s not working, Julia enjoys spending time with her family and friends, diving into a good book, and experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen.

Julia looks forward to connecting with clients, listening to their unique stories, and helping them secure peace of mind for the future.