Meet the Staff of Law Offices of Jerold E. Rothkoff
Jerold E. Rothkoff - Managing Attorney
Jane M. Fearn-Zimmer, Associate Attorney
Stephanie Fisch - Director of Public Relations and Community Education
Janie De Leon-Male, M.S.S., LSW - Director of Care Coordination and New Business Development
Joanne Solometo - Legal Assistant
Yona Beller - Receptionist
Jennifer R. Cohen, M.S.S., LSW - Geriatric Care Coordinator
Susan Goldfinger Bilker, LCSW, ACSW, CCM, GCM - Geriatric Care Coordinator
Elizabeth A. Baker - Paralegal
Rita Susan Lyons - Public Benefits Specialist
Jerold E. Rothkoff - Managing Attorney
Jerold E. Rothkoff, a practicing New Jersey and Pennsylvania attorney, is the Principal of the Law Offices of Jerold E. Rothkoff, where he dedicates his practice to serving clients in the areas of elder law, life care planning, asset protection, veterans benefits,estate planning, and long-term care advocacy.
Jerry Rothkoff has been, and continues to be, an outspoken advocate for the rights of the elderly and disabled. He writes for and gives presentations regularly to attorneys and other professionals about elder law. He is a frequent lecturer, speaker, and author for the Pennsylvania Bar Institute and the New Jersey Institute for Continuing Education, as well as non-profit and professional organizations. He is the former co-host of SeniorTalkRadio on AM 860 WWDB. He has made numerous other radio and television appearances in which he discussed legal rights of the elderly.
Jerry Rothkoff is the author and founder of the Rothkoff Quarterly, a newsletter of current news and issues concerning the elderly and disabled. He is also the author and editor of the South Jersey Guide to Senior and Disability Resources, as well as co-editor of Law Points for Senior Citizens, published by the New Jersey State Bar Foundation and the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs Division on Aging, 2003 Edition.
He is the immediate past Chair of the New Jersey Bar Association Elder and Disability Law Section, as well as a member of the Pennsylvania Bar Association Elder Law Section and the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys.
Community activities include being a member of the Board of Directors of the Twilight Wish Foundation and the Delaware Valley Stroke Council. He also is involved with the Alzheimer's Association, as well as numerous other advocacy groups.
Jerry Rothkoff is a 1986 graduate of Syracuse University. He obtained his Juris Doctor degree in 1993 from the Widener University School of Law, and began work at a Philadelphia, Pennsylvania law firm. In February 2000, he opened his own elder law practice.
Outside of his elder law practice, Mr. Rothkoff and his wife, Erica, keep busy with their four children, eleven-year old identical twin girls, Liza and Julia, and eight-year old fraternal twin boys, Evan and Gregory. He is an avid baseball fan, which means he has had a good last few years and is getting spoiled by the Phillies success. As a life long Philadelphian, he is still pinching himself.
Jane M. Fearn-Zimmer - Associate Attorney
Formerly with PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP and The Sharp Law Firm, Ms. Fearn-Zimmer received her LL.M. in Taxation with distinction from Temple University in 2004. Practicing in Mount Laurel, New Jersey, she has focused on the fields of tax and estate planning, asset protection planning for elderly and disabled clients, and Special Needs Trusts since 2005. She speaks and publishes primarily on tax, estate planning and Medicaid planning related topics. Representative publications include Gay Marriage in Transition, 183 New Jersey Law Journal 96 (January 9, 2006), Negotiating a Medicaid Lie: How to Limit Government Liens and Preserve Recoveries for Injured Parties, 189 New Jersey Law Journal 543 (August 7, 2007) and Real Estate Assets May Include Indirectly Held Lease Rights and Certain Goodwill, published on PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP’s internal Knowledge Gateway (October 17, 2008).
Ms. Fearn-Zimmer has presented on tax, Medicaid planning and estate planning topics to a broad range of groups, including the Central New Jersey Society of Enrolled Agents, the Tax Section of the New Jersey State Bar Association, the Burlington County Probate Committee, and the Tourette’s Syndrome Association of New Jersey, Inc.
Ms. Fearn-Zimmer brings an exceptionally broad perspective to her work due to her to her strong litigation background. She was a former federal judicial clerk to the Honorable John S. Unpingco, Chief Judge of the District Court of Guam, where she served on the Civil and Criminal Justice Reform Act Committees for the District of Guam. She was admitted to the New Jersey Bar in 1996 and practiced civil litigation in New Jersey.
Ms. Fearn-Zimmer lives in Mt. Laurel with her family and volunteers for the Delaware Valley Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in her spare time.
Stephanie Fisch - Director of Public Relations and Community Education
Along with Attorney Jerold E. Rothkoff, Stephanie is charged with stimulating the firm's growth through a variety of marketing, public relations, branding and business development initiatives.
Stephanie is a highly motivated and dynamic sales and marketing professional, and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Hartford in business and psychology. Prior to joining the Law Offices of Jerold E. Rothkoff, Stephanie worked as an Assistant Buyer for Wilmar Industries, Inc. where she was the key liaison for sales managers and customers. As a Territory Sales Manager for The Williamson Co. Stephanie utilized her entrepreneurial drive and vision by growing sales 40% within her three state territory. The positions Stephanie held as an Assistant Buyer and Distributor for both Today's Man Inc. and Burlington Coat Factory Inc. promoted the use of her creative and analytical skills.
Stephanie currently resides in Cherry Hill, NJ with her husband and two sons. She loves spending her free time with her family as they enjoy attending sporting events and traveling together. In addition, Stephanie devotes her time as a volunteer working on various PTA fundraising projects and volunteering for both The American Cancer Society and The American Heart Association and supports numerous similar causes.
Janie De Leon-Male, M.S.S., LSW - Director of
Care Coordination and New Business Development
As the Director of Care Coordination for the Elder Law Offices of Jerold E. Rothkoff, Janie brings a variety of experiences to her new position. She most recently graduated from the Bryn Mawr Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research with her Masters in Social Service. While pursuing her masters degree, Janie focused her efforts on empowering and advocating for her elderly clients with the Senior Services Department of Jewish Family and Children's Service of Southern New Jersey, and the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging.
Prior to pursuing her interests in gerontology, Janie obtained a business degree from St. Joseph's University and was accepted into The Vanguard Group's first-ever Acceleration Into Management program. During her four years at St. Joe's, Janie expanded her repertoire to include several internships and field producing experiences with Philadelphia's WB-17, FOX Philadelphia, and the FOX News Channel in New York.
When not in the office, Janie helps to organize and host events for the Filipino-American Association of South Jersey. In addition, she enjoys spending time with her husband (Romo), parents (Josefito and Belen), sister and brother-in-law (Joyce and Richard), traveling to Europe and Asia, and strolling down the boardwalk at the Jersey Shore.
Joanne Solometo - Legal Assistant
Caring and compassion are key ingredients to being an effective legal assistant. Our clients and their families are our first concern.
Joanne comes to us with a wealth of personal experience in dealing with the elderly and their families. As a caregiver to elderly parents and family members, she know the importance of a sympathic ear and positive attitude.
Joanne, her husband and their three children live in Cherry Hill. Outside the office Joanne is a crossing Guard for the Cherry Hill Police Department and an active member of her church.
Yona Beller - Receptionist
Yona is the front office receptionist, and our clients and their families are her first priority. She enjoys helping our clients with their questions, setting appointments and nurturing them. She has assisted in creating an office that feels like home, where clients are greeted with a smile and genuine warmth.
Yona graduated with a degree in Business Sciences. Her first job placement was with Columbia Records division of CBS New York, a very exciting and fast-paced job, which allotted her the opportunity to meet ‘famous’ musicians and bands. After a few years, Yona began seeking a venue to 'help people' in a more personal way. She studied and was certified in Exercise Physiology, Basic Nutrition and Behavior Modification and developed a fulfilling career in the health spa industry that lasted 17 years.
Yona was born in the newly established Israel in 1951. The family moved to England, 1960, and chose to continue on to America in 1961.
Yona completed the seven-year study of the Kabala, an ancient mysticism, in 1998 and participated in an ontological study, The Forum, with Landmark Education. Yona is also a certified Feng Shui Consultant.
Recently, Yona experienced the management of selecting, arranging and transporting her in-laws to a Cherry Hill assisted living dwelling.
Yona's life experiences have enhanced her intuitive skills in determining people's emotional and environmental needs. Her commitment to helping people is what Yona contributes to our practice.
Jennifer R. Cohen, M.S.S., LSW - Geriatric Care Coordinator
Jennifer earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business from Temple University. She then enjoyed designing and implementing adult education and managing a team of volunteer trainers for the Girl Scouts of Greater Philadelphia. During two of those summers she was lucky enough to leave the office and manage a day camp for girls ages 6-12. Following a family tradition of community service, Jennifer decided to return to school in order to obtain a Master’s Degree in social work. Jennifer and two of her sisters have earned their MSS from the Bryn Mawr College Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research.
Jennifer’s past employment includes working one on one with patients suffering from traumatic brain injury, memory loss and dementia at the Community Skills Program of Counseling and Rehabilitation of New Jersey. She also assisted older adults as a geriatric social worker and spent many years building families in the field of adoption at Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Southern New Jersey. In addition, for the past 8 years Jennifer has conducted neuropsychological testing for Behavioral Medical Associates.
Born and raised in Philadelphia, Jennifer loves water ice, soft pretzels and the Philadelphia Phillies. She has recently moved to Cherry Hill, NJ with her husband, Joel, sons, Harry and Daniel and their puppy, Joy. In her spare time Jennifer loves to read, travel, and go hiking with her family.
Susan Goldfinger Bilker, LCSW, ACSW, CCM, GCM - Geriatric Care Coordinator
Susan has dedicated her professional career in working with individuals, family and staff in the medical, geriatric, physical rehabilitation, sub-acute nursing, in-home and family service arenas. After receiving her Bachelor of Social Work Degree from The Pennsylvania State University, she was accepted to and graduated from the advanced standing Master of Social Work program at Temple University. During her over 28 years of experience, Susan obtained certifications in care management, and geriatric care management, and is a long-time member of the Academy of Certified Social Workers.
Susan was most recently Director of Senior Services at Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Greater Philadelphia where she was responsible for client programs, staff development; marketing, grant management and daily operations of the senior services program.
Susan strongly believes that at any age and any circumstance in the journey of life, we have a chance to make a difference, create memories and leave a legacy. She works with individuals to help recognize their strengths, even during challenging times. She has also mentored her many staff over the years to incorporate a strength-based philosophy into their practice.
Susan and her daughter live in Jamison, Pennsylvania with an elderly rescued Shih-Tzu. Susan loves to travel with family, and Aruba is one of her favorite winter get-away destinations. She is an avid reader and a talented knitter. Susan pursued her certification as a Knitting Instructor so she can share her love of knitting and addiction to yarn with others.
Elizabeth A. Baker - Paralegal
As a Paralegal working closely with Attorney Jerold E. Rothkoff, Elizabeth brings strong organizational skills and a dedicated work ethic with her to the firm. She has spent several years working in the Elder Law field here in New Jersey and has extensive experience in dealing with the elderly and their families.
Prior to moving back to New Jersey in 1995, Elizabeth lived in Bradenton, Florida and worked as an on-air announcer for WBRD/WDUV where working with the public came naturally.
Elizabeth is a graduate of Rutgers University in Camden, New Jersey with a BA in Criminal Justice and a Minor in Anthropology.
In her free time, Elizabeth enjoys spending time on Long Beach Island with her father, sister, daughter and granddaughter.
Rita Susan Lyons - Public Benefits Specialist
Rita brings over thirty years of legal experience to the firm and spent the last twelve years working in the estates and trusts fields. Her focus at the Law Offices of Jerold E. Rothkoff is primarily on Medicaid benefits and guardianships, working to help our clients and their loved ones obtain the best care available.
Her natural empathy and personal experience mesh together to assure the elderly and their families that their needs are cared for. As a member of the National Association of Legal Assistants, Rita exhibits professionalism in every facet of her career.
Rita spends her free time creating hand-made greeting cards, watching baseball and ice hockey with her husband, Rick, and spoiling their five grandchildren. She loves computers, puns and all manner of word puzzles.
911 Kings Highway South - Cherry Hill, NJ 08034 - (856) 616-2923
1617 John F. Kennedy Blvd. - Suite 1150 - Philadelphia, PA 19103 - (215) 546-5800
Three Neshaminy Interplex - Suite 301 - Trevose, PA 19053 - (215) 546-5800
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