Sea Girt  (732) 974-8898         Middletown  (732) 706-8008

About John Callinan

John Callinan provides his clients with the assurance that when they retain him, they retain a CELA lawyer who is familiar with Medicaid planning, guardianship law, probate law, and Wills & Trusts. He has been a dedicated advocate for seniors and their families for over 30 years.

John Callinan

John Callinan is a Certified Elder Law Attorney, certified by the National Elder Law Foundation as accredited by the American Bar Association. John was graduated from Rutgers University in 1990 with a B.A. in psychology. In 1993, John was graduated from Rutgers School of Law-Camden from which he received his Juris Doctor with Honors.

John is admitted to practice law in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. He is also admitted to practice before the New Jersey federal district courts and the United States Court of Appeal for the Third Circuit.

John clerked for the Honorable Patricia Del Bueno Cleary, P.J.Ch. He has concentrated his practice in elder law since 2000.

Support Staff

Beth Callinan, Office Manager
848-299-5663

Paula Fama, Medicaid Specialist
848-299-5664

Heidi Tallman,  Paralegal & Scheduling
848-299-5665

Julie Valvano, Paralegal & Scheduling
848-480-0777

John was a member of the Council of Advanced Practitioners (CAP) of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA). CAP membership is limited to those NAELA members who have been members of NAELA for 10 years or more, who have a Martindale-Hubbell rating of AV, and who are Certified Elder Law Attorneys. Membership in CAP is by invitation only and is designed to recognize those members of NAELA who are perceived to be innovators in the field of elder law and instrumental to the future of elder law. John was the Chair of the Litigation Committee of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, the committee responsible for deciding whether or not NAELA will participate in particular litigation throughout the United States.

John is the past Chairman of the Elder Law Section of the New Jersey State Bar Association’s Elder and Disability Law Section.

In 2014, 2015, and 2025, in addition to receiving a Super Law Award in the practice of Elder Law, John was named a Top 100 Lawyer in the State of New Jersey by Super Lawyers. To date, John has received a Super Lawyer Award in the practice of Elder Law in 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025. In 2010, John’s peers voted him to be the Most Outstanding Member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, New Jersey Chapter. John has received a Martindale-Hubbell rating AV, which is the preeminent peer rating.¹

John is a recipient of the New Jersey State Bar Association, Elder and Disability Law Section’s, Distinguished Service Award. The Distinguished Service Award is made in recognition and appreciation for outstanding advocacy and service to New Jersey’s seniors, those with disabilities, and the legal profession. There are only a handful of elder law attorneys who have ever received this award.

John is the author of the leading book on the subject of elder law in the state of New Jersey, entitled New Jersey Elder Law: A Resource and Planning Guide. John’s book is published by American Law Media, the publisher of the New Jersey Law Journal. He frequently lecturers on topics of elder law to the general public and professionals.

Support Staff

Beth Callinan, Office Manager: 848-299-5663

Paula Fama, Medicaid Specialist: 848-299-5664

Heidi Tallman,  Paralegal & Scheduling: 848-299-5665

Julie Valvano, Paralegal & Scheduling: 848-480-0777

Awards and Honors

View the profile of New Jersey Elder Law Attorney John W. Callinan

Top 100 lawyer in the State of New Jersey 2014, 2015 & 2025

Super Lawyers

View the profile of New Jersey Elder Law Attorney John W. Callinan

2010 Most Outstanding Member

New Jersey Chapter of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorney

View the profile of New Jersey Elder Law Attorney John W. Callinan

Member

Council of Advanced Practitioners of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys

View the profile of New Jersey Elder Law Attorney John W. Callinan

Distinguished Service Award

NJ State Bar Association Elder and Disability Law Section

View the profile of New Jersey Elder Law Attorney John W. Callinan

Super Lawyer Award in Elder Law

2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025.

To schedule a consultation with the Law Offices of John W. Callinan, call our office closest to you:
Sea Girt  (732) 974-8898         Middletown  (732) 706-8008

Client Testimonials

Average Rating:
5.0
Total Number of Reviews:
133
 
  • June 8, 2026
    Vincent T
    Great experience. John and his staff are wonderful to deal with. Paula in particular is outstanding. She is extremely knowledgeable and when I have questions she is always there to answer them. Great customer service.
  • May 27, 2026
    Pat O
    We found John Callinan’s practice to be professional, knowledgeable, and very accommodating to our questions, which was greatly appreciated.
  • May 7, 2026
    Patricia D.
    Outstanding legal service. John and his staff provided professional and knowledgeable support as I navigated the complex Medicaid process, especially Paula Fama. Paula was there every step of the way. She communicated clear and concise information, and was always available to answer my many questions. Paula was compassionate and always treated me with respect. Her knowledge of the Medicaid process is amazing and I would have never been able to complete this process without her.
    Law Offices of John W. Callinan
    Glad to help you. Any questions, please contact us.
  • March 25, 2026
    Melissa H
    Paula is a tremendous asset and a pleasure to work with considering her wealth of knowledge for the approval process.
    Law Offices of John W. Callinan
    Thank you for your kind words.
  • February 13, 2026
    Linda W.
    John came highly recommended to us from our friend and neighbor. He and his staff did exceptional work on behalf of my sister. They prepared needed legal documents for her and brought them to the skilled nursing facility for her to sign. John’s firm also helped with my sister’s Medicaid application and helped us secure these services for her continued long term care. Kudos to Paula for always being available to answer our questions and provide us with guidance throughout the process. Your help was invaluable during a difficult time. Thank you.
    Law Offices of John W. Callinan
    thank you. happy to help
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