Having the right legal guidance and protection at your side is not something to take for granted—especially when it comes to the many facets involved in operating a business, large or small. That was the inspiration behind developing our inaugural list of legal experts who can be called upon to answer the tough questions—from contract and environmental law to workers’ compensation and tax dispute. To formulate the list, we turned to you—their peers—who spent three months voting, submitting hundreds of names. Following the selection process, we present to you more than 100 names in 30 categories—the names that you can trust to be the Best Attorneys in Business.
Banking & Financial Services
Susan E. Bacso
Mount Laurel
(856) 985-4027
Thomas A. Clark
Mount Laurel
(856) 914-2095
William J. Weber Jr.
Moorestown
(856) 780-3800
Walter Weir Jr.
Cherry Hill
(856) 740-1490
Bankruptcy and Creditor Rights
Christie Callahan Comeford
Cherry Hill
(856) 675-1900
Gene Mariano
Mount Laurel
(856) 985-4079
Scott M. Zauber
Atlantic City
(609) 347-7000
Hamilton
(609) 838-9231
Marlton
(856) 985-3086
Business & Banking Litigation
Richard D. Gallucci Jr.
Sewell
(856) 232-1600
Steven Kudatzky
Marlton
(856) 988-3131
William A. Nash
Blackwood
(856) 228-2206
Jennifer Hiller Nimeroff
Cherry Hill
(856) 740-1490
Frank Suglia
Sewell
(856) 232-1600
Business & Tax
Vincent T. Cieslik
Mount Laurel
(856) 813-4144
Frank Lauletta
Sewell
(856) 232-1600
Kenneth M. Morgan
Marlton
(856) 355-2900
Charity/Nonprofit Law
Frances McElhill
Haddonfield
(856) 795-2121
Karen A. McGuinness
Westmont
(856) 854-8900
Class Action
Michael Galpern
Cherry Hill
(856) 663-8200
Lisa J. Rodriguez
Cherry Hill
(856) 482-5741
Laura D. Ruccolo
Mount Laurel
(856) 914-2084
Collection Services – Commercial
Richard S. Hoffman Jr.
Franklinville
(856) 694-0306
Turnersville
(856) 637-3000
Woodbury
(856) 381-4837
Robert Saldutti
Cherry Hill
(856) 779-0300
Commercial Litigation
Steven E. Angstreich
Cherry Hill
(856) 740-1490
Megan Knowlton Balne
Marlton
(856) 355-2900
David R. Dahan
Mount Laurel
(856) 985-4089
Stephen J. DeFeo
Westmont
(856) 854-8900
Ron Graziano
Cherry Hill
(856) 324-4386
Gregory Lomax
Sewell
(856) 232-1600
Construction Law
Ernest L. Alvino
Franklinville
(856) 694-0306
Turnersville
(856) 637-3000
Woodbury
(856) 381-4837
Jeanne Schubert Barnum
Cherry Hill
(856) 482-5728
Andrew B. Cohen
Mount Laurel
(856) 795-6700
William Ryan
Haddonfield
(856) 795-2121
Mark A. Schiavo
Cherry Hill
(856) 675-1959
Contract Law
Sean X. Kelly
Pennsauken
(856) 663-4300
Julie LaVan
Moorestown
(856) 235-4079
Betsy G. Ramos
Mount Laurel
(856) 914-2052
Alan A. Reuter
Blackwood
(856) 228-2206
Consumer Protection Law
Lakshmi Roberta Roy
Moorestown
(856) 642-6445
Gregg A. Shivers
Cherry Hill
(856) 616-8080
Corporation Law
Matthew Azoulay
Cherry Hill
(856) 675-1957
Lloyd Birnbaum
Sewell
(856) 232-1600
Jeffrey S. Brenner
Mount Laurel
(856) 795-6700
Terence Fox
Haddonfield
(856) 795-2121
William Tobolsky
Willingboro
(856) 428-5700
Cyber Liability/Internet/Computer Law
Deborah Hays
Haddonfield
(856) 795-2121
Barry Kitain
Sewell
(856) 232-1600
Environmental Law
Robert S. Baranowski Jr.
Marlton
(856) 355-2900
Rodd W. Bender
Cherry Hill
(856) 317-1299
Joseph T. Carney
Westmont
(856) 854-8900
Robert D. Fox
Cherry Hill
(856) 317-1299
Christopher Gibson
Haddonfield
(856) 795-2121
Gaming
Eric D. Frank
Cherry Hill
(856) 874-4227
Stephen D. Schrier
Princeton
(609) 750-2654
Health Care Administration
Daniel J. Barrison
Moorestown
(856) 661-2075
Sheila Mints
Mount Laurel
(856) 985-4025
Nikitas Moustakas
Mount Laurel
(856) 813-4146
Steven G. Wolschina
Woodbury
(856) 812-8900
Insurance – Commercial
J. Brooks DiDonato
Mount Laurel
(856) 985-4047
Christopher P. Lagay
Moorestown
(856) 780-3800
Zachary L. Grayson
Mount Laurel
(856) 795-6700
Intellectual Property
Y. Jae Kim
Voorhees
(856) 520-8991
Rob McKinley
Sewell
(856) 232-1600
Mark Sever
Haddonfield
(856) 795-2121
Labor & Employment
Elizabeth Garcia
Mount Laurel
(856) 985-4038
Adam E. Gersh
Cherry Hill
(856) 382-2246
Harris Neal Feldman
Cherry Hill
(856) 482-5734
Christine P. O’Hearn
Westmont
(856) 854-8900
Lora Stravropolsky
Moorestown
(856) 662-0700
Michael J. Wietrzychowski
Cherry Hill
(856) 482-5723
Malpractice
Christopher J. Hoare
Mount Laurel
(856) 234-6800
Richard J. Hollawell
Marlton
(856) 778-5500
Michael D. Lindner Jr.
Pitman
(856) 956-5650
Patent/Copyright
Anthony J. DiMarino III
Woodbury
(856) 853-0055
Gregory Winsky
Haddonfield
(856) 795-2121
Products Liability
Stephen J. Alexander
Mount Laurel
(856) 914-2058
William O’Kane
Haddonfield
(856) 795-2121
John “Jake” Van Dyken
Cherry Hill
(856) 616-0700
Professional Liability
Peter S. Bejsiuk
Mount Laurel
(856) 914-2057
John Maucher
Cherry Hill
(856) 616-0700
Michael S. Mikulski II
Moorestown
(856) 780-3800
Public Finance
Thomas J. Hastie Jr.
Trenton
(856) 914-2043
Philip A. Norcross
Mount Laurel
(856) 985-4021
David Weinstein
Haddonfield
(856) 795-2121
Real Estate & Land Use
Mark P. Asselta
Westmont
(856) 854-8900
Louis Cappelli Jr.
Cherry Hill
(856) 853-5530
John P. Ciocco
Franklinville
(856) 694-0306
Turnersville
(856) 637-3000
Woodbury
(856) 381-4837
Kevin J. DiMedio
Mount Laurel
(856) 778-8950
Rhonda R. Feld
Moorestown
(856) 662-0700
Kevin D. Sheehan
Mount Laurel
(856) 985-4020
Regulatory and Governmental Affairs
Richard Mroz
Trenton
(609) 310-4000
Richard J. Van Wagner
Trenton
(609) 989-5042
Social Security Law
Zachary E. Danner
Blackwood
(856) 228-2206
Robert Petruzzelli
Cherry Hill
(856) 429-5661
Tax Dispute and Resolution
Thomas D. Begley III
Mount Laurel
(856) 914-2085
Mitchell T. Grayson
Mount Laurel
(856) 795-6700
Gordon Moore
Haddonfield
(856) 795-2121
Todd S. Unger
Mount Laurel
(877) 544-4743
Transportation
Laurence T. Bennett
Mount Laurel
(856) 667-9111
John K. Fiorilla
Mount Laurel
(856) 234-6800
Workers’ Compensation
Joseph F. Bouvier
Swedesboro
(856) 241-9779
Ted Brennan
Cherry Hill
(856) 853-5530
Kenneth A. DiMuzio
Franklinville
(856) 694-0306
Turnersville
(856) 637-3000
Woodbury
(856) 381-4837
Stephen T. Fannon
Mount Laurel
(856) 914-2065
Jeffrey D. Newby
Mount Laurel
(856) 667-9111
Rhonda R. Feld, Real Estate & Land Use
Sherman, Silverstein, Kohl, Rose & Podolsky, P.A.
The Draw: On the transactional side, I enjoy the art of making the deal. Practicing law is more enjoyable when people work together to reach a common goal. On the land use side, it’s exciting to see a project through from the ground up.
Greatest Personal Achievement: Hands down, raising my two boys is my greatest personal achievement. You can study how to practice law, but with kids, it’s truly trial and error—but the rewards are awesome.
Free Advice: Practicing law has changed dramatically in the 30 years since I started. Continue to challenge yourself to stay interested and enthusiastic. Defy technology sometimes and pick up the phone or walk into your colleague’s office. Human connections are still important.
Past Honors: In 2005, I was named among the top 50 female New Jersey Super Lawyers and have received the New Jersey Super Lawyer designation among all New Jersey Lawyers several times. I received the “AV” pre-eminent peer review rating from Martindale- Hubbell.
During Off Hours: Off hours? Do they really exist today? All kidding aside, I enjoy reading, food, exercise and travel, especially in foreign countries. I love to hear different languages.
Charitable Work: I serve on the Burlington County College Foundation Board and on the Jewish Senior Housing and Healthcare Service Board. Helping students and seniors allows me to serve two different populations that are both very important to me.
Greatest Professional Achievement: Being elected to our firm’s Management Committee has been very rewarding. It feels good to get the support of your colleagues and it continuously exposes me to new issues. It also sharpens your problem solving and people skills.
Eric D. Frank, Gaming
Duane Morris LLP
The Draw: The Duane Morris Gaming Team. When I started my career, I was given the unique opportunity to work with some of the best gaming lawyers in the country. After several years working with this team, I’m proud to say I’m one of those rare professionals that likes his job and who he works with.
Charitable Work: I sit on the Board of the Latin American Economic Development Association, a nonprofit business incubator in the city of Camden helping local entrepreneurs get their businesses off the ground.
Greatest Personal Achievement: Two years ago, I helped my uncle obtain his U.S. citizenship. My family has always been there for me and supported me. This was a special way for me to give back.
Past Honors: This is going back some time. In 2000, I was honored on the floor of the Michigan Senate. During undergrad at the University of Michigan (Go Blue!), I worked part time for a Michigan state senator, who honored me for my service on the senate floor, leading to a standing ovation from the entire delegation. A political junkie at heart, it was an extraordinary moment for me.
During Off Hours: My wife, Meredith, and my 9-month-old son, Brady, keep me very busy on my “off” hours (especially on the night shift). Coming home to them is my favorite part of the day.
Greatest Professional Achievement: The positive outcomes on several pro bono matters I have handled give me the greatest satisfaction. For example, I helped three hard-working, dedicated immigrants obtain United States citizenship and assisted an elderly woman (with a difficult past) navigate incredible levels of red tape to establish her identity.
Memorable Case: My team served as regulatory counsel in the recent closing of the Atlantic Club in Atlantic City, an unfortunate, yet momentous and rare, event.
Free Advice: If you’re looking for free advice, check out my posts on the Duane Morris Gaming Law Blog: Blogs.DuaneMorris.com/DuaneMorrisGamingLawBlog
Frank Lauletta, Business & Tax
Lauletta Birnbaum, LLC
During Off Hours: My wife and I spend most of our off hours with our three children at their sporting events, but as a family we also enjoy outdoor activities such as snowboarding, biking and hiking, and enjoy spending time in and around Park City, Utah, a few times a year.
Charitable Work: I am on the board of A Step Towards Hope, Inc., a charitable organization that focuses on helping people with spinal cord injuries, and have recently been asked to join the board of AOK, Inc., which is a charitable organization that focuses on the positive development of children and young adults.
Greatest Professional Achievement: The establishment of a full-service law firm with some of the best attorneys in the area that have come from some of the nation’s largest and most respected law firms. The best thing is that we are based in South Jersey, enabling us to provide prospective clients, as well as lawyers and other employees, an opportunity to work with a high-end law firm without traveling to Philadelphia.
The Draw: I went to law school to become a corporate/business attorney and originally planned to seek an MBA and transition from the practice of law to a permanent executive-level position in a corporation. I previously worked as general counsel for two software companies, including a publicly traded software company in Silicon Valley. Because I enjoy helping companies grow through sophisticated M&A transactions, debt and equity financings and other corporate transactions, I ultimately decided to continue in the practice of law and offer my services to multiple clients in various industries, many of which are in the high-technology space.
Greatest Personal Achievement: My greatest personal achievement has been the marriage to my wife, Maryann, and the wonderful family we created. We have three children ages 12, 11 and 9.
Memorable case: In October 2013, I represented iPipeline, Inc., in the acquisition of Florida-based Aplifi, Inc., which has been iPipeline’s largest acquisition to date. The acquisition helped iPipeline create the largest life and annuities customer base in the insurance industry and propelled iPipeline into an immediate leadership position in the variable and fixed annuities segment of the marketplace. As part of the transaction, we also represented iPipeline in a financial restructuring to help fund the acquisition. Through our firm’s long-standing representation of iPipeline in all aspects of its business, we had a great understanding of not only iPipeline’s and the target’s businesses, but also an understanding of the insurance and annuity industry in general. This knowledge was integral to closing this deal and has remained important as various new customers acquired through the transaction (such as major insurance carriers and financial institutions) continue to be integrated into the iPipeline network.
Free Advice: Aside from the obvious keys to a successful representation such as reliability and the delivery of the highest quality work product, some great advice I received early on in my career was a recommendation to distinguish myself from the many other competent and qualified corporate attorneys in the market. As a result, in 1996 I decided to focus my expertise in the burgeoning technology space and this advice helped me to gain recognition as an industry expert in the technology field on a national basis.
Sheila Mints, Health Care Administration
Parker McCay
Charitable Work: I provide legal services on a voluntary basis to a number of charitable organizations, including not-for-profit medical societies. I assist these organizations in matters relating to the legal aspects of their day-to-day operations, governance and tax-exempt status.
Past Honors: I received the Humanitarian Award from Sharing Village Cancer Survivor Groups in 2008 for the volunteer legal services I provided to that organization.
Greatest Professional Achievement: I am proud of the excellent legal services I provide to my clients. My clients know that I always have their best interests at heart and work tirelessly to protect those interests.
The Draw: The business of medicine is very complex, affected by transactional, tax and regulatory issues. I have physicians among my friends and family and have seen how difficult it has been for them to keep their practices viable given the regulatory environment that they have to deal with on a daily basis.
During Off Hours: I like to travel, read, cook and spend time with family and friends.
Greatest Personal Achievement: My wonderful son.
Memorable case: I was asked to assist a medical practice client whose long-time office manager had embezzled large sums of money from them over the period of a number of years. This caused my client to incur tax consequences dating back several years, which had an impact not only on the practice but also on the individual members of the practice. I was able to assist them in resolving all of these issues successfully with the IRS.
Free Advice: Any physician or medical entity needing legal services should be sure to have an attorney who is experienced and an expert in health care matters.
William A. Nash, Business & Banking Litigation
Nash Law Firm
The Draw: I come from a strong business background and I therefore have a unique appreciation of the day-to-day issues most businesses face. I enjoy establishing a confidence level with clients that allows them to discuss important decisions with me while I strive to assist them in the protection and growth of their businesses.
During Off Hours: I follow the Flyers and Villanova basketball, but I also enjoy gourmet cooking and good wine.
Memorable Case: I represented a business owner whose shopping center uses a private septic system. One day, a tractor-trailer ran over the septic system, destroying it. … I was floored when the defendant’s carrier denied liability. ... I tried very hard to convince the adjuster that she was being unreasonable but I was told “See you in court.” I tried the case before a jury while the adjuster sat in on the trial. When the jury returned a significant verdict in favor of my client, the adjuster’s jaw dropped. It was a reaffirmation that being unreasonable is never a good thing.
Charitable Work: I am pleased to be able to serve as a trustee with the Gloucester County Bar Foundation, which is the charitable arm of the Gloucester County Bar Association. This organization is comprised of local attorneys and non-attorney community leaders who donate their valuable time to do good things for the community. Over the years, we have funded many worthy causes, such as providing scholarships for high school students pursuing a college degree. I am also the official photographer for the foundation and I cover such worthy events as the foundation’s Annual Breakfast with Santa, which is an event where gifts are provided to children in the community who are in need.
Greatest Professional Achievement: I had the opportunity eight years ago to start a law practice with my experience gained as a lawyer and in life. Since then, Nash Law Firm has been able to assist many clients with their legal needs in a variety of areas. The firm has also been able to mentor younger legal professionals in their career paths. This has brought a great degree of personal and professional satisfaction. I look forward to growing the practice further in the coming years.
Free Advice: Consult with counsel even when there is uncertainty about whether legal representation is needed or could be helpful. Attorneys are trained to be issue spotters and problem solvers, both before and after the fact. However, potential clients cannot be helped unless they first reach out.
Past Honors: I am a certified mediator and an arbitrator for personal injury matters and a panelist on matrimonial matters. I was particularly honored to have been selected early in my career to serve as a law clerk for a brilliant New Jersey Superior Court judge whose wisdom and insight have always been a source of inspiration.
Jeffrey D. Newby, Workers’ Compensation
Weber Gallagher Simpson Stapleton Fires & Newby, LLP
Past Honors: Selected to the College of Workers’ Compensation attorneys, a national organization for those practicing in the field for more than 20 years who have made their mark. Also AV rated in Martindale-Hubbell and selected as a Super Lawyer and Best Lawyer since 2009.
Memorable case: Defeating the claim on an injured worker claiming total disability after a bank robbery when the authorized treating psychiatrist for my client found him totally disabled. Cross examining the psychiatrist and convincing the judge he had lost all objectivity was very satisfying.
Greatest Personal Achievement: Besides somehow convincing my wife of 24 years, Marie, to marry me, bowling and bench-pressing 300 in the same year.
The Draw: Workers’ compensation gave me the opportunity to be in the courtroom with testimony and litigation, but without the paper trail that goes with other areas of litigation. The need to take testimony in a case that was just filed since the issues may be emergent makes the practice more time sensitive and carries with it more immediate results.
During Off Hours: I work out a lot to work off stress and cheat aging as best I can. I watch my son play lacrosse. I love attending sporting events and getting out to Notre Dame to see my alma mater’s campus and take in football, hockey, whatever is going on in South Bend.
Charitable Work: I’ve attended charity events that the South Jersey Club of Notre Dame sponsors and also have had my family participate in the Adopt a Family for Christmas. I’ve represented Red Cross for over 20 years and donate whenever I can.
Greatest Professional Achievement: It’s a tie between arguing before the Pennsylvania Supreme Court and appearing before the New Jersey Senate Labor Committee to testify about key changes in our statute.
Free Advice: Take care of your health. Without it, nothing else matters. With it, you can be a positive influence on all of those around you. If you meant free legal advice, I would say let common sense guide you in your decisions. It is usually the right answer.
Christine P. O’Hearn, Labor & Employment
Brown & Connery, LLP
The Draw: I enjoy assisting employers in resolving their labor and employment issues. Every case is interesting and different and it’s a continually evolving area of the law.
Past Honors: I am a Certified Civil Trial Attorney by the New Jersey Supreme Court since 2007. I was named as one of the “Top 40 Attorneys under 40” by the New Jersey Law Journal in 2002 and 2004, and was recently named a Fellow of the American College of Trial Attorneys in 2013.
During Off Hours: Now that I am an empty nester, with my twins out of the house and at college, I enjoy a lot more free time than ever before. I enjoy working out at my local gym, and spending time with my husband and our dog at our summer home on Long Beach Island.
Greatest Professional Achievement: My greatest professional achievement is becoming a successful female partner and trial attorney at Brown & Connery, LLP and spending my entire 22 years of practice at the firm.
Charitable Work: Each year for the past 10 years or so, our family has made it a tradition to participate in the Camden County Bar Association’s Adopt a Family Program at Christmas. I thought it was a great way to show my children how important it is to give back to those less fortunate than yourself. We often spend and give away more to our Adopt a Family than our own family. I also participate in charitable events supported by the firm.
Greatest Personal Achievement: My greatest personal achievement I hope is yet to be seen in how my two children grow and evolve into young adults.
Memorable case: This is a difficult judgment to make, but if I had to pick one, my most memorable case was achieving a $1 million jury verdict in favor of a female employee who was wrongfully terminated in a case that we had to try twice.
Free Advice: Be prepared. Always be prepared. Never go to court, a deposition or any client or firm meeting without being prepared. No matter how simple the matter, others will know if you are not prepared. Of course, they will also know and remember you for not having been prepared.
Betsy G. Ramos, Contract Law
Capehart Scatchard
Memorable Case: Defending two employees in a very contentious breach of noncompete agreement and misappropriation of trade secrets case; I was able to keep the company in business while the litigation was ongoing. The case finally settled during the trial and, 10 years later, it was so successful, it sold for seven figures.
During Off Hours: What are off hours? When I have some, I enjoy birding and gardening.
Free Advice: Don’t try to be your own attorney; seeking professional advice can save you much expense and aggravation down the road.
The Draw: I enjoy negotiations.
Honors: Named a “Super Lawyer” and also honored by her temple as Member of the Year for her contributions as president.
Charitable Work: CONTACT of Burlington County, YMCA of Burlington and Camden Counties, and Temple B’Nai Abraham
Greatest Professional Achievement: While no single matter would qualify as such, being a lawyer at the same firm for the past 30 years is a great achievement.
Greatest Personal Achievement: It’s probably a cliché but I would say producing three terrific kids.
David Weinstein, Public Finance
Archer & Greiner P.C.
Memorable case: During the credit crisis in 2008, I represented an issuer that provides loans to low/moderate-income housing developers, by issuing bonds. There was a pent-up need for the loans to be made, but the credit/financial markets were in disarray, making access to the credit markets difficult. We were able to come up with a unique structure to permit the client to issue the bonds and provide the loans, which ultimately permitted the low and moderate income housing to be constructed.
During Off Hours: I spend most of my non-working time being with my family and enjoying their company. I will take some time for myself to go for a run or play a pickup game of soccer.
Free Advice: Always remember that you are not the smartest person in the room or the most talented, but you do know how to find the answer and fix the problem. Self-confidence is important, but humility is required.
The Draw: I commenced my legal career thinking I would be in real estate and land use. A few weeks before I was to start, I received a call saying that the firm was going to assign me to the Public Finance department. I had no idea what public finance was at the time, but said OK and I quickly bought some books, began to read about this area of law and have been doing it ever since.
Past Honors: While the awards and achievements I have received for my professional career have been rewarding, the most enjoyable award I received was from the kids I coach in soccer telling me how much they love playing the game.
Charitable Work: Moorestown Township Board of Education; Burlington County Democratic Committee; Development Committee for Samaritan Hospice; and Board of Trustees for the Moorestown Theater Company
Greatest Professional Achievement: I cannot think of a greatest professional achievement, as I do not view what I do as special or unique. I see my daily service as giving guidance and advice to those who need it. If I had to sum it up, I would say being fortunate enough to have enjoyed practicing for almost 15 years.
Greatest Personal Achievement: I have several, all related: the day I married my wife, Susan and the day each of my three children were born.
Published (and copyrighted) in South Jersey Biz, Volume 4, Issue 5 (May, 2014).
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