New jersey's most powerful law firms - politicker - PolitickerNJ.com
New jersey's most powerful law firms - politicker - PolitickerNJ.com
New jersey's most powerful law firms - politicker - PolitickerNJ.com
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<strong>New</strong> Jersey’s<br />
Most Powerful<br />
Law Firms<br />
The <strong>PolitickerNJ</strong>.<strong>com</strong> list of the state’s MOST POWERFUL<br />
LAW FIRMS identifies the <strong>law</strong> <strong>firms</strong> in the state that carry the<br />
<strong>most</strong> political power – the <strong>most</strong> sway over the business of government<br />
and politics. We looked for the <strong>firms</strong> with the <strong>com</strong>bination<br />
of political influence, marquee names, and access to<br />
1 Weiner Lesniak<br />
If Lyndon Johnson was an attorney operating<br />
a <strong>law</strong> practice in Texas while he was Senate<br />
Majority Leader, the firm would have<br />
had the same kind of clout Weiner Lesniak<br />
has now in <strong>New</strong><br />
Jersey. The firm<br />
belongs to State<br />
Senator Raymond<br />
Lesniak, a 31-year<br />
veteran of the Legislature<br />
and one of<br />
the state’s <strong>most</strong><br />
<strong>powerful</strong> elected<br />
officials and party<br />
leaders. Weiner Lesniak’s<br />
political clout<br />
extends into county<br />
and municipal governments<br />
in North<br />
and South Jersey.<br />
State Sen. Raymond<br />
Lesniak (D-Union) is a<br />
partner at <strong>New</strong> Jersey’s<br />
Most Powerful Law Firm,<br />
Weiner Lesniak<br />
2 Riker Danzig Scherer<br />
Hyland & Perretti LLP<br />
Riker Danzig is the old-reliable of politically<br />
active <strong>firms</strong>, <strong>com</strong>bining a traditional<br />
<strong>law</strong> practice with a lobbying organization<br />
that on its own is one of the biggest State<br />
Street influencers. They do well with Democrats<br />
and Republicans. Riker Danzig’s<br />
governmental affairs department includes<br />
former Supreme Court Justices Stewart<br />
Pollock and Sidney Schreiber, former tenterm<br />
Congressman Bill Hughes, Mercer<br />
County Counsel Art Sypek, and legislative<br />
veteran John Kohler.<br />
3 DeCotiis, FitzPatrick,<br />
Cole & Wisler, LLP<br />
It’s hard to deny their sheer influence<br />
throughout every branch, level and agency<br />
of <strong>New</strong> Jersey politics. Al DeCotiis (Clinton<br />
fundraiser), Michael Cole (Gov. Kean Chief<br />
Counsel) and a ton of other <strong>law</strong>yers in their<br />
firm speak to everyone in <strong>New</strong> Jersey, from<br />
statewide elected officials to a ton of Mayors<br />
and Councilmen, and they know how to<br />
raise money for their friends.<br />
4 Parker McCay P.A.<br />
The go-to firm in South Jersey is headed by<br />
Phil Norcross (the brother of South Jersey<br />
Democratic powerhouse George Norcross)<br />
and John Gillespie (the brother of White<br />
House political advisor and former GOP<br />
National Chairman Ed Gillespie).<br />
5 Scarinci & Hollenbeck, LLC<br />
With key partners Joe Ferriero (the Bergen<br />
County Democratic Chairman) and Donald<br />
Scarinci (the legal powerhouse who helped<br />
draw the Democratic redistricting map), it’s<br />
the go-to firm for North Jersey politics. They<br />
have huge influence in Bergen, Hudson, Essex<br />
and Passaic, and with their new Republican<br />
<strong>law</strong>yers, in Monmouth and Sussex. And<br />
one of the S&H attorneys, Tom Cafferty, is<br />
the libel attorney for The Record.<br />
6 Sills Cummis & Gross P.C.<br />
Hugely influential firm, in North Jersey and<br />
Atlantic City, headed by fundraiser Clive<br />
Cummis, and increasingly, by next generation<br />
power broker Ted Zangari. They have a<br />
presence in state politics and in Atlantic City.<br />
policymakers at different levels of government. These <strong>law</strong>yers<br />
understand how the inside political game is played and how to<br />
get results for their clients. The list will recognize and include<br />
smaller <strong>firms</strong> that play a dominate role in the workings of local<br />
government in different regions of the state.<br />
7 Hill Wallack LLP<br />
The Princeton-based firm – Bob Bacso<br />
runs the <strong>law</strong> practice and Paul Josephson,<br />
Gov. McGreevey’s Chief Counsel, runs the<br />
lobbying show – keeps growing in size and<br />
influence. This may be the firm to watch<br />
over the next few years.<br />
8 Windels Marx Lane &<br />
Mittendorf, LLP<br />
This white shoe <strong>New</strong> York firm has be<strong>com</strong>e<br />
<strong>powerful</strong> in <strong>New</strong> Jersey thanks to<br />
Anthony Coscia, who serves as Chairman<br />
of the Port Authority of <strong>New</strong> York and<br />
<strong>New</strong> Jersey and has be<strong>com</strong>e Windels’<br />
rainmaker extraordinaire.<br />
9 Gibbons P.C.<br />
Large, respected firm with an active government<br />
affairs practice; it’s where James<br />
Zazzali went after retiring as Chief Justice.<br />
Their marquis name is John J. Gibbons, a<br />
former judge of the United States Court of<br />
Appeals for the Third Circuit, who brings<br />
the firm considerable gravitas.<br />
10 Blank Rome LLP<br />
Their <strong>New</strong> Jersey guy is Republican National<br />
Committeeman David Norcross, who<br />
has huge contacts in the White House and<br />
throughout <strong>New</strong> Jersey.
11 Gilmore & Monahan<br />
Ocean County GOP Chairman George Gilmore has political clout<br />
throughout the state, and in Ocean County he dominates.<br />
12 Wolf, Block, Schorr and Solis-Cohen LLP<br />
Major player after acquiring several key <strong>New</strong> Jersey <strong>firms</strong>, including<br />
Brach Eichler; <strong>law</strong>yers include GOP fundraiser Hersh Kozlov and the<br />
well-respected Frank DiGia<strong>com</strong>o.<br />
13 Archer & Greiner<br />
A solid South Jersey firm with loads of local government contact; one<br />
partner is former Camden County Prosecutor/George Norcross friend<br />
Vincent Sarubbi.<br />
14 Walder, Hayden & Brogan P.A.<br />
Politicians in trouble often turn to Joe Hayden and Justin Walder.<br />
15 Brown & Connery, LLP<br />
<strong>New</strong> Jersey office is headed by Bill Tambussi, a politically active South<br />
Jersey <strong>law</strong>yer, and George Norcross’ personal attorney.<br />
<strong>New</strong> Jersey’s<br />
Most Powerful Law Firms<br />
Kozlov_NJPoliticker_Mar08:Layout 1 3/21/2008 11:29 AM Page 1<br />
16 Wilentz, Goldman & Spitzer<br />
Founded by legendary political boss David Wilentz in the 1930’s, the firm<br />
is traditionally a political powerhouse; the go-to firm when McGreevey<br />
was Governor – still important because of well-connected Middlesex<br />
<strong>law</strong>yers, like John Hoffman.<br />
17 Nowell Amoroso Klein Bierman, P.A.<br />
A real political insiders firm run by Republican Henry Amoroso, former Democratic<br />
Congressman Herb Klein, and Obama fundraiser Victor Herlinsky.<br />
18 Florio Perrucci Steinhardt & Fader<br />
Former Governor Jim Florio’s firm, includes Democratic powerhouse<br />
Michael Perrucci, Warren GOP Chairman Doug Steinhardt, and ex-Mc-<br />
Greevey/Codey <strong>law</strong>yer Paul Fader.<br />
19<br />
Trenk, DiPasquale, Webster,<br />
Della Fera & Sodono P.C.<br />
Cory Booker’s old firm, run by Richard Trenk, includes Booker/Jerramiah<br />
Healy friend Elnardo Webster.<br />
Put Your World<br />
in Our Hands<br />
Whether in the statehouse in Trenton or the Capitol in DC, politics and<br />
the rule of <strong>law</strong> play a role in our clients' lives and businesses. And so<br />
we play a role in that arena, utilizing the network of contacts and<br />
connections on both sides of the political aisle gained by our attorneys<br />
and government relations professionals from their years both as<br />
practicing professionals and from prior government service. We are able<br />
to provide legal representation and proactive advocacy on behalf of<br />
corporate, nonprofit, individual and government clients in transactions<br />
where politics, business, regulatory and legal environments intersect.<br />
For more information, please contact:<br />
Hersh Kozlov<br />
1940 Route 70 East, Suite 200<br />
P: 856.874.4201 | E: hkozlov@wolfblock.<strong>com</strong><br />
A Pennsylvania Limited Liability Partnership<br />
WolfBlock Public Strategies, LLC | WolfBlock Government Relations, LP | www.wolfblock.<strong>com</strong><br />
De<strong>law</strong>are | Massachusetts | <strong>New</strong> Jersey | <strong>New</strong> York | Pennsylvania | Washington DC
ATTORNEYS AT LAW<br />
347 MT. PLEASANT AVENUE, SUITE 300<br />
WEST ORANGE, NEW JERSEY 07052<br />
P (973) 243-8600<br />
F (973) 243-8677<br />
www.trenk<strong>law</strong>firm.<strong>com</strong>
20 Krovatin Klingeman LLC<br />
Gerald Krovatin and Henry Klingeman, at the top of their game, represent<br />
allegedly corrupt public officials.<br />
21 Fox Rothschild LLP<br />
With a presence in Atlantic City and Princeton, the firm is now on the<br />
top ten list of <strong>law</strong> firm lobbying revenues in the state. Nicholas Casiello<br />
chairs their gaming <strong>law</strong> practice.<br />
22 Ansell Zaro Grimm & Aaron<br />
Jerry Zaro is a political insider who raises money for a number of Democratic<br />
candidates.<br />
23 Genova, Burns & Vernoia<br />
Named partner Angelo Genova is the top election <strong>law</strong> expert for <strong>New</strong><br />
Jersey Democrats.<br />
24 Capehart & Scatchard, P.A<br />
Burlington GOP boss Glenn Paulsen’s firm.<br />
25 Saiber LLC<br />
The <strong>law</strong>yers for the casino industry; firm includes David Satz, who was<br />
JFK’s U.S. Attorney.<br />
<strong>New</strong> Jersey’s<br />
Most Powerful Law Firms<br />
26 McCarter & English, LLP<br />
<strong>New</strong> Jersey’s oldest <strong>law</strong> firm, their gravitas offers instant credibility<br />
when they deal with politics and government, even though the lack a<br />
big name political player.<br />
27 Wolff and Samson<br />
The firm was politically <strong>powerful</strong> before David Samson left to be<strong>com</strong>e<br />
Attorney General, and has more clout now that he’s back.<br />
28 Stern & Kilcullen<br />
Former Federal Judge/UMDNJ monitor Herbert Stern and former Morris<br />
County Freeholder John Inglesino have a direct line to the U.S. Attorney.<br />
29 Schwartz Simon Edelstein Celso & Kessler, LLC<br />
Their power <strong>com</strong>es from representing a multitude of local school<br />
boards; one partner is Stephen Edelstein, former Counsel to the Democratic<br />
State Committee.<br />
30 Lowenstein Sandler PC<br />
Political clout <strong>com</strong>es from size and quality of representation, but former<br />
Attorney General Zulima Farber is the only marquis name.<br />
A <strong>powerful</strong> <strong>law</strong> firm empowers its attorneys to excel.<br />
S C A R I N C I H O L L E N B E C K<br />
Donald Scarinci, Victor E. Kinon, John M. Scagnelli, Joel R. Glucksman, Theodore A. Schwartz and Thomas J. Cafferty named<br />
<strong>New</strong> Jersey Super Lawyers in 2008.<br />
Sharon L. Weiner recognized by NJBiz as one of <strong>New</strong> Jersey’s Best 50 Women in Business.<br />
Development <strong>New</strong> Jersey magazine called Scarinci Hollenbeck the “Go-To Law Firm for <strong>New</strong> Jersey Redevelopment.”<br />
The Best Lawyers in America named Thomas J. Cafferty to their distinguished group of attorneys who have been listed in Best<br />
Lawyers for more than ten years and the <strong>New</strong> Jersey Press Association recognized him for 35 years of dedication and <strong>com</strong>mitment<br />
to <strong>New</strong> Jersey’s newspaper industry.<br />
Joseph W. Oxley named Sheriff of the Year by the National Sheriff’s Association.<br />
<strong>New</strong> Jersey Super Lawyers named Ramon E. Rivera to their Rising Stars list.<br />
Andrew L. Indeck, Thomas H. Prol and Ramon E. Rivera named to <strong>New</strong> Jersey Law Journal’s 40 Under 40 List.<br />
Lyndhurst Freehold <strong>New</strong> York www.scarincihollenbeck.<strong>com</strong>
31 McManimon & Scotland, L.L.C.<br />
Ed McManimon and Glenn Scotland have made this <strong>New</strong> Jersey’s premier<br />
bond counsel firm.<br />
32 Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP<br />
Huge national firm that used to be <strong>New</strong> Jersey giant Shanley & Fisher; former<br />
Chief Justice Deborah Poritz is there. The firm has no marquis political<br />
players and relies on the <strong>com</strong>petence of the representation it provides.<br />
33 Critchley & Kinum<br />
Mike Critchley isn’t just a famous criminal defense attorney, he’s also a<br />
Democratic fundraiser.<br />
34<br />
Carella, Byrne, Bain, Gilfillan,<br />
Cecchi, Stewart & Olstein<br />
Former Governor Brendan Byrne’s firm, includes longtime partner<br />
(and onetime Chief of Staff) Charlie Carella and ex-Assemblyman<br />
Peter Stewart.<br />
35<br />
Arseneault, Whipple, Farmer, Fassett &<br />
Azzarello, LLP<br />
Jack Arsenault is a Democratic insider and a top criminal defense<br />
GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS<br />
Some affairs are too good<br />
to keep quiet.<br />
Riker Danzig has earned a national reputation for its expertise in governmental affairs,<br />
a significant amount of which involves representation of clients in the legislative and<br />
administrative processes. We regularly develop strategies to advance our clients’<br />
interests. To learn more about how we can help your <strong>com</strong>pany navigate through the<br />
<strong>New</strong> Jersey Legislature and administrative agencies, call us today at 609.396.2121.<br />
A T T O R N E Y S A T L A W<br />
<strong>New</strong> Jersey’s<br />
Most Powerful Law Firms<br />
attorney; John Farmer is a former GOP Attorney General and Acting<br />
Governor.<br />
36<br />
DiFrancesco, Bateman, Coley, Yospin,<br />
Kunzman, Davis & Lehrer, P.C.<br />
Law firm of former Governor Donald DiFrancesco and State Senator<br />
Kip Bateman<br />
37 Bathgate, Wegener & Wolf, P.C.<br />
Larry Bathgate is a national Finance Co-Chairman for John McCain’s<br />
campaign.<br />
38 Stark & Stark<br />
Headed by Albert Stark, enormously <strong>powerful</strong> in Mercer County<br />
39 Sterns & Weinroth<br />
Run by some real veterans of 1960’s <strong>New</strong> Jersey politics, Joel Sterns<br />
and Richard Weinroth, their lobbying operation makes them players.<br />
40 Greenbaum, Rowe, Smith & Davis LLP<br />
Big, respected firm; they also have criminal defense attorney Raymond<br />
Brown.<br />
LEGISLATIVE SERVICES<br />
ADMINISTRATIVE AGENCIES<br />
REGULATORY ISSUES<br />
TRANSPORTATION<br />
HEALTH CARE<br />
BANKING<br />
INSURANCE<br />
PUBLIC UTILITIES<br />
REAL ESTATE<br />
Morristown<br />
973.538.0800<br />
Trenton<br />
609.396.2121<br />
<strong>New</strong> York<br />
212.302.6574<br />
London Affiliate<br />
44.20.7877.3270<br />
info@riker.<strong>com</strong><br />
www.riker.<strong>com</strong>
41<br />
Hoagland Longo Moran Dunst &<br />
Doukas LLP<br />
Large Middlesex County <strong>law</strong> firm; partners include James Kinneally,<br />
who has served as a municipal attorney in several towns.<br />
42 Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP<br />
The <strong>New</strong> York firm has <strong>New</strong> Jersey influence only because of the presence<br />
of Ted Wells, the criminal defense <strong>law</strong>yers politicians like Bob Torricelli<br />
and Eliot Spitzer call when they have a problem.<br />
43 Cooper Levenson April Niedelman & Wagenheim, P.A.<br />
Led by Lloyd Levenson, a former prosecutor-turned-gaming <strong>law</strong><br />
expert, the firm has a strong presence in Atlantic City.<br />
44 Nehmad Perillo & Davis, P.C.<br />
Keith Davis is the Atlantic County GOP Chairman; Sal Perillo, a Democrat,<br />
is the Mayor of Ocean City.<br />
45 Picillo Caruso<br />
Who? A small Essex firm, but State Sen. Kevin O’Toole is a partner.<br />
<strong>New</strong> Jersey’s<br />
Most Powerful Law Firms<br />
46 Pringle Quinn Anzano P.C.<br />
Two political insiders: Belmar Mayor Kenny Pringle and Hopewell Mayor<br />
Paul Anzano.<br />
47 Giordano, Halleran & Ciesla, P.C.<br />
Very influential among Central <strong>New</strong> Jersey political leaders; one partner<br />
is Michael Gross, the Counsel to the <strong>New</strong> Jersey Builders Association.<br />
48 Earp Cohn P.C.<br />
It’s the firm of Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman John Adler.<br />
49 Porzio, Bromberg & <strong>New</strong>man P.C.<br />
Well connected N.J. firm with broad local government contacts ; Counsel<br />
includes a former Supreme Court Justice and former Assembly<br />
Speaker; one partner is land use expert Doug Henshaw.<br />
50 Waters, McPherson, McNeill, P.C<br />
They’ve been longtime players in Jersey City politics; firm includes former<br />
State Sen./Democratic State Chairman James Dugan and insider<br />
Ken McPherson.
David K. Ansell<br />
Richard B. Ansell<br />
Jerold L. Zaro<br />
Peter S. Falvo, Jr.<br />
James G. Aaron<br />
Peter B. Grimm<br />
Mitchell J. Ansell<br />
Brian E. Ansell<br />
Allison Ansell Ryan<br />
Michael V. Benedetto<br />
Douglas J. Katich<br />
Harold Goldman<br />
David B. Zolotorofe<br />
Kevin T. Corcoran<br />
Donna L. Maul<br />
Rick Brodsky<br />
Lawrence H. Shapiro<br />
Robert A. Honecker, Jr.<br />
Edward J. Ahearn<br />
Jennifer S. Krimko<br />
George G.Whitmore<br />
Frederick C. Raffetto<br />
1500 Lawrence Avenue<br />
Ocean, NJ 07712<br />
732-922-1000<br />
60 Park Place<br />
<strong>New</strong>ark, NJ 07102<br />
973-642-1801<br />
Kristine M. Bergman<br />
Jason S. Klein<br />
Melanie J. Scroble<br />
Barry M. Capp<br />
Lynne Petillo<br />
Douglas A. Davie<br />
Greg S. Gargulinski<br />
Phyllis Barker<br />
William E. Throne, IV<br />
Andrew J. Provence<br />
Hussam Chater<br />
Bridget K. Dorney<br />
Counsel:<br />
Gordon N. Litwin<br />
Robert I. Ansell<br />
Lisa D. Goldwasser<br />
In Memoriam:<br />
Leon Anschelewitz (1929-1986)<br />
Max M. Barr (1929-1993)<br />
Milton M. Abramoff (1935-2004)<br />
Steven J. Brodman (2004-2006)<br />
341 Broad Street<br />
Clifton, NJ 07013<br />
973-247-9000<br />
100 Washington Avenue<br />
Suffern, NY 10901<br />
888-247-9575<br />
Commercial Real Estate<br />
Finance & Banking<br />
Intellectual Property<br />
Commercial Litigation<br />
Zoning & Land Use<br />
Real Property Tax Appeals<br />
Bankruptcy<br />
Municipal Law<br />
Residential Real Estate<br />
Mortgage Banking<br />
Civil Litigation & Personal Injury<br />
Wills, Trusts & Estates<br />
Matrimonial & Family<br />
Municipal Court Defense<br />
Criminal Defense
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