New Brunswick, New Jersey – August 29, 2025 – The New Jersey Law Journal, in partnership with ALM, proudly announces the finalists for the 2025 New Jersey Legal Awards, recognizing the exceptional contributions of attorneys, law firms, and in-house legal teams that have shaped the Garden State’s legal landscape. These honors celebrate trailblazers in litigation, innovation, diversity, and community impact, highlighting achievements from January 1, 2024, through the submission deadline. The awards underscore the profession’s commitment to excellence amid evolving challenges like regulatory shifts, technological advancements, and social justice initiatives.
The finalists were selected through a rigorous process involving editorial review and independent judging panels, drawing from nominations that included detailed essays, case studies, and references. Categories encompass everything from Attorney of the Year to specialized litigation practices, with submissions evaluated on impact, innovation, and results. Winners in competitive categories will be revealed at the gala ceremony on October 29, 2025, at the Park Chateau Estate in East Brunswick, where industry leaders will gather to celebrate. For tickets and sponsorships, visit the official event page.
This year’s cohort reflects New Jersey’s diverse legal community, from powerhouse firms handling high-stakes deals to rising stars advancing equity. “These finalists embody the resilience and ingenuity that define New Jersey’s legal profession,” said a New Jersey Law Journal spokesperson. “Their work not only drives legal precedents but also fosters a more just society.”
Attorney of the Year Finalists
This prestigious category honors the attorney who has made the most profound impact on the law or legal community in the past year, advancing justice through litigation, policy, or leadership. Finalists were chosen for their transformative achievements, with the winner to be announced at the gala.
- Matheu D. Nunn, Einhorn Barbarito Frost & Botwinick PC: Recognized for groundbreaking work in family law and advocacy for domestic violence survivors, including landmark settlements and pro bono initiatives that influenced state policy.
- Thomas Prol, Sills Cummis & Gross P.C.: Noted for his role in complex corporate litigation and mergers, driving multimillion-dollar resolutions that set new standards in commercial dispute resolution.
- Richard Trenk, Trenk, DiPasquale, Della Ferra & Isaac: Celebrated for environmental law expertise, leading high-profile cases on sustainability and regulatory compliance that protected New Jersey’s natural resources.
- Isabel Siddiqi & Shahdanian (team), Archer & Greiner, P.C.: Honored for collaborative efforts in civil rights litigation, securing injunctions against discriminatory practices and promoting access to justice.
Law Firm of the Year Finalists
This award recognizes the firm with the broadest spectrum of achievements, demonstrating depth in talent, client service, and innovation across multiple practice areas. Selected by editorial staff based on submissions highlighting 2024-2025 successes.
- Gibbons P.C.: Finalist for its comprehensive work in labor, IP, and corporate law, including pro bono programs that supported over 500 low-income clients and innovative AI integration in case management.
- Riker Danzig LLP: Acknowledged for excellence in real estate and litigation, with notable wins in appellate courts and community initiatives enhancing legal education in underserved areas.
- Chiesa Shahinian & Giantomasi PC: Recognized for transactional prowess and diversity efforts, closing deals worth over $2 billion while advancing women and minority leadership within the firm.
- Pashman Stein Walder Hayden PC: Honored for litigation victories and public service, including class actions that reformed corporate governance standards in New Jersey.
Litigation Departments of the Year: General Litigation Finalists
Open to firms of all sizes with New Jersey offices, this category evaluates departments on resolved matters, appeals, and advocacy impact over the past year.
- Archer & Greiner, P.C.: Excelled in high-stakes commercial disputes, achieving favorable verdicts in cases involving over $500 million in claims.
- Fox Rothschild LLP: Demonstrated strength through innovative strategies in contract and tort litigation, with a 95% success rate in trials.
- Lowenstein Sandler LLP: Noted for appellate work that influenced state precedents on business torts and intellectual property.
- McCarter & English, LLP: Highlighted for client-focused resolutions in complex multi-jurisdictional cases.
Specialty Practice Departments Finalists
These categories spotlight top departments in niche areas, based on essays detailing challenges overcome and goals achieved.
- Health Care Litigation: Brach Eichler LLC – Pioneered defenses in regulatory compliance suits amid post-pandemic reforms.
- Labor and Employment Litigation: Gibbons P.C. – Led union negotiations and discrimination cases, securing policy changes.
- Intellectual Property Litigation: Lerner David LLP – Protected tech innovations in patent disputes for NJ-based startups.
- Insurance Litigation: Methfessel & Werbel, Esqs. – Handled coverage battles resulting in multimillion-dollar recoveries.
- Products Liability Litigation: Tanenbaum Keale, LLP – Achieved dismissals in mass torts involving consumer safety.
In-House Impact Finalists
Celebrating in-house attorneys and departments for strategic legal contributions, up to general counsel level.
- Rahat Chatha, New Jersey Reentry Corporation: Advanced reentry programs through legal advocacy, reducing recidivism via policy reforms.
- Amneal Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Legal team navigated FDA regulations, launching new generics amid supply chain disruptions.
- Johnson & Johnson: Honored for global compliance efforts and pro bono partnerships in public health law.
- Jay Kooper, Middlesex Water Company: Managed environmental litigation, ensuring sustainable operations.
- NJ Transit Corporation Office of the General Counsel: Resolved infrastructure disputes, enhancing public transit safety.
- Carrie Parikh, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield: Led healthcare equity initiatives, expanding access for underserved communities.
- Martin Wilson, Rocket Pharmaceuticals: Oversaw biotech IP strategies, accelerating drug approvals.
New Leaders of the Bar Finalists
For attorneys under 40, recognizing achievements and potential. Judged by an independent panel.
- Juliann M. Alicino, Hoagland, Longo, Moran, Dunst & Doukas: Rising star in personal injury law with pro bono leadership.
- Justin Ginter, Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP: Innovator in fintech regulation, authoring key publications.
- Ahsan A. Jafry, Burns White LLC: Excelled in construction litigation, mentoring diverse associates.
- Karen Kelsen, Mazie Slater Katz & Freeman LLC: Trailblazer in class actions, promoting women in law.
- Timothy Malone, Pashman Stein Walder Hayden PC: Advanced criminal defense reforms through appellate work.
(Full list of winners in non-competitive categories, such as Lifetime Achievement and Unsung Heroes, will be published post-gala. Notable honorees include Frank Giantomasi of Chiesa Shahinian & Giantomasi for Lifetime Achievement.)
Other Notable Categories and Honorees
- Dealmakers of the Year: Finalists include teams from Duane Morris LLP and Fragomen for M&A and immigration deals.
- Real Estate Firm of the Year: Brach Eichler, Greenbaum, Rowe, Smith & Davis.
- Innovators: Asim Badaruzzaman of Sbaiti & Company for legal tech advancements.
- Diverse Attorneys of the Year: Jeralyn Lawrence of Lawrence Law (biennial category).
- Unsung Heroes: Michael Gordon of NJ DEP for environmental advocacy.
The 2025 awards emphasize diversity, with over 40% of finalists from underrepresented groups, and innovation, including AI and sustainability in legal practice. As New Jersey’s economy evolves, these professionals are at the forefront, driving change in areas like cannabis law, cybersecurity, and equity.
Join us in congratulating these outstanding individuals and firms. For more details on categories, nomination processes, and the event, visit the New Jersey Legal Awards website. The gala promises networking, inspiration, and a celebration of legal excellence.