New Jersey Law Journal

Nagel Rice Seeks to Vacate Reinstated $40K Frivolous Litigation Sanction on Jurisdictional Grounds

Fri, 21 Aug 2026 15:52:14 EST

The Appellate Division ruled July 6 that an Essex County trial court properly granted summary judgment against plaintiff firm Nagel Rice, in its fee dispute with Chatham-based Blume Forte.

New Jersey's New Off-Site Service Law Gives Auto Dealers More Flexibility, But No Shortcuts

Fri, 21 Aug 2026 13:29:59 EST

The change is meaningful, but it is not self-executing. An off-site service center remains a regulated automotive facility. Before signing a lease or beginning construction, dealers should treat the statute as the first step in a coordinated licensing, land-use, environmental, franchise and operational review.

Justice Hoffman's Warning in 'Seaside Park v. Shree Jyoti' Should Not Be Ignored

Fri, 21 Aug 2026 00:47:18 EST

Justice John Hoffman's dissent identifies a deeper structural concern that the majority's textual analysis simply does not reach: the constitutional limitation on takings cannot be left entirely to legislative grace.

On the Move and After Hours: Archer; Einhorn Barbarito; Marshall Dennehey; Lucosky Brookman; Sills Cummis; Stevens & Lee

Fri, 21 Aug 2026 00:28:20 EST

Archer announced that Lisa A. Bothwell has joined the firm's corporate practice group as of counsel in its Princeton office, and more moves.

128 Ex-Judges Say This General Counsel Is Exposing Jurists to Violence

Thu, 20 Aug 2026 14:20:13 EST

The complaint centers a post by the high-profile lawyer who purports to name the "worst of the worst" federal judges, and who continues to critize jurists.

'No One Wants to Go First': The Waiting Game in Big Law

Thu, 20 Aug 2026 04:59:59 EST

Many Big Law firms have explored PE investment, weighing the pros and cons of creating a managed service organization for back-office work. What will it take for one to pull the trigger?

NJ Supreme Court Rules Boys & Girls Club of America Not Subject to Jurisdiction in Sex Abuse Suit

Wed, 19 Aug 2026 17:03:27 EST

“That is the opposite of specific personal jurisdiction," the court majority said. "It is far more expansive than even general jurisdiction.

Not Over: A Lawyer Who Got $44M in Settlements Is Suing NJ Again Over COVID

Wed, 19 Aug 2026 15:10:10 EST

The crop of suits involve 42 plaintiffs—all but one of whom have retained Paul da Costa—a Roseland, New Jersey lawyer who previously secured $44 million in settlements in litigation from the state on behalf of residents who contracted COVID-19 at New Jersey veterans' homes.

State Proposal Raises Stakes for Not Cooperating With License Board Investigations

Tue, 18 Aug 2026 19:59:04 EST

“If there is a pre-existing confidentiality provision, licensees would do well to consider the regulations' language about needing to waive it, in order to comply with their licensing obligations to respond to requests for information, Darren M. Gelber, chair of the criminal law team at Wilentz, Goldman & Spitzer, said.

Troutman Pepper Locke Sued for Discrimination, Retaliation After Associate Reported Alleged Billing Fraud

Tue, 18 Aug 2026 16:19:08 EST

Litigation associate Matthew Cali alleged that the firm retaliated against him and derailed his upcoming promotion to partner after he went on medical leave for a heart attack, and later reported concerns that partners were allegedly committing billing fraud.

NJ Whistleblower Suit Challenges Meta's Assertion That AI Designs Serve 'National Interest'

Tue, 18 Aug 2026 16:13:14 EST

A manager at Meta alleges that the company fired him after he refused to sign off on a statement for an immigration petition that appeared to misstate his role in the company. The plaintiff alleges that Meta used immigration support as an employment-related benefit and that its allocation was not governed by neutral, consistently applied criteria unrelated to national origin, ancestry, race or ethnic identity.

NJ's Top Personal Injury Awards Total Over $226 Million

Tue, 18 Aug 2026 09:59:59 EST

While the range of awards remained similar to the prior year, the total this year is approximately $82 million higher overall.

Baker Donelson Plants Flag in North Jersey With 10-Year Lease for Healthcare-Focused Office

Mon, 17 Aug 2026 16:41:16 EST

The Metropark office has seven shareholders, primarily in healthcare, who were part of a 26-lawyer group that moved from Epstein Becker Green in April 2025. The firm also opened a Princeton office to accommodate the group.

New Changes to Custody Statute Create Child Safety Problem

Mon, 17 Aug 2026 13:54:59 EST

Recently, New Jersey gave judges handling custody matters the right of the court to speak directly to children to hear their voice—not under direct examination and/or cross examination, but privately in the chambers of the judge with the transcript sealed. While we support the court hearing the child's voice, the legislature did not intersect the issue with the policy or procedure of the child abuse statute which is critical to the safety of children. A solution exists.

NJ's Summer Associate Hiring Crunch Gives Way to Search for Experienced Young Talent

Mon, 17 Aug 2026 11:21:41 EST

"The economics between a first-year and a third-year are not significant, yet the experience is, Tim Corriston, managing partner of Connell Foley, said. “A lot of people say, We're just going to hire folks with experience.'

NJ MDL: Eczema Drug Users Claim Manufacturers Knew of Cancer Risk, Failed to Update Warning

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 16:28:31 EST

A developing multi-district litigation in New Jersey federal courts alleges the anti-eczema drug Dupixent caused some of its users to develop a rare form of cancer, that its manufacturers were aware of the risk and failed to include it on the drug's U.S. warning label.

On the Move and After Hours: Riker Danzig; Connell Foley; Burns White; Rivkin Radler; Mandelbaum Barrett; Capehart Scatchard

Thu, 13 Aug 2026 23:59:59 EST

Riker Danzig welcomed Sara N. Goldman as an associate in the firm's intellectual property group, and more moves.

What Condemnation Ordinances Don't Have to Say: The NJ Supreme Court's Word in 'Seaside Park v. Shree Jyoti'

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 11:29:59 EST

For redevelopment and municipal counsel across the state, the decision resolves a question that has lingered in condemnation practice for years.

Amid Downturn in Electric Car Sales, NJ Business Dispute Heads to Court

Thu, 13 Aug 2026 20:39:38 EST

As electric car manufacturers are coping with sluggish sales, some are facing a variety of litigation. Things have been getting ugly for the electric car industry since the elimination of federal tax credits for EVs.

NJ Supreme Court Offers Guidance on Third Party Payment of Defendant's Legal Fees in Criminal Cases

Thu, 13 Aug 2026 14:33:20 EST

We urge those involved in the practice of criminal law to make their views known to the Criminal Practice Committee while it studies the subject and implements the court's direction.

Do I Really Need a Prenup?

Thu, 13 Aug 2026 13:14:59 EST

Under New Jersey law, a validly executed premarital agreement can provide a significant layer of protection for assets held in irrevocable trusts during divorce proceedings involving the division of marital property or determinations of spousal support.