Insight

In the News: New Jersey

A summary of newsworthy content from New Jersey lawyers and law firms.

New Jersey In the News

Nicole Ortiz

September 14, 2017 12:21 PM

IN THE HEADLINES

Connell Foley: Kevin J. Coakley (eminent domain and condemnation law; litigation – real estate, 1999) represented developer Shipyard Associates in a lawsuit against the City of Hoboken. Shipyard laid out a project where they intended to build two 11-story towers with 78 residential units, but the city wanted the area to include three tennis courts and a tennis pavilion as per a 1997 plan. The Superior Court of NJ Appellate Division ruled in favor of Shipyard, saying that the city waited too long to sue.

Giordano, Halleran & Ciesla: Paul H. Schneider (environmental law; land use and zoning law; litigation – construction; litigation – environmental; litigation – land use and zoning; litigation – real estate, 2009) is representing SBC Holdings in a lawsuit where the construction of a ShopRite has been held up in Shrewsbury. A former resident filed a lawsuit against the Shrewsbury zoning board and SBS Holdings, questioning whether the sewer and water service on the property can handle the demands of the store.

Mazie Slater Katz & Freeman: Adam M. Slater (medical malpractice law – plaintiffs; personal injury litigation – plaintiffs, 2007) was a co-lead counsel alongside Christopher L. Coffin for the plaintiffs in a suit against Japanese pharmaceutical company Daiichi Sankyo. SNJ Today reports that “approximately 2,500 claims by individuals who allege they have suffered severe and sometimes life-threatening gastrointestinal injuries while using medications containing the active ingredient olmesartan medoxomil.” Users of the blood pressure drugs Benicar, Benicar HCT, Azor, and Tribenzor have reached a $300 million settlement with the company, which will settle thousands of federal and state lawsuits.

Smith Mullin: Nancy Erika Smith (employment law – individuals, 1987) is defending public works employee Mark Garcia, a U.S. citizen of Mexican heritage, who has filed a lawsuit against the township due to racist remarks and harassment that his employers did not stop. Garcia alleges a white man without proper licensing was given a promotion over him and that he and others employees were subjected to racist taunts and slurs and were the victims of racially charged harassment. After complaining, he says he and a coworker were suspended for a day and no supervisors or other employees were disciplined.

Youngblood Sampoli & Coombs: L. Anthony Gibson (arbitration; mediation, 2005), retired Superior Court judge, oversaw the mediation on a case where Gregory Wieboldt was injured after slipping on an icy sidewalk in front of Palumbo Appliance Hardware in Point Pleasant Beach six years ago. Following the incident, Wieboldt broke his left leg and ankle and triggered a pre-existing hip condition that led to a hip replacement surgery. Wieboldt settled with the business for $900,000.

HONORABLE MENTION

Ballard Spahr: John B. Kearney (commercial litigation; product liability litigation – defendants, 2013) received the Walliam A. Dreier Award from the New Jersey State Bar Association’s Products Liability and Mass Tort Section.

Petro Cohen Petro Matarazzo has partnered with Kids’ Chance of New Jersey (KCNJ) for the fourth year in a row to award a student facing financial strife with a “Doctorate Degree” scholarship.

ITN FEATURE

Superintendent in Toms River Accused of Sexual Harassment

Selikoff & Cohen: Steven R. Cohen (employment law – individuals; labor law – union, 1989) is representing the Toms River Education Association, which is the teachers’ union district, in a claim again Superintendent David Healy of the Toms River Regional Schools.

An employee says that Healy made remarks about her legs to her on many occasions that made her uncomfortable. A letter sent to the Toms River Regional Board of Education on June 22 details the claim, which Cohen sent on behalf of the union.

The letter highlights four instances where the employee says Healy commented on her legs. At times, the comments were made in front of other employees. The principal of Toms River High School East was reported to feel very uncomfortable after such comments as well, says NJ 1015.

The victim says the comments affected her and her family, causing her to lose sleep and suffer illnesses due to the distress she faced.

According to The Patch, the woman wrote, “I feel like I want to hide and I cannot wait for the school year to end. … I want the comments from Mr. Healy to stop and I want to be treated and respected like the professional I am.”

Healy was hired as superintendent in 2014 under a five-year contract due to expire in 2019. He was hired hastily as the district attempted to move forward after an insurance fraud and bribery scandal that involved former superintendent, Michael J. Ritacco.

Cohen says the district may have violated the New Jersey Law against Discrimination since administrators witnessed Healy’s comments but did not try to stop him and also because the district did not implement or enforce anti-harassment policies.

Related Articles

In the News: Northern California


by Compiled by Nicole Ortiz

A summary of newsworthy content from Northern California lawyers and law firms.

Northern California In the News 2018

In the News: St. Louis


by Compiled by Nicole Ortiz

A summary of newsworthy content from St. Louis lawyers and law firms.

St. Louis In the News 2018

In The News: New York


by Compiled by Nicole Ortiz

A summary of newsworthy content from New York lawyers and law firms.

New York In The News 2018

In the News: South Florida


by Compiled by Nicole Ortiz

A summary of newsworthy content from South Florida lawyers and law firms.

South Florida In the News 2018

In the News: Southern California


by Compiled by Nicole Ortiz

A summary of newsworthy content from Southern California lawyers and law firms.

Southern California In the News

In the News: Washington, D.C.


by Compiled by Nicole Ortiz

A summary of newsworthy content from Washington D.C. lawyers and law firms.

Washington, D.C. In the News 2018

In the News 2017: Colorado


by Compiled by Tess Congo

Newsworthy highlights of lawyers from Colorado.

Colorado Lawyers in the News

Funding for University Programs Takes a Hit


by Joseph Begonis

Plus more news on Canada's Best Lawyers 2020

Funding Cuts for Canadian University Programs

In the News: New York


by Best Lawyers

News and Events for New York Lawyers

In the News: New York

In the News: Northern California


by Best Lawyers

News and notes from lawyers in Northern California

In the News: Northern California

In the News: Tampa


by Best Lawyers

In the News: Tampa

In the News: Tampa

Why Was a 6-Year-Old Arrested at a Florida School?


by Christopher L. Marlowe

The Unintended Consequences of Zero Tolerance

Why Was a 6-Year-Old Arrested at School

In the News: New England


by Best Lawyers

A roundup of relevant news for listed lawyers in New England.

New England Legal News

In the News: Connecticut


by Best Lawyers

A roundup of notable news of listed lawyers in your area.

Connecticut Legal News Roundup

Meet Patricia Brown Holmes, the Lawyer Representing Jussie Smollett


by Best Lawyers

Patricia Brown Holmes had a celebrated career long before she began defending Jussie Smollett.

Who Is Jussie Smollett's Lawyer

In the News: Pennsylvania


by Best Lawyers

A legal news roundup of listed lawyers in Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania Legal News Roundup

Trending Articles

2025 Best Lawyers Awards Announced: Honoring Outstanding Legal Professionals Across the U.S.


by Jennifer Verta

Introducing the 31st edition of The Best Lawyers in America and the fifth edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America.

Digital map of the United States illuminated by numerous bright lights

Unveiling the 2025 Best Lawyers Awards Canada: Celebrating Legal Excellence


by Jennifer Verta

Presenting the 19th edition of The Best Lawyers in Canada and the 4th edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Canada.

Digital map of Canadathis on illuminated by numerous bright lights

Legal Distinction on Display: 15th Edition of The Best Lawyers in France™


by Best Lawyers

The industry’s best lawyers and firms working in France are revealed in the newly released, comprehensive the 15th Edition of The Best Lawyers in France™.

French flag in front of country's outline

Announcing the 13th Edition of Best Lawyers Rankings in the United Kingdom


by Best Lawyers

Best Lawyers is proud to announce the newest edition of legal rankings in the United Kingdom, marking the 13th consecutive edition of awards in the country.

British flag in front of country's outline

Presenting the 2025 Best Lawyers Editions in Chile, Colombia, Peru and Puerto Rico


by Jennifer Verta

Celebrating top legal professionals in South America and the Caribbean.

Flags of Puerto Rico, Chile, Colombia, and Peru, representing countries featured in the Best Lawyers

Prop 36 California 2024: California’s Path to Stricter Sentencing and Criminal Justice Reform


by Jennifer Verta

Explore how Prop 36 could shape California's sentencing laws and justice reform.

Illustrated Hands Breaking Chains Against a Bright Red Background

Announcing the 16th Edition of the Best Lawyers in Germany Rankings


by Best Lawyers

Best Lawyers announces the 16th edition of The Best Lawyers in Germany™, featuring a unique set of rankings that highlights Germany's top legal talent.

German flag in front of country's outline

Celebrating Excellence in Law: 11th Edition of Best Lawyers in Italy™


by Best Lawyers

Best Lawyers announces the 11th edition of The Best Lawyers in Italy™, which features an elite list of awards showcasing Italy's current legal talent.

Italian flag in front of country's outline

Combating Nuclear Verdicts: Empirically Supported Strategies to Deflate the Effects of Anchoring Bias


by Sloan L. Abernathy

Sometimes a verdict can be the difference between amicability and nuclear level developments. But what is anchoring bias and how can strategy combat this?

Lawyer speaking in courtroom with crowd and judge in the foreground

Tampa Appeals Court ‘Sends Clear Message,” Ensuring School Tax Referendum Stays on Ballot


by Gregory Sirico

Hillsborough County's tax referendum is back on the 2024 ballot, promising $177 million for schools and empowering residents to decide the future of education.

Graduation cap in air surrounded by pencils and money

Things to Do Before a Car Accident Happens to You


by Ellie Shaffer

In a car accident, certain things are beyond the point of no return, while some are well within an individual's control. Here's how to stay legally prepared.

Car dashcam recording street ahead

The Push and Pitfalls of New York’s Attempt to Expand Wrongful Death Recovery


by Elizabeth M. Midgley and V. Christopher Potenza

The New York State Legislature recently went about updating certain wrongful death provisions and how they can be carried out in the future. Here's the latest.

Red tape blocking off a section of street

Find the Best Lawyers for Your Needs


by Jennifer Verta

Discover how Best Lawyers simplifies the attorney search process.

A focused woman with dark hair wearing a green top and beige blazer, working on a tablet in a dimly

Key Developments and Trends in U.S. Commercial Litigation


by Justin Smulison

Whether it's multibillion-dollar water cleanliness verdicts or college athletes vying for the right to compensation, the state of litigation remains strong.

Basketball sits in front of stacks of money

Is Premises Liability the Same as Negligence?


by Jeremy Wilson and Taylor Rodney Marks

In today's age, we are always on the move, often inhabiting spaces we don't own. But what happens when someone else's property injures you or someone you know?

A pair of silhouetted legs falling down a hole with yellow background

Woman on a Mission


by Rebecca Blackwell

Baker Botts partner and intellectual property chair Christa Brown-Sanford discusses how she juggles work, personal life, being a mentor and leadership duties.

Woman in green dress crossing her arms and posing for headshot