Crystal Edwards

Meryl A.G. Gonchar is Leader of the Sills Cummis & Gross Redevelopment and Land Use Law Practice Groups. Her practice encompasses all aspects of land use, redevelopment, zoning and related litigation. She represents property owners and developers in appearances before planning and zoning boards throughout the state, in connection with obtaining land use approvals for residential, retail, office, industrial, hospitality and mixed-use projects. She represents clients in the negotiation of r...

Thomas J. Trautner Jr. is an experienced real estate development lawyer, with a diverse practice serving as counselor, strategic architect and (when the situation calls) litigator. He excels in helping clients navigate the entitlements process through his breath of knowledge regarding subjects, which include redevelopment, eminent domain and affordable housing (allowing him to cost-effectively provide guidance on a broad range of issues). Early in his career, Tom’s practice often focuse...

Jerry Zaro, Chair of the Sills Cummis & Gross Banking and Real Estate Services Department, focuses his practice on banking and finance, real estate, corporate, and government relations matters. He began his law career as a judicial secretary to the Honorable Thomas F. Shebell, Jr. in the Superior Court of Monmouth County. Prior to joining Sills Cummis, he was the President and Managing Partner of Ansell Zaro Grimm and Aaron for 25 years and served as the Chair of the Commercial Real Estat...

Nicole G. McDonough is a Member of the Sills Cummis & Gross Litigation Department. She has a diverse litigation practice, which includes commercial, trust and estate, family, intellectual property, and real estate litigation matters. Known for her responsiveness and availability to her clients, Nicole McDonough is a seasoned litigator with a reputation for being a passionate and creative advocate.

Jason A. Meisner is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation and Employment Law - Management. Mr. Meisner focuses on commercial and professional liability defense litigation, serving as outside counsel to small and mid-sized businesses, estate & trusts litigation, and criminal defense matters. Mr. Meisner’s professional liability practice focuses on defense of licensed professionals in cases of malpractice, ethics violations and lice...

Nancy is a bankruptcy and insolvency attorney who focuses on trustee and creditor rights law. She provides representation in debtor, creditor and trustee disputes under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code as well as common law causes of action. She assists clients in financial distress, provides support in court-approved reorganizations, and has experience in the enforcement and defense of claw back provisions under federal and state law. Nancy serves as a Chapter 7, Chapter 11 and Chapter 11 Subchapter...

Stephen Timoni is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Health Care Law. Stephen practices law in New Providence, New Jersey Best Lawyers has recognized Stephen Timoni since 2025. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Stephen Timoni is held by other lawyers.

William P. Deni, Jr. is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Commercial Litigation. William P. practices law in Newark, New Jersey Best Lawyers has recognized William P. Deni, Jr. since 2022. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which William P. Deni, Jr. is held by other lawyers.

Lisa John-Basta is Chair of the firm’s Redevelopment, Land Use & Zoning Group. Lisa has close to 20 years of experience representing both municipalities and private developers throughout the local and outside agency land use and redevelopment entitlement process. Lisa regularly appears before governing bodies, planning boards and zoning boards of adjustment across the State on behalf of developers in connection with applications for site plan, subdivision, variances and zoning inter...

Edward K. DeHope is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Energy Law and Water Law. Edward K. practices law in Madison, New Jersey Best Lawyers has recognized Edward K. DeHope since 2001. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Edward K. DeHope is held by other lawyers.