The biographies that follow are of 40 young New Jersey lawyers we think are worth watching, not only for what they have achieved so far in their careers but more so for the potential they show to be among the leaders of the New Jersey bar in the not-so-distant future.
We selected the lawyers based upon information provided by their firms or gleaned from other sources. In choosing them, we looked at such indicators as achievement in practice areas; record of publication, lecturing and presenting to professional forums; recognition by peers and professional organizations; leadership positions at the firms; leadership in bar groups; merit-based membership in professional groups; pro bono and civic activity; and special challenges overcome in attaining career success.
We favored lawyers who have taken charge of practice groups or committees in their own firms at a young age. The field was not limited to partners (though many are) nor was it restricted to large firms. Sometimes, the best indicator was the founding and/or growing of a small firm or a practice area within a firm.
The attorneys chosen represent a broad spectrum of the bar, covering an array of practices. Some are litigators and some are devoted to transactional and compliance-oriented areas. What all have in common is that they have distinguished themselves early in their professional lives and promise more of the same.
Any qualitative list is necessarily subjective, and there are doubtless numerous young attorneys who have yet to gain public attention. As we repeat this selection in future years, they may be chosen. But for now, the 40 lawyers listed are well qualified to carry the distinction.
– Ronald J. Fleury
Editor-in-Chief