Columbia Lawyers

ANY COURT. ANY CRIME. ANY TIME. I have been involved with the field of criminal law for over forty years. As a criminal defense lawyer, your freedom and your rights are my first priority. I focus my efforts to provide my clients the best defense possible given the facts and proofs that the State is using to try to convict them. I have handled cases involving Leader of Drug Trafficking Network; Racketeering; Official Misconduct; Domestic Violence; Drug Possession and Distribution; Assault; Homicide; Theft; Robbery; Carjacking; Insurance Fraud; Kidnapping; Rape and Sexual Offenses; Arson; Criminal Mischief; Bribery; Perjury; and Weapons...

Peter Ventrice is a partner with Brause, Brause & Ventrice, L.L.C. Mr. Ventrice earned a Preeminent "AV" Peer Rating from Martindale-Hubbell, and he has been selected as a New Jersey "Super Lawyer" in the area of family law, a distinction held by fewer than 5% of practicing attorneys in the State of New Jersey, and is based upon peer recognition and professional achievement. Mr. Ventrice's family law practice includes divorce, child custody and parenting time, child support, alimony, distribution of assets and liabilities, enforcement and modification of existing judgments and orders, and domestic violence restraining orders. He is also a qualified...

Franz Cobos is the owner and managing partner of the Cobos Law Firm in New Jersey. Mr. Cobos was awarded a Juris Doctorate in 2004 from Seton Hall University, School of Law, and has dedicated his practice to representing clients in the core areas of Family Law, Immigration Law and Business Law.

Mr. Cobos has practiced in New York and New Jersey for over a decade. Among several other organizations, he is a member and active participant of the New Jersey State Bar Association, Essex County Bar Association, American Immigration Lawyers' Association, Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Essex,...

A South Jersey native, Mr. Console grew up in Haddonfield and later returned to live in Cherry Hill with his wife and two sons. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree and graduated with honors from Villanova University in 1989.

As a recipient of the Richter Merit Scholarship, he attended Rutgers University School of Law and graduated cum laude with his Juris Doctor degree in 1992.

Shortly after launching his legal career, Mr. Console decided to start his own firm, and the Law Office of Richard P. Console, Jr., P.C. was born.

Though he first practiced general law, he quickly decided that he...

Patent application and prosecution, trademark application, patent licensing, corporation formation, copyright registration, NDA, Infringement defense, and Estate Planning. I was graduated from Rutgers School of Law with the award of American Bar Association/BNA Excellence Award in Intellectual Property. My practice is to safeguard your intellectual property rights. I have assisted many startups and solo inventors to prepare patent and trademark applications. Moreover, some of the clients have obtained licensing opportunity since then.

Raul was born in Punta Arenas, Chile, immigrating to the United States at the age of 12 at which time he settled with his family in the State of New Jersey. Aside from Chile and the United States, Raul has also resided in France, where he attended school in Paris in 2000 and 2001.

Raul joined the firm of Menar & Menar, then known as Paula A. Menar, Attorney at Law, LLC, in August of 2005, becoming an associate attorney upon his admission to the New Jersey bar. In January of 2007, Raul became a partner in the firm, which...

David W. Polsky is a lifelong resident of New Jersey and a defense attorney with over 30 years of legal experience. Since being admitted to practice law in 1991, he has become well known and respected by judges and prosecutors across the state. He offers effective and affordable representation for clients dealing with a wide range of legal issues, including DUI and DWI, traffic violations, criminal charges, white collar crimes, expungements, motor vehicle accidents, and matters related to license suspensions and reinstatements. Mr. Polsky personally manages every case he takes on and does not delegate responsibilities to other attorneys. He is...

Jay Lavroff concentrates his practice in litigation, with an emphasis in the areas of insurance coverage, construction and professional liability claims, and contract disputes. Insurance coverage issues that Jay has litigated range from interpretation of provisions in motor vehicle policies to the availability of coverage for the remediation of contamination of soil, air and water, costing hundreds of millions of dollars.

The law firm concentrates its practice on assisting clients with all of their estate planning needs. We have extensive experience in estates and trusts.

I am involved in estate planning, elder law issues and probate litigation, guardianship and estate administration. While my practice involves multiple disciplines, the focus is always on the needs of the client.

Jessica S. Swenson, Esq. joined Townsend, Tomaio & Newmark, L.L.C. in October 2018. Ms. Swenson received her Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from Rutgers University in 2004 and her Juris Doctorate from Seton Hall University School of Law in 2007.

After graduating from law school, Ms. Swenson clerked for the Honorable Michael K. Diamond, P.J.F.P. and the Honorable George E. Sabbath, J.S.C. in the Passaic County Superior Court, Family Division, from September 2007 until August 2008.

Since completing her clerkship, Ms. Swenson has dedicated her practice to matrimonial and family law where she represents clients in matters related to...

Raymond graduated from The George Washington University in Washington, DC with a bachelor’s degree in Business Economics and Public Policy. He then took a year off after college and worked for Steptoe & Johnson, a large international law firm in Washington, DC. There he worked on a multi billion dollar matter between McDonnell Douglass and Northrup involving litigation over the F-18 Fighter Plane and F-20 Tiger Shark. He also worked for clients such as the countries of Taiwan, Soviet Union and East Germany. After Steptoe & Johnson, Raymond went to Rutgers University Law School. While there, he worked for The United...

I currently own and operate my own law firm specializing in criminal defense, real estate transactions and estate planning.

Gary Blaustein is an experienced family lawyer and mediator, who represents clients facing separation or divorce proceedings. He provides his clients with caring, compassionate counsel during a difficult time in their lives. As an experienced divorce lawyer, he has learned that every client and situation is unique. That is why he is committed to providing each client with the personalized legal advice, attention to detail, and service they deserve.

Chair, Criminal Defense and Government Investigations Riza Dagli leads the firms Criminal Defense and Government Investigations Group. He focuses his practice on high-stakes criminal and commercial litigation, and represents businesses and individuals in complex and international matters and governmental investigations. He is regularly retained by corporations, health care professionals, health care organizations, financial businesses, lawyers, accountants, executives, and companies of varying sizes, in all stages of federal and state white-collar criminal and civil litigation, from initial inquiries to trial and appeals. He is a former prosecutor, and led both New Jersey’s Office of the Insurance Fraud Prosecutor and the New Jersey’s Medicaid...

Todd Murphy, with his 30 years of experience, is dedicated to assisting families and small businesses in Morris County with their estate planning, probate, and elder law needs, including guardianships and Medicaid planning for the long-term care of elderly family members. In the realm of estate planning, I understand that modern family dynamics can be complex. By utilizing wills and trusts in a careful and thoughtful manner, I help preserve family relationships and prevent misunderstandings and conflicts over family assets while minimizing taxation and preserving assets. When it comes to elder law and long-term care planning, I recognize the challenges families face...

After completing my undergraduate studies at Montclair State University in three years, I moved to California and went to the University of San Diego School of Law. I received my Juris Doctor, and I continued my graduate studies there and received a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Taxation. I joined a mid-sized tax litigation firm with a reputation for being the best in San Diego. I was fortunate to work alongside award winning attorneys and get real world tax controversy experience. While there, I was promoted to senior associate attorney and was privileged to work on some of the...

The Law Offices of Andy Winchell, P.C., is a law firm in Berkeley Heights, New Jersey, that handles many types of financial issues for both individuals and businesses. We focus our practice on means to help your financial situation through bankruptcy, foreclosure defense, mortgage loan modification, actions against debt collectors and insolvency issues for consumer and commercial clients. We take a personalized approach to every client who contacts our office. We understand there are various types of problems and situations, and each one calls for a different, specialized strategy based on the particular circumstances. It is our goal to...

Sara E. Kucsan is a Partner at the Williams Law Group and specializes in Family Law. Sara has devoted 100% of her professional practice to family law and related matters, including all aspects of divorce, separation, custody and parenting time, spousal and child support, equitable distribution of property, prenuptial agreements, mediation, arbitration, grandparents’ rights, adoptions, domestic violence, post-judgment matters and appeals. Sara understands that your divorce and family-related matters are unique and individual, and that this is an emotional and trying time in your life. She advocates for all of her clients equally and aims to help her clients understand...

I bring over 30 years of experience as a business counselor and litigator, focusing on the unique challenges faced by closely held businesses. As Chair of the Business and Corporate Law Department at Weiner Law Group, I have dedicated my career to safeguarding businesses and their owners at every stage of the business lifecycle. My knowledge extends beyond litigation. I am both a Certified Valuation Analyst (CVA) and a Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA), qualifications that underscore my ability to offer a comprehensive perspective on business challenges. By combining legal acumen with financial insight, I empower business owners to make informed...

After graduating from law school in 1979, Sara Sencer McArdle worked for the Essex County prosecutor’s office. She worked there for more than 20 years, 10 as head of the child abuse division. In 2002, Sara moved into private practice. On June 1, 2005, she established her own family law and criminal defense practice.

She has been continuously certified as a criminal trial attorney by the New Jersey Supreme Court since 1983 and provides a full line of family and criminal law services in matters such as child support, child custody, modification of existing court orders, felony defense and representation...

I am Lance Rothenberg, the founder of Rothenberg Tax Law, LLC, a boutique firm dedicated to federal and state tax controversy, IRS representation, and multistate SALT consulting. I provide guidance to a diverse clientele, ranging from Fortune 100 companies and high-net-worth individuals to small and midsize businesses. My areas of assistance include tax audits, appeals, collection defense, and issues related to nexus and state tax residency, such as domicile, statutory residency, and allocation. Before establishing my own firm, I practiced at premier international law firms in New York and Washington, DC, and most recently led Tax Controversy Services at a national...

Based in Randolph, New Jersey, Justin has significant experience handling business litigation cases from inception through trial, including those involving contract disputes, partnership disputes and shareholder disputes.  Justin has been selected to the Super Lawyers list as a New Jersey "Rising Star" in Business Litigation Law for 2015-2023. Each year, only 2.5 percent of New Jersey attorneys are selected to be included on the Rising Star list, which is issued by Thompson Reuters. Justin has also earned the AV Preeminent rating by Martindale-Hubbell in Complex Business Litigation, Business Litigation and Civil Practice. This rating signifies that Justin's reviewed peers rank him at the...

Elga Goodman is the owner of E.A. Goodman Law where she specializes in business and personal taxation issues, including domestic and international estate planning, the administration of trusts and estates, closely held business planning, and issues affecting the elderly.

As a trust and estate attorney she advises clients on estate planning techniques aimed at ensuring that assets pass to the intended beneficiaries, while minimizing the state and federal tax burdens by creating charitable trusts and foundations, planned gifting programs, and drafting wills, trusts, powers of attorney and living wills.

Elga handles general estate planning issues and counsel clients about planning for...

The founding and managing member of Cadicina Law, LLC. Mr Cadicina is an experienced family law attorney who dedicates his entire practice to family law and related matters for over twenty-five years. A well recognized family law attorney who serves on County and State Bar Associations. Mr Cadicina is the Past President of the Morris County Bar Association and Foundation. He also serves on the family law executive committees for the New Jersey State Bar Association and New Jersey Association for Justice. Mr Cadicina is a Master in the Northern New Jersey Family Law Inns...

Katherine “Kate” Gomolson has been a family law attorney since 2009. She practices in all areas of family law including divorce, child custody, visitation, child and spousal support, property distribution, paternity and post-degree litigation. A versatile attorney, Katherine provides her clients with a wide range of legal options for resolving their disputes. She possesses the skills to provide the right means of solving the issues in each unique case, whether it involves artful negotiation, mediation, a contested evidentiary hearing, or trial. Prior to joining Petrelli Previtera, Katherine Gomolson worked as a family law attorney as a named partner with the Highlands...

Ms. Rotolo was an associate attorney for five years in private practice with two midsize law firms gaining litigation and trial experience. Her practice focused on the defense of personal injury, products liability, medical malpractice and environmental matters. Prior to joining Kearns Rotolo Law in July 2008, Ms. Rotolo specialized in the defense of environmental coverage matters as a Manager at Crum & Forster Insurance Company.

Anthony P. Kearns, III has been the managing partner of Kearns Rotolo Law since January 2022. He is a highly skilled courtroom advocate focusing on personal injury, criminal defense, family law, domestic violence and municipal matters. Mr. Kearns is the former Hunterdon County Prosecutor and the only one to have been appointed to this position for two terms, making him Hunterdon County's longest serving prosecutor. He has earned statewide recognition as a criminal defense attorney and has the distinction of having worked on both sides of the criminal justice system. During his tenure as the county’s Chief Law Enforcement Officer,...

Charles C. Rifici, Esq. is a partner with Kearns Rotolo Law concentrating his practice on Family Law including Divorce, Child Custody, Child Support, Child Visitation, Alimony (Spousal Support), Pre Nuptial Agreements, Family Law related Appeals, QDRO's, Property Distribution, Post-Divorce Issues, and Grandparents' Rights. Charles joined the Firm in 2014 after completing a family clerkship with the Honorable Anthony F. Picheca, Jr., J.S.C. in Somerset County. Charles received his J.D. from Rutgers School of Law – Camden in 2013. Charles is a member of the New Jersey Bar as well as the Hunterdon County Bar Association and the New Jersey State Bar...

Christopher James Vaccaro, Esq., joined Kearns Rotolo Law in 2022. Chris focuses his practice primarily on criminal defense at the Superior Court level, DUI cases, as well as domestic violence, juvenile matters, municipal court, and motor vehicle violations. Immediately prior to joining Kearns Rotolo Law, Chris was an Assistant Prosecutor for the Hunterdon County Prosecutor’s Office, a position he had filled since August 2015. Chris began his prosecutorial career in the Narcotics Unit before being appointed to lead the Juvenile Unit. While at the Prosecutor’s Office, Chris served as the Bureau Chief of the Major Crimes Unit, Acting Bureau...

I have been representing clients in connection with estate planning and tax matters for almost 30 years. I focus first on understanding the client's objectives. I spend time learning about my client's goals, their family and their values. While tax savings is always an important objective, I do not let that be the sole determining factor when we design the plan together. Rather, I design a plan to accomplish the client's objectives in a tax efficient manner. Responsiveness to my client's requests and needs is paramount.

My practice is a holistic one. Rockaway is a small exurban town. As such, a certain neighborly attitude is required which includes pro bono work, volunteerism and maintaining ones reputation as a fair, just, and equitable advocate among clients and the community. There is also time to play and enjoy doing things that are of interest. I volunteer in a local soup kitchen, shoot skeet (but not hunt), and study Americana. I especially enjoy my six grandchildren who reside nearby. I am a graduate of Boston Latin ('60), Boston University ('64), Rutgers Law School ('67), and studied ASL (American...

Jennifer L. Alexander is a Partner of the firm who concentrates a majority of her practice on matters involving New Jersey Landlord-Tenant Law, Community Association Law, and Collections Law. She also handles Real Estate Transactions, Mediation, Land Use, and Municipal Court matters. She begins most days appearing in Landlord-Tenant Court or appearing on behalf of community associations in litigation matters and ends most of her days representing communities in board meetings. Ms. Alexander oversees the firm’s Landlord-Tenant Department. Under Ms. Alexander’s leadership, the firm represents local and national corporate and individual landlords. Representation includes non-payment cases, "for-cause” cases, lease...

Maurice W. McLaughlin is a founding member of McLaughlin & Nardi, LLC. He handles a wide range of matters including complex negotiations, litigation and transactions. Maurice leads the firm’s litigation practice. Maurice is admitted to the bars of New Jersey, New York, Massachusetts and the United States Supreme Court. He has practiced in state, federal and administrative courts throughout the Northeast.

Maurice brings a broad legal background from his many years as a litigator, prior to which he served with the Superior Court of New Jersey in Hudson County as a law clerk for Judges Barbara A. Curran and Frances L....

With 30 years experience in tort litigation, Paul T. Hofmann stands tall as a champion for victims whose lives are forever changed. Named a Super Lawyer in 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 Hofmann specializes in personal injury matters, with special emphasis on maritime, railroad and construction worker claims.

Hofmann has a B.A. from Rutgers College and J.D. from New York Law School. He is a member of American Association of Justice and the Maritime Law Association. He chaired the ATLA Admiralty Section and writes and lectures extensively.

Hofmann says that our mission is to maximize each clients recovery by thorough research, preparation...

I am an attorney and counselor at law with a bankruptcy, consumer, small business and matrimonial law concentration. Because I am admitted in NY, NJ and PA, I can also handle multi-jurisdictional issues - helping clients with problems in different states. Bankruptcy and divorce involves finding creative solutions to sometimes unique problems and personalities. I am very straightforward and cut through the bull to get to the heart of the matter and try to save clients time and money.

When you are need the services of a quality Attorney and you are looking for personal attention, you need to talk to Craig Kozan. When you first visit, you will find him very attentive and detail oriented. His advice is always crystal clear. You never leave his office unsure about what the goals are and how they will be achieved. On your behalf, he can be as hard nosed as any Attorney. His record demonstrates that. But just as important, he is a good negotiator and will not let emotions cloud the environment. For me he has handled Wills, Refinancing...

Martin P. Skolnick is the founder and Managing Attorney of the Skolnick Legal Group. Martin represents general contractors, subcontractors, and owners in construction litigation and arbitration matters. Martin also counsels construction companies and their senior management teams with the numerous legal issues construction companies encounter on a daily basis, including change order disputes, contract disputes, construction lien preparation and filing, permit issues, and employee issues. Martin also has substantial experience handling a wide range of commercial, real estate, and personal injury matters.

Martin has a rare combination of skills, experience and incredible determination that enables him to obtain exceptional results for...