The law firm of Norris McLaughlin, P.A., is pleased to welcome Benjamin D. Schwartz as an Associate. He joins the firm’s Intellectual Property and Litigation Practice Groups in New York.

“Ben’s intellectual property experience, his work ethic, and commitment to client service make him an asset to our team,” said Danielle M. DeFilippis, Co-Chair of the Intellectual Property Law Practice Group.

“The culture and camaraderie at Norris McLaughlin are unparalleled, and I am happy to be a part of this exceptional team,” Schwartz said.

About Ben Schwartz

Schwartz concentrates his practice on enforcing intellectual property and contract rights, prosecuting trademark and copyright applications, participating in Trademark Trial and Appeal Board proceedings, and counseling clients on their protection and utilization of trademarks, patents, copyrights, and associated exclusive rights. He is a registered patent attorney with the United States Patent and Trademark Office, and also has experience drafting license agreements with third-party users of famous trademarks to avoid genericide and loss of rights.

Prior to joining Norris McLaughlin, Schwartz worked as an associate for an intellectual property law firm in Silicon Valley,  where he assisted with pre-trial procedure and conducted legal research.

Schwartz graduated from Santa Clara University School of Law with honors in intellectual property, and he received his B.S. in biology from Lehigh University. While attending law school, he served as president of the Student Intellectual Property Law Association and as a senior production editor of the High Technology Law Journal. Schwartz is licensed to practice in New York and California.

Posted in: Benjamin D. Schwartz, Intellectual Property, Litigation, News | Tags: Benjamin D. Schwartz, Intellectual Property, Litigation

The law firm of Norris McLaughlin, P.A., has announced that four of its Members have been selected for inclusion on the list of New York Metro Super Lawyers ® for 2021. Only five percent of New York lawyers are given this honor.

The following Norris McLaughlin, P.A. attorneys were recognized as New York Metro Super Lawyers 2021:

• Joseph A. Farco, Intellectual Property
• Hugh P. Finnegan, Real Estate & Finance
• Jeanne M. Hamburg, Intellectual Property
• Alan Tenenbaum, Intellectual Property

The following attorneys were recognized as New York Metro Super Lawyers Rising Stars 2021:

• Raymond Lahoud, Immigration
• William C. Menard, Immigration
• Kimbrilee M. Weber, Litigation

To be eligible for inclusion in Rising Stars, a candidate must be either 40 years old or younger or in practice for ten years or less.

About New York Metro Super Lawyers

New York Metro Super Lawyers, a listing of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement, is published in Super Lawyers Magazine. The multi-phased selection process includes independent research, peer nominations, and peer evaluations.

The magazine, which features the list and profiles of selected attorneys, is distributed to attorneys in the state or region and the ABA-accredited law school libraries. Super Lawyers is also published as a special section in leading city and regional magazines across the country. In the United States, Super Lawyers Magazine is published in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., reaching more than 13 million readers. For more information on the selection process, visit superlawyers.com.

About Norris McLaughlin New York Attorneys

Norris McLaughlin is a multi-practice law firm uniquely positioned to represent middle-market companies, Fortune 500 corporations, and individuals. While the firm’s breadth of services covers all areas of law, the Norris McLaughlin New York attorneys have extensive experience in business, intellectual property, immigration, and cooperative (“co-op”) and condominium law.

The attorneys at Norris McLaughlin come from diverse backgrounds, hold degrees from top U.S. law schools, and regularly serve as leaders in bar associations and various trade groups. They have earned a strong reputation in virtually every area of practice within the realm of commercial law. With many of its attorneys selected as The Best Lawyers In America© each year, in addition to its active repertoire of speaking engagements and legal publications, the firm possesses large-firm talent in a small-firm setting that allows its attorneys to provide service and value to their clients on a personal level. It is the goal of Norris McLaughlin to accommodate the needs of every client with experience, strategic planning, and common courtesy.

The firm opened its first New York office in 1999. In response to the changing needs of the business community, the office expanded and eventually moved from the original space to the office building at 875 Third Avenue in 2004. In 2006, the firm merged with Szold & Brandwen, adding significant real estate, financing, and litigation expertise to the firm. The merger allowed the firm to provide enhanced services to clients and strengthened its commitment to providing a broad range of legal services. Most recently, Norris McLaughlin left its New York home-base of 16 years with goals of continued growth and modernization. This new space in Times Square Tower gives the New York attorneys and staff access to state-of-the-art facilities as well as the technological capabilities to respond more effectively to the demands of the firm’s 21st Century clients.

Posted in: Alan Tenenbaum, Hugh P. Finnegan, Immigration, Intellectual Property, Jeanne Hamburg, Joseph A. Farco, Kimbrilee M. Weber, Litigation, News, Raymond G. Lahoud, Real Estate & Finance, William C. Menard | Tags: Alan Tenenbaum, Hugh P. Finnegan, Immigration, Intellectual Property, Jeanne Hamburg, Joseph A. Farco, Kimbrilee M. Weber, Litigation, Raymond G. Lahoud, Real Estate and Finance, William C. Menard

Immigration Practice Group Chair, Ray Lahoud, was quoted by EB5 Investors Magazine in their article, “New bill can help EB-5 investors get a green card faster, by paying added fee.”

Lahoud discussed the proposed bill and its impact on immigration, particularly on the EB-5 investors’ category. Stating that, “The reconciliation bill provides a pathway to lawful permanent residence for a broad range of individuals in the United States, with varying lawful and unlawful immigration statuses.”

Check out the full article here! https://www.eb5investors.com/blog/eb5-visa-bill-obtain-green-card-faster-fee

Posted in: News, Raymond G. Lahoud | Tags: EB-5, EB-5 Investor Visa Program, EB5 Investor Visa Program

At the August 26, 2021 EV Coalition “EV Chargers at Places You Like to Go!,” Norris McLaughlin Member and Land Use and Zoning attorney Christopher Erd participated in a collaborative discussion on Electric Vehicles (EV) with John Stuckey, Director of Site Development at Volta Charging, and Adam Bradford, Somerset County Senior Transportation Planner. The discussion was moderated by Leanne McGowan, Director of Business Development for RideWise, Somerset County’s go-to partner for information on environmentally friendly transportation. The speakers discussed New Jersey’s expansion of local charging networks for EV and Governor Murphy’s recent legislation related to the permitting process to build EV charging stations.

New Jersey’s Increasing Expansion of Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

With a focus on what the EV industry means for municipalities, developers and builders, the group discussed the increasing adoption of EV charging, the business model for retail properties, and Somerset County’s plans for connecting EV drivers in more locations.

Chris, who has significant experience providing legal counsel on land use and zoning issues related to EV, explained the current applications, issues, and processes. Specifically, he reviewed the state’s standards for installation and use of EV charging stations in common interest communities such as condominium and homeowners’ associations, as well as requirements and zoning standards for installation of Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) and Make-Ready parking spaces in municipalities.

About Christopher Erd

Chris’s primary practice areas are land use and zoning, electric vehicles, commercial-scale solar energy, commercial-scale electric battery storage, commercial and residential real estate sales and leases, and environmental law. He has obtained numerous real estate development approvals, closed many sales, and prepared a great deal of leases. His major client business areas include real estate developers, commercial and industrial property owners and tenants, warehouses, shopping centers, restaurants, bars, hotels, gasoline stations, wholesale fuel suppliers, convenience stores, electric vehicle charging stations, solar energy providers, commercial electricity storage, and wireless telecommunications providers.

Posted in: Christopher A. Erd, Environmental, News | Tags: Christopher A. Erd, environmental, Real Estate and Finance, solar energy

The law firm of Norris McLaughlin, P.A., is pleased to welcome Olivia J. Italiano as an Associate. She joins the firm’s Litigation Practice Group in New Jersey.

“Olivia is a skilled and energetic young attorney with experience advocating for her clients and we are pleased that she is joining our team and know that she will contribute to our culture of client service,” said Margaret Raymond-Flood, Co-Chair of the Litigation Practice Group.

“Norris McLaughlin is well-known for their culture of collaboration and exceptional service and I’m excited to be a part of this team,” Italiano said.

About Olivia Italiano

Italiano concentrates her practice on complex commercial litigation disputes in state and federal courts, including financial and securities litigation, fraud, consumer fraud, the dissolution of closely held businesses, and shareholder disputes. She has significant experience representing large and small commercial entities and individuals from pre-litigation through appeal and frequently advises on procedural aspects of litigation. Italiano is experienced in managing large-scale, multi-party litigations, as well as counseling smaller companies and individuals with business disputes.

Prior to joining Norris McLaughlin, Italiano completed a clerkship for the Superior Court of New Jersey’s Passaic Vicinage, and was a litigation associate at a New York law firm where she concentrated on complex commercial, security, and bankruptcy litigation matters.

Italiano is a cum laude graduate of the Widener University School of Law and received her B.S. from the University of Miami. While attending law school, she served as an executive board member of the Moot Court Honor Society, and as a member of the Journal of Race, Law, and Economics.

Posted in: Litigation, News, Olivia J. Italiano | Tags: Litigation, litigation associate, Olivia J. Italiano

On August 26, Raymond G. Lahoud, a Member of law firm Norris McLaughlin, P.A., and Chair of its Immigration Law Practice Group, spoke to This Week in Legal Blogging Podcast about immigration law and blogging on material that has the potential to be political.

On the podcast, Ray discussed his passion for practicing law, provided insights into blogging, and gave advice on how to cover topics that might be politically sensitive.

About This Week in Legal Blogging Podcast

This Week in Legal Blogging with Bob Ambrogi is a weekly podcast with the best bloggers in the legal community that provides insights on how publishing online brings success for lawyers and legal professionals around the world.

Listen to Episode 047: Raymond Lahoud on immigration law and blogging on material that has the potential to be political.

About Ray Lahoud

Raymond G. Lahoud focuses exclusively on the area of immigration law and deportation defense for individuals, families, small to large domestic and multinational businesses and corporations, employers, international employees, investors, students, professors, researchers, skilled professionals, athletes, and entertainers, in every type of immigration or deportation defense matter—whether domestic or foreign. While Ray’s immigration practice is global in reach, with service to individuals and organizations across the United States and beyond, he is located primarily at the firm’s three globally-linked offices: New York, New York; Bridgewater, New Jersey; and Allentown, Pennsylvania.

Ray’s immigration practice is broad, ranging from areas of corporate and employment immigration and related compliance to immigration litigation before agencies and courts across the United States, for corporations and individuals alike. His experience includes immigrant and non-immigrant visas, visa overstays, immigrants who entered without inspection or authorization, EB-5 investor visas (serving investors, regional centers, and project developers), citizenship and naturalization claims, deportation and removal litigation at the immigration court and all appellate levels, E Visas, E-3 Visas, H-1B Visas, H-2B Visas, L Visas, O Visas, P Visas, Q Visas, R Visas, TN Visas, Exceptional Ability Immigrant Visas, Extraordinary Ability Immigrant Visas, Physician and Nursing Visas, K-1 Visas, K-3 Visas, Multinational Manager/Executive Immigrant Visas, Outstanding Professor/Researcher Immigrant Visas, PERM Labor Certification, Family Petitions, Adjustment of Status, Marriage Petitions, Asylum, VAWA applications, and Immigration Waivers, such as the Visa Waiver Program, National Interest Waivers, Hardship Waivers, and J Waivers.

Ray’s corporate immigration practice includes representing businesses of all sizes, in all corporate immigration and employer immigration compliance matters. He has served nearly every industry, including healthcare, education (community colleges, colleges, universities, students, professors, and researchers), manufacturing, global and domestic employment/talent recruitment, warehousing and distribution, pharmaceutical, economic development, local, county, and state government agencies, non-profit, religious, real estate development and EB-5 investor financing, information technology, marketing, entertainment, and sports. Ray’s corporate immigration and employer immigration compliance practice includes all non-immigrant and immigrant visas, recruitment of international talent and students, and consular processing, as well as Form I-9 and Department of Labor Wage & Hour Division compliance. Further, he has litigated corporate immigration matters before the Department of Labor’s Wage & Hour Division, the Department of Homeland Security’s investigative bodies and agencies, the State Department, the United States Court of Appeals for International Trade, the Customs & Border Protection review board, and federal appellate courts—seeking review of employer immigration compliance and other immigrant and non-immigrant visa issues.

Ray’s immigration litigation practice includes deportation defense of thousands of individuals, at the Immigration Court, the Board of Immigration Appeals, the Administrative Appeals Office, and federal district and circuit courts. In state and federal trial and appellate courts, he seeks post-conviction relief for the underlying crime that led to the removal proceedings and serves as immigration counsel to non-citizens accused of removable crimes. Ray’s ability to understand each interaction of criminal law with immigration law has made him a leading expert on issues of “crimigration” before state and federal courts reviewing post-conviction relief claims.

Ray has received numerous accolades. He has been awarded the Empire State Pro Bono Counsel Award each year since 2012, has been selected as Lead Counsel, received the Martindale-Hubbell Platinum Client Champion Award, and has been named a Super Lawyers Rising Star, ranked as a Top Rated Immigration Attorney in the New York Metro Area. EB5 Investors, the leading online portal, conference series, and magazine for investors, developers, and EB-5 professionals, has named Ray one of the “Top 5 Rising Stars” nationally. He was also included in the Lehigh Valley Business 2021 “Power 30 in Law” and named one of the 40 young professionals from the Greater Lehigh Valley as the Lehigh Valley Business 2017 Forty Under 40 for his commitment to business growth, professional excellence, and the community.

Posted in: Immigration, News, Raymond G. Lahoud | Tags: blog, Immigration Blog

The law firm of Norris McLaughlin, P.A., is pleased to announce that Robert C. Gabrielski, Esq., Chair of the firm’s International Business and Tax Planning Group, led a multi-disciplinary team that finalized a successful M&A cross-border transaction involving companies in Canada and the United States, the financial terms of which remain confidential.

Gabrielski noted, “Our firm worked closely with lawyers at Toronto-based Minden Gross, and collaborated to structure, negotiate, and close a significant equity investment for a leading Canadian telecommunications services provider.”

The Norris McLaughlin legal advisory team, led by Gabrielski, included William L. Brewer, Charles A. Bruder, Jeffrey K. Cassin, and LaShawn Oxendine.

About the Norris McLaughlin M&A Practice Group

The Norris McLaughlin mergers and acquisitions attorneys have structured, negotiated, and closed numerous U.S. and international transactions ranging from small-scale to complex multi-million-dollar deals. The firm’s attorneys have vast experience in all aspects of such corporate transactions, including asset and stock sales, statutory mergers, tax-structured transactions, corporate reorganizations, tender offers, leveraged buyouts, LLC and limited partnership interest exchanges, financing arrangements, due diligence investigation, governmental approvals and clearances, and international transactions.

Norris McLaughlin’s dedicated business law attorneys can also assist with the analysis of tax, securities, labor, employee benefits, antitrust, real estate, intellectual property, environmental, and other legal issues related to mergers and acquisitions. More than 30 business law attorneys spend all or most of their time in a variety of disciplines within the field of business law. As a result, the firm has enough diversity of talent and bench strength to form teams of cross-functional attorneys, striving to create the right blend of general competence and expertise that are best situated to address our clients’ needs promptly, efficiently, and creatively.

As experienced advisors, the firm’s attorneys ensure that each client has the proper structure in place to guide them on what they can expect and what investors will expect, prior to a client meeting with any potential investor. Norris McLaughlin takes a unique approach in the early stage of company relationships, in that each client can expect a single partner to be responsible and accountable for that relationship. Recognized by clients as their trusted advisors and virtual business partners, the attorneys deliver efficient and practical legal counsel, supporting each client’s needs with an eye on their bottom line and what’s best for their future.

Posted in: Business Law, Charles A. Bruder, International Business and Tax Planning, Jeffrey K. Cassin, LaShawn A. Oxendine, Mergers & Acquisitions, News, Robert C. Gabrielski, William L. Brewer | Tags: Business Law, Charles A. Bruder, International Business and Tax Planning, Jeffrey K. Cassin, LaShawn A. Oxendine, Mergers & Acquisitions, Robert C. Gabrielski, William L. Brewer

The law firm of Norris McLaughlin, P.A., is pleased to announce that nineteen of the firm’s attorneys have been selected for inclusion in the 2022 Best Lawyers® lists. Fifteen attorneys have been included in the 2022 edition of The Best Lawyers in America© and five are included in the 2022 Best Lawyers “Ones to Watch” list.

“We are proud of this group of attorneys for their accomplishments throughout the past year and we congratulate them on this honor,” said David C. Roberts, Chair of the firm.

The Best Lawyers in America

The following Norris McLaughlin attorneys were included in the 2022 edition of The Best Lawyers in America:

• Douglas R. Brown, Banking and Finance Law
• Martha N. Donovan, Environmental Law; Litigation – Environmental
• Victor S. Elgort, Trusts and Estates
• Hugh P. Finnegan, Real Estate Law
• Edward A. Hogan, Energy Law; Environmental Law; Litigation – Environmental; Natural Resources Law
• Barbara L. Hollenbach, Workers’ Compensation Law – Employers
• Peter D. Hutcheon, Corporate Law; Mergers and Acquisitions Law; Securities / Capital Markets Law; Securities Regulation
• Joel N. Jacobson, Banking and Finance Law
• Steven A. Karg, Product Liability Litigation – Defendants
• James H. Laskey, Communications Law; Energy Law
• Kenneth D. Meskin, Trusts and Estates
• Richard B. Somach, Real Estate Law
• Edward G. Sponzilli, Commercial Litigation
• Bruce J. Wisotsky, Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law; Litigation – Bankruptcy

Best Lawyers “Ones to Watch”

Additionally, four lawyers from the firm have been included in the 2022 Best Lawyers “Ones to Watch” list, which includes attorneys who are earlier in their careers and have demonstrated outstanding professional excellence in private practice. The following Norris McLaughlin attorneys were included in the list:

• Risa M. Chalfin, Commercial Litigation
• Nicholas J. Dimakos, Litigation – Trusts and Estates
• Nicholas A. Duston, Commercial Litigation; Criminal Defense: White-Collar
• Michael J. Locke, Corporate Law; Mergers and Acquisitions Law

The full methodology for The Best Lawyers in America and the Best Lawyers “Ones to Watch” is available here. No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court of New Jersey.

About Best Lawyers

Since it was first published in 1983, Best Lawyers has become regarded as the definitive guide to legal excellence. Best Lawyers lists are compiled based on an exhaustive peer-review evaluation. Almost 108,000 industry-leading lawyers are eligible to vote (from around the world), and Best Lawyers has received over 13 million evaluations on the legal abilities of other lawyers based on their specific practice areas around the world. Lawyers are not required or allowed to pay a fee to be listed; therefore, inclusion in Best Lawyers is considered a singular honor.

Lawyers included in the Best Lawyers lists are divided by geographic region and practice area. They are reviewed by their peers and undergo an authentication process to ensure they are in current practice and in good standing.

Posted in: Banking & Financial Services, Bankruptcy & Creditors' Rights, Barbara L. Hollenbach, Bruce J. Wisotsky, Business Law, Criminal Investigations and White Collar Defense, Douglas R. Brown, Edward A. Hogan, Edward G. Sponzilli, Environmental, Estate Planning & Administration, Hugh P. Finnegan, James H. Laskey, Joel N. Jacobson, Kenneth D. Meskin, Litigation, Martha N. Donovan, Mergers & Acquisitions, Michael J. Locke, News, Nicholas A. Duston, Nicholas J. Dimakos, Peter D. Hutcheon, Products Liability Defense, Real Estate & Finance, Richard B. Somach, Risa M. Chalfin, Securities, Solar Energy, Steven A. Karg, Telecommunications, Victor S. Elgort, Workers’ Compensation—Pennsylvania Office | Tags: Banking & Financial Services, Bankruptcy & Creditors’ Rights, Barbara L. Hollenbach, Bruce J. Wisotsky, Business Law, Criminal Investigations and White Collar Defense, Douglas R. Brown, Edward A. Hogan, Edward G. Sponzilli, environmental, Estate Planning & Administration, Hugh P. Finnegan, James H. Laskey, Joel N. Jacobson, Kenneth D. Meskin, Litigation, Martha N. Donovan, Mergers & Acquisitions, Michael J. Locke, Nicholas A. Duston, Nicholas J. Dimakos, Peter D. Hutcheon, Products Liability Defense, real estate & finance, Richard B. Somach, Risa M. Chalfin, securities, solar energy, Steven A. Karg, telecommunications, Victor S. Elgort, Workers’ Compensation—Pennsylvania Office

The law firm of Norris McLaughlin, P.A., is pleased to welcome Bartley J. Breinin as a Member. He joins the Business Law Practice Group in the firm’s New York office, and will collaborate with its growing staff of attorneys throughout the Bridgewater, New Jersey, and Allentown, Pennsylvania, offices as well.

“We are pleased to welcome Bart to the firm and are confident that his extensive experience in business law and his exceptional level of client service will be an asset to our clients and to our team,” said Andrew N. Parfomak, Administrative Partner of the firm’s New York Office.

“I am excited to join the firm’s New York office and look forward to collaborating on M&A and other corporate and commercial work with my colleagues at Norris McLaughlin across multiple practice areas,” Breinin said.

About Bart Breinin

Breinin focuses his practice primarily in business law and has served as both outside and in-house counsel for large and small companies, professional and financial services organizations, and private equity and venture capital firms. He has extensive experience in mergers and acquisitions and has advised on hundreds of domestic and international deals including acquisitions, divestitures, joint ventures, and strategic alliances.

Additionally, Breinin is proficient in a variety of corporate and commercial practice areas and serves clients across industries including investment banking, accounting, management and technology consulting, and retail, and acts as a consultant to private equity funds.

Clients rely on Breinin for his experience and practical approach to their business matters. His background as an in-house legal advisor has given him a unique perspective that allows him to take a hands-on approach to transactions, maintain a flexible negotiation style, and focus on creative solutions.

Breinin received his J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law and his B.A. from Yale College. He is a frequent speaker and has lectured at NYU Law School and at various New York City Bar Association events.

Posted in: Bartley J. Breinin, Business Law, News | Tags: Bartley J. Breinin, Business Law

The law firm of Norris McLaughlin, P.A., is proud to be listed in the 2021 Lehigh Valley Business “Reader Rankings” in three categories. The firm was voted one of the top three winners in Law Firm – Business, Law Firm – Mergers and Acquisitions, and Law Firm – Real Estate.

“We value our clients, community, and employees, and our clients value a personal level of service. Therefore, we strive for a deep, meaningful, people-first relationship with each one. With large firm talent in a small firm setting, we ensure that all clients receive exceptional service. This award is a testament to that mission, and we are grateful every year,” said David C. Roberts, Chair of the firm.

About the Lehigh Valley Business 2021 Reader Rankings

The 2021 “Reader Rankings” awards, based on over 24,500 votes, were announced online on August 11 and will be published in the Lehigh Valley Business October 25 special edition. To celebrate, the winners’ category-specific video roll will be promoted each day, October 11-22, on the magazine’s social media channels and daily email alerts, and online at LVB.com.

About Norris McLaughlin

At Norris McLaughlin, over 20 business law attorneys spend all or most of their time in a variety of specialties within their field. The range of clients is broad, as are the legal services that we provide to them. The firm’s mergers and acquisitions attorneys have structured, negotiated, and closed numerous U.S. and international transactions, ranging from small-scale ventures to complex multi-million-dollar deals. They have vast experience in all aspects of corporate transactions.

The real estate and finance attorneys of Norris McLaughlin have the experience and depth to handle virtually any type of real estate transaction and development project—large or small. With a keen understanding of the complex, ever-changing regulations and restrictions that affect the firm’s real estate clients, Norris McLaughlin achieves each client’s goals in the most cost-effective manner possible.

Posted in: Business Law, Mergers & Acquisitions, News, Real Estate & Finance | Tags: Business Law, Mergers & Acquisitions, real estate & finance