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

Danielle M. DeFilippis, a Member of law firm Norris McLaughlin, P.A., and Co-Chair of its Intellectual Property Practice Group, and Robert C. Gabrielski, also a Member of the firm and Chair of its International Business and Tax Planning Practice Group, have been recognized by NJBIZ as “2021 Leaders in Law.”

“I am humbled and grateful to be recognized by NJBIZ alongside these esteemed honorees. It is truly my pleasure to serve in the legal industry in the state of New Jersey,” said DeFilippis.

Gabrielski added, “I’m truly honored to be recognized and included along with my partner, Danielle, in this group of talented New Jersey attorneys.”

Both DeFilippis and Gabrielski promote our legal services on a global scale. With extensive experience in the legal interests of domestic and international companies operating in the rapidly changing global marketplace, they represent private and public corporations in business, tax, litigation, and intellectual property matters in over 50 countries.

About the NJBIZ Leaders in Law Program

The NJBIZ Leaders in Law awards program honors legal professionals, lawyers, and general counsel whose dedication to their occupation and to their communities is outstanding. Following an open nomination period, honorees were chosen by a panel of independent judges with experience in the justice system. To join the virtual event on May 13, 2021, at 8:30 a.m., register at njbiz.com.

About Danielle DeFilippis

DeFilippis focuses her practice on intellectual property, contracts, and litigation. She represents clients in a variety of industries, most notably food and beverage, liquor, jewelry, cosmetics, sports, and entertainment. Her focus is on trademark prosecution and litigation.

DeFilippis is involved in organizations including the IP Section of the New York State Bar Association and the International Trademark Association (INTA), serving on the Trademark Offices Practice Committee. She is also an author for the firm’s trademark, copyright, and unfair competition blog, More Than Your MaⓇk™.

DeFilippis has been recognized by NJBIZ in its “Manufacturing Power 50” list and named to New Jersey Law Journal’s 2019 list of “New Jersey Trailblazers” for her efforts in the food and beverage industry in New Jersey and for expanding those efforts on a global scale. Her passion for food and beverage brands began at a young age, as she watched her father service various food brands through his work for a sales and marketing company. As the products came through her household, DeFilippis learned about marketing and branding from a retail and manufacturing perspective. Her appetite grew, and she now enjoys working with emerging and established food and beverage companies on brand development, clearance, counseling through the various stages of growth, and when the need arises, prosecuting and defending litigation.

DeFilippis received her J.D. from Seton Hall University School of Law in 2004 and her B.A. from The Pennsylvania State University in 2001.

About Robert Gabrielski

Gabrielski devotes his practice to business and international transactions, e-commerce, and taxation. He has over 30 years of experience in advising both corporate and entrepreneurial businesses on such matters as business and tax planning, business acquisitions, divestitures, and reorganizations, both domestically and internationally. Gabrielski’s experience extends from the inception of an idea to the exit strategy for entrepreneurs and closely-held businesses, particularly in the technology and health care fields.

Gabrielski counsels clients and acts as a discussion partner with business owners and executives with respect to e-commerce, technology development, health care, and commercialization of intellectual property. He regularly structures and negotiates technology licensing and development agreements, as well as business partnering agreements.

In 2010, Gabrielski launched the firm’s international business law blog, “Business Without Borders.” A collaborative effort of the attorneys in the firm’s International Business and Tax Planning Group, the blog addresses current issues, changes in the law, and other topics from a variety of legal disciplines, including, but not limited to, business, mergers and acquisitions, taxation, labor and employment, immigration, and intellectual property.

Gabrielski received his LL.M. in Taxation from New York University School of Law in 1984, his J.D. from Golden Gate University School of Law in 1981, and his B.A. from Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, in 1977.

Posted in: Danielle M. DeFilippis, News, Robert C. Gabrielski | Tags: Danielle M. DeFilippis, Robert C. Gabrielski

John N. Vanarthos, a Member of the law firm Norris McLaughlin, P.A., has been elected Chairman of the firm, following four years on the firm’s Management Committee.  He succeeds Matthew R. Sorrentino, who recently left the firm to serve as Chief Legal Officer of Lehigh Valley Health Network, one of the firm’s largest and oldest clients. In addition, David Blatteis and Graham Simmons have joined Dolores Laputka as Co-Chairs of the Business Law Group; David Roberts has been selected as Chair of the Litigation Practice Group. Robert Gabrielski has stepped down as Chair of the Business Law Group after ten years, and Robert Mahoney has stepped down as Co-Chair of the Litigation Practice Group after twelve years.

“I am honored that my colleagues have elected me to be Chair of the firm.  It is my goal to preserve the special culture we created at Norris McLaughlin over the last 65 years, while continuing to implement our strategic and growth plans for the future,” said Vanarthos.

Vanarthos joined the firm in 1988 as a young Associate, earning Membership in 1996.  He has served many roles within the firm, including as Chair of the firm’s Business Law Practice Group for 10 years, and currently as a leader of the firm’s Recruitment Committee.  Vanarthos has devoted his practice to helping companies, both large and small, with their business legal needs.  As a business lawyer, he regularly represents and counsels the firm’s corporate clients in a wide range of commercial transactions, including mergers, acquisitions, corporate partnerships, and other strategic alliances.  He has substantial industry-specific experience including pharmaceutical, medical device manufacturing, chemical, information technology, and health care, among others.  He also advises high-tech companies in the areas of technology licensing, information management, and product development. Over the years, Vanarthos has represented individual entrepreneurs and startup companies.  He has strategically guided them from idea conception to exit strategy, solving their legal problems along the way.   He is a frequent speaker and author on a wide range of business law topics that are relevant to the firm’s clients. Vanarthos serves as counsel for the United States operations of several foreign-based corporations, where he is responsible for all legal issues in the U.S., including general business advice, contract and tax matters, litigation management, and employee relations. Vanarthos earned his J.D. from Rutgers School of Law – Newark in 1987 and his B.A. from Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, in 1979.

Blatteis is a member of the firm’s Management Committee.  He is a business lawyer concentrating his practice in the areas of pharmaceutical, pharma services, medical device, and healthcare. Blatteis understands the unique business and complex legal concerns of pharmaceutical companies and service providers in the pharmaceutical industry, as a result of his 18 years of experience serving as a trusted advisor to public and private companies in this space. He is also on the Advisory Board of Hip Innovation Technology, LLC, and is the New Jersey Chapter President of Pharmaceutical Consulting Consortium International, Inc.

Simmons, a Member of the firm, is a business and real estate lawyer.  Simmons has served both public and private sector clients on all types of M&A transactions, commercial and syndicated credit facilities, economic development projects, real estate transactions, leases, and land use and zoning matters.  Simmons has represented clients across a diverse spectrum of industries and is deeply experienced in the banking and financial services, health care, real estate development, economic development, and automobile dealership industries.

Roberts, a Member of the firm, devotes his practice to handling complex commercial litigation matters, such as fraud, fraudulent transfers, trade secret, restrictive covenant litigation, employment litigation, environmental matters, and insurance coverage litigation. His practice has a particular emphasis on partnership and shareholder disputes, including oppression and dissenter’s rights cases.  In 2007, Dave launched the Shareholder Dispute NJ blog, which addresses minority shareholder disputes in New Jersey.  In addition, he writes and lectures extensively on this topic.

Posted in: Business Law, David C. Roberts, David S. Blatteis, Dolores A. Laputka, John N. Vanarthos, Litigation, News, Robert C. Gabrielski, Robert Mahoney, S. Graham Simmons, III | Tags: Business Law, Chairman, David Blatteis, David Roberts, Dolores Laputka, Graham Simmons, John Vanarthos, Litigation, Robert Gabrielski, Robert Mahoney

By: NM Tax Group
NM Alert
January 2018

Click here to access the Alert

Posted in: A. Nichole Cipriani, Abbey M. Horwitz, Charles A. Bruder, Dolores A. Laputka, James J. Costello, Jill Lebowitz, Judith A. Harris, Kenneth D. Meskin, Milan D. Slak, Robert C. Gabrielski, Victor S. Elgort |

NJ BIZ
August 2017

Click here to access the PDF article

Posted in: Robert C. Gabrielski |

Robert C. Gabrielski and Melissa A. Peña to Participate in Meritas US/Canada Regional Meeting

Bridgewater, NJ (November 6, 2014) – Robert C. Gabrielski and Melissa A. Peña, Members of the Bridgewater-based law firm, Norris McLaughlin, P.A., will participate in the Meritas 2014 US/Canada Regional Meeting at the Westin Grand Central Hotel in New York City. Other members of the firm will also attend.

Gabrielski, a Member of the firm’s Management Committee and Chair of the Business Law Group and its International Business and Tax Planning Group, will participate in a panel discussion titled “Leveraging Your Meritas Connections,” on November 7 at 2:15 pm. Other participants include Ken Kallish of Minden Gross LLP in Toronto and Jeffrey Boxer of Carter Ledyard Milburn in New York.  Fred Seller of BrazeauSeller LLP in Ottawa will serve as moderator.

Peña, who concentrates her practice in bankruptcy, commercial litigation and mortgage foreclosures, will lead the member introductions and a networking activity, designed as a fun way for attendees to get to know one another, following the welcoming remarks.

Norris McLaughlin, P.A.has been a member of Meritas since 1999.  Meritas is the only law firm alliance with an established and comprehensive means of monitoring and enhancing the quality of its member firms—a process that saves clients time in validating law firm credentials and experience. Meritas membership is selective and by invitation only. Firms are regularly assessed and recertified for the breadth of their practice expertise and client satisfaction. The organization’s extensive due diligence process ensures that only firms meeting the tenets of Meritas’ Quality Assurance Program are allowed to maintain membership. Firm performance and quality feedback are reflected in a Satisfaction Index score, which is made available online.

Posted in: Melissa A. Peña, News, Robert C. Gabrielski |

January 15, 2013

So you”ve decided to go global; Now What? Norris, McLaughlin & Marcus, P.A., PNC Wealth Management, WithumSmith+Brown, PC & the Somerset County Business Partnership cordially invite you to a complimentary panel style seminar on how to conduct business internationally.  Designed for business owners, professionals and others responsible for managing business operations, our speakers will offer practical information on how you can be successful in the global marketplace.

Corporate Planning (Model Country: India) – Robert C. Gabrielski, Esq., Norris McLaughlin, P.A. General overview, formation of business entity, business registrations, structure of U.S. owned business abroad, ownership and control of business abroad, inter-company transactions, and treaty issues

International Letters of Credit – Michele Stacey, Vice President of International Banking Group, PNC Bank Understanding letters of credit, reducing payment risk and control exchange of shipping documents, trade finance, and EXIM bank working capital program

Foreign Exchange Issues – Jeffrey Placido, Director of Foreign Exchange, PNC Capital Markets
The role of a Foreign Exchange Advisor, risks and challenges associated with conducting business overseas, and understanding currency risk

Tax Issues – Kimberlee Phelan, WithumSmith+Brown, PC
Understandng the tax planning opportunities and compliance requirements when operating internationally.  Most importantly, avoiding the high cost of non-compliance.

Moderator – Mike Kerwin, President and CEO, Somerset County Business Partnership

8:00—8:30 a.m.         Registration & Breakfast
8:30—10:00 a.m.       Program
10:00—10:30 a.m.     Q&A

For information on how to register, click here.

‘

Posted in: International Business and Tax Planning, Robert C. Gabrielski |

Bruder and Gabrielski to Present Seminar on International Business

Bridgewater, NJ (September 13, 2013) – Charles A. Bruder and Robert C. Gabrielski, Members of Bridgewater-based law firm Norris McLaughlin, P.A., will co-present “Going Global: A Primer on Tax and Corporate Isssues For Your Domestic and Foreign Business Operations” with Vinay Navani of Wilkin & Guttenplan, P.C. The seminar will be held on Tuesday, September 24, at the firm’s Bridgewater office.

This seminar is designed for business owners, financial planners, accountants, human resource professionals, and others responsible for managing business operations. The program will offer practical information on general corporate planning, tax issues, compliance, and international executive compensation. “The reality is, in today’s business world it’s either go global or go home,” said Gabrielski, Chair of the Business and International Law Groups. “For some time now, it’s not been a matter of whether you will be conducting international business, but why aren’t you? Our program will help those who are thinking about going global, those who are currently in the process, and even those who are already global and but may want to expand.” Please click here to register.

Bruder concentrates his practice in the areas of employee benefits and executive compensation. He is co-chair of the Executive Compensation & Employee Benefits Group at Norris McLaughlin, P.A.. Bruder is experienced in all aspects of defined contribution and defined benefit plans, deferred compensation arrangements, stock option plans, employee stock ownership plans, and other incentive and equity-based compensation arrangements. He frequently counsels clients on plan qualification and administration issues, ERISA fiduciary matters, plan compliance issues, and employee benefits matters in the context of business reorganizations. In addition, Bruder is knowledgeable in the handling of group health plans, cafeteria plans, and other health and welfare benefits arrangements. He is a frequent lecturer on employee benefits and has published articles in The Exempt Organizations Tax Review and the New Jersey Law Journal and has been quoted in The Hedge Fund Law Report. Bruder received his LL.M., with distinction, from Georgetown University Law Center, his J.D. from Widener University School of Law, and his B.A. from LaSalle University.

Gabrielski, Chair of the firm’s Business and International Law Groups, devotes his practice to business transactions, both international and domestic; e-commerce and taxation. He has over 25 years of experience in advising corporate and entrepreneurial businesses on matters including business and tax planning, corporate acquisitions, divestitures and reorganizations, both domestically and internationally. He is instrumental in assisting businesspeople with the development of their business ideas to the exit strategy for entrepreneurs and closely-held businesses, particularly in the technology and health care fields. Gabrielski also counsels clients and acts as a discussion partner with business owners and executives with respect to e-commerce, technology development, health care, and commercialization of intellectual property. He regularly structures and negotiates technology licensing and development agreement and corporate partnering agreements. Gabrielski earned his LL.M in Taxation from New York University School of Law; his J.D. from Golden Gate University School of Law, and his B.A. from Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey.

Navani, a Shareholder at Wilkin & Guttenplan, P.C., joined the firm in 1998. His client roster includes emerging and established businesses in the high-tech and software industries as well as other closely-held businesses and business owners. He assists his clients on income tax planning and compliance matters such as business sales and restructuring, retirement plans, charitable giving strategies, tax audits and other topics. Navani also advises on U.S. tax aspects of international business, U.S. citizens living overseas, and foreign nationals present in the United States. Immediately prior to joining the firm, Navani served as Technical Manager for the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants’ Tax Information Phone Service. In this capacity, he provided tax research services as well as professional expertise to other Certified Public Accountants.

Posted in: Charles A. Bruder, International Business and Tax Planning, News, Robert C. Gabrielski |

Bridgewater, NJ (September 10, 2012) – The Bridgewater-based law firm Norris McLaughlin, P.A., has named Robert C. Gabrielski and Robert Mahoney, Members of the firm, to its Management Committee. Gabrielski has been with the firm for 28 years and is Chair of its Business Law and International Law Groups. Mahoney has been with the firm for 12 years and is Chair of its Litigation Department.

“I am honored to serve on Norris McLaughlin’s Management Committee and I look forward to contributing to the continued success of the firm,” said Gabrielski.

“I could not agree more,” added Mahoney. “The firm is well-positioned for the future, and we will continue to build on our talent, reputation, and core values to deliver outstanding services for our clients.”

Gabrielski, a resident of Martinsville, devotes his practice to business transactions, both international and domestic; e-commerce; and taxation. He has over 25 years of experience in advising both corporate and entrepreneurial businesses on such matters as business and tax planning, corporate acquisitions, and divestitures and reorganizations, both domestically and internationally. He is instrumental in assisting businesspeople from the inception of a business idea to the exit strategy for entrepreneurs and closely-held businesses, particularly in the technology and health care fields. Gabrielski counsels business owners and executives with respect to e-commerce, technology development, health care, and commercialization of intellectual property. He regularly structures and negotiates technology licensing and development agreements and corporate partnering agreements. In his community, Gabrielski currently serves on the Board of Somerset County Crimestoppers. He has also served on the Board of the Adult Day Center of Somerset County and coached local youth sports teams.

Mahoney, a resident of Bridgewater, devotes his practice to complex commercial litigation matters. While he handles a wide variety of commercial cases, patent infringement and other intellectual property litigation constitute a large portion of his practice. Many of the matters he handles involve e-commerce and information technology litigation. He has litigated domain name and web site content cases. He has substantial experience in environmental litigation, including the defense of claims brought by the government for natural resource damages. He has handled legal malpractice defense, trade secret and construction litigation. Mahoney is actively involved with the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Somerville, where he serves on the Liturgy Committee. In the past, he coached local youth sports teams.

Norris McLaughlin, P.A. is a full-service business law firm with offices in Bridgewater, New Jersey; New York, New York; and Allentown, Pennsylvania. The more than 100 attorneys come from diverse backgrounds, hold degrees from top U.S. law schools, and regularly serve as leaders in bar associations and various trade groups. Norris McLaughlin, P.A.’ clients run the gamut, from Fortune 500 corporations to smaller publicly and privately held companies to start-up companies and individuals. The firm is a member of the Meritas group of 192 law firms, enabling it to provide its clients with high quality legal services in jurisdictions around the world. It is the combination of international reach and strong local roots that distinguishes the firm.

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Posted in: News, Robert C. Gabrielski, Robert Mahoney |

January 26, 2012

Norris McLaughlin, P.A.
721 Route 202-206, Suite 200
P.O. Box 5933
Bridgewater, NJ 08807-5933
Contact: Edward C. Miller, Jr.
Chief Marketing Officer
(908) 722-0700 x4224
ecmillerjr@norris-law.com

Norris McLaughlin, P.A.Represents Lombard Risk $4.25 Million Acquisition of SOFGEN Regulatory Reporting Business

Bridgewater, NJ (January 26, 2012) – The International Law Group of the Bridgewater-based law firm Norris McLaughlin, P.A., represented Lombard Risk Management plc in its acquisition of the regulatory reporting business of banking consultancy SOFGEN Holdings Limited for $4.25 million in cash, loan notes and equity. Robert C. Gabrielski, a Member of the firm and Chair of its Business and International Law Groups, led the team of attorneys that worked on the deal, including Wendy Z. Greenwood, corporate; Charles A. Bruder, employee benefits; Jeffrey M. Casaletto, environmental; and Jeanne Hamburg, intellectual property.

Lombard Risk, a leading provider of integrated collateral management and liquidity, regulatory and MIS reporting solutions for the financial services industry, already had a major business in regulatory reporting through its existing REPORTER product, which is used globally, including in the United States. The main part of the business acquired is the U.S. and Canada regulatory reporting product REG-Reporter, which is used by Bank of America and Royal Bank of Canada, among others. The acquisition catapults the risk specialist into the top three providers, along with FIS and Jack Henry, of regulatory reporting for U.S. domestic banks, and offers those banks improved risk management through the combination of both companies’ reporting products. The deal gives Lombard over 250 clients around the world for bank regulatory reporting.

John Wisbey, CEO of Lombard Risk, says: “This is an important strategic breakthrough for us, as it gives critical mass in the North American market place, both for foreign and domestic banks in the United States. We already had this for collateral management, but we now have it for regulatory reporting.”

The attorneys in the International Law Group at Norris McLaughlin, P.A. have extensive experience representing the legal interests of domestic and international companies operating in the rapidly changing global marketplace. The Group offers a full range of legal services to businesses engaged in international commerce, including expert transactional services, particularly in transactions that involve doing business in the United States or with U.S. enterprises; and litigation services. Within the diverse practice, clients receive assistance with forming businesses and tax planning; organizing business entities across borders; buying and selling businesses and properties; financing emerging companies; engaging in international transactions and related securities issues; establishing and protecting intellectual property rights; minimizing taxes and planning estates; assessing creditors’ rights and bankruptcy issues; and, if civil or criminal litigation is unavoidable, have their interests represented by experienced trial counsel. Some of the international business law services provided include business planning and development, construction, finance and banking, intellectual property, immigration, internet law, labor and employment, litigation and alternative dispute resolution, mergers and acquisitions, new market expansion, real estate and land use, and taxation.

The Group represents private and public, domestic and multinational corporations in business, litigation, and international negotiation matters in over 50 countries, including Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Cayman Islands, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, England, Finland, France, Germany, Holland, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, P.R. China, Paraguay, Peru, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, Uruguay, and Venezuela.

Norris McLaughlin, P.A. is the host to Business Without Borders, an international business blog located at old.norrismclaughlin.com/category/bwob/. The blog is a collaborative effort of the attorneys in the firm’s International Law Group. The blog addresses current issues, changes in the law and other topics from a variety of legal disciplines. The blog includes guest bloggers from the international business world, who have expertise on a particular subject matter, country, treaty, or industry.

Norris McLaughlin, P.A. is the exclusive New Jersey member of both Meritas and Legal Network International, which are affiliations of select independent law firms located in every state in the U.S. and many countries throughout the world. Membership in these organizations provides clients with immediate access to high-quality legal services in other jurisdictions.

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Posted in: Charles A. Bruder, Jeanne Hamburg, Jeffrey M. Casaletto, News, Robert C. Gabrielski |