Bankruptcy/Restructuring
1 Ranked Lawyer
Leading firm in USA 2026
Ranked Departments
Ranked Individuals
Provided by Genova Burns LLC
Firm Bio:
For over 35 years, Genova Burns has partnered with companies, businesses, trade associations, and government entities, from around the globe, on matters in New Jersey and the greater northeast corridor between New York City and Washington, D.C. We provide an array of exceptional legal services across multiple practice areas with the quality expected of big law, but absent the big law economics.
Firm Overview:
Genova Burns is an innovative mid-sized law firm. We view our clients as our relationship partners. When you select Genova Burns, you will get a firm that understands your business, whether private or public, and works with you to achieve practical, real-world and cost-conscious outcomes. For over 30 years, Genova Burns has partnered with companies, businesses, trade associations, and government entities, from around the globe, on matters in New Jersey and the greater northeast corridor between New York City and Washington, D.C. We provide an array of exceptional legal services across multiple practice areas with the quality expected ofbig law, but absent thebig laweconomics. At Genova Burns, your business is our business.
Main Areas of Practice:
Alcohol & Regulated Products Law
Genova Burns’ Alcohol, Food & Beverage Law Practice Group helps businesses seeking alcohol-beverage licenses navigate the myriad local, state and federal compliance issues that come with this process. The Group’s attorneys use their corporate and transactional law experience to help clients efficiently and effectively navigate the regulatory landscape with respect to the manufacture, distribution, sale and consumption of licensed alcoholic beverages.
Key Contact:
James J. McGovern III, Esq.
Partner
(973) 535-7122
Appellate Litigation
Genova Burns’ Appellate Practice Group helps clients navigate through the appeals process. Our attorneys have litigated in state and federal appellate in New Jersey (including the Appellate Division and Supreme Court of New Jersey), New York and Pennsylvania, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, with jurisdiction over New York, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, with jurisdiction over New Jersey and Pennsylvania. The Appellate Practice Group adeptly manages all aspects of appellate matters from commencement to resolution, including:
·Trial Strategy and Interlocutory Appeals
·Emergent Appeals and Motions
·Appellate Counseling
·Written Advocacy
·Administrative Appeals:
·Amicus Curiae
·Oral Advocacy
Key Contact:
Lawrence Bluestone, Esq.
Partner
(973) 535-4434
Aviation & Aircraft Law
The Aviation & Aircraft Law Practice Group is dedicated to the representation of corporate and individual owners of business aircraft. The group assists clients on a variety of issues, including:
Key Contact:
David P. Cooke, Esq.
Of Counsel
(973) 309-6076
Banking & Commercial Lending
Our Banking & Commercial Lending attorneys regularly represent financial institutions, financial services providers and commercial lenders in a variety of complex financing transactions. We work with our clients at all stages of their transactions from research and planning to execution and closing. Our expertise spans secured and unsecured financing with regard to acquisitions and for working capital purposes. In addition, we have extensive experience in senior, mezzanine, asset- backed and equity financing transactions for banks and corporate borrowers as well as in complex and cross-jurisdictional transactions. We provide many prominent banks in New Jersey deep regional and jurisdictional knowledge and experience, providingthem with strategic, practical and results-oriented counsel. We also have a wealth of experience advising sponsors of private placement transactions.
Key Contact:
Jeffrey R. Rich, Esq.
Partner
(732) 758-0117
Bankruptcy, Reorganization & Creditors’ Rights
Attorneys in our Bankruptcy, Reorganization & Creditors’ Rights practice group are uniquely positioned to assist and counsel our clients on the many challenges that distressed debt poses for corporations, small business, individual debtors, and creditors. We represent secured and unsecured creditors, individual, corporate and small business debtors, institutional and non-institutional lenders, commercial and residential mortgage lenders, and other secured creditors in the following areas:
• BUSINESS REORGANIZATION, WORKOUTS AND DEBT RESTRUCTURING
• LIQUIDATION THROUGH FEDERAL BANKRUPTCY AND STATE LIQUIDATION
• ASSIGNMENT FOR THE BENEFIT OF CREDITORS & RECEIVERSHIPS
• SECURED AND UNSECURED CREDITOR REPRESENTATION
• INSTITUTIONAL MORTGAGE LENDERS, FORECLOSURE & RENT RECEIVERSHIPS
• COMMERCIAL LEASEHOLDERS & TENANTS
• BANKRUPTCY LITIGATION
Key Contact:
Daniel M. Stolz, Esq.
Partner
(973) 230-2095
Cannabis Law
The past decade has seen dramatic reform in the cannabis industry, with the legal regulatory landscape in New Jersey and the tri-state region anticipated to soon expand exponentially with the emergence of an adult-use marketplace. Given Genova Burns’ experience representing clients in the cannabis, hemp and CBD industries from the earliest stages of development, the Firm is uniquely qualified to advise investors, cultivators, processors, distributors, retailers and ancillary businesses.
Genova Burns’ Cannabis group is bolstered by an array of highly regarded and sought-after industry practitioners that also have diverse experience in other heavily regulated industries. Our clients turn to us for assistance with everything from licensure, to understanding and navigating the legal and policy issues of this highly regulated and nuanced business.
Key Contact:
Don W. Clarke, Esq
Partner
(973) 387-7804
Casino & Gaming Law
Our Casino & Gaming Law Practice Group works closely with our Commercial Real Estate, Business Litigation, Labor and Employment Law and Corporate groups to deliver unparalleled advice to companies at every stage of gaming and resort development, gaming licensing and guidance through all facets of the regulatory process. Our group of casino-and-gaming attorneys helps our clients gain a full understanding of the geographical, labor and political landscape when it comes to casino development.
Key Contact:
Nicholas R. Amato, Esq.
Of Counsel
(973) 535-7136
Commercial & Residential Real Estate Leasing
Our Commercial & Residential Real Estate Leasing group counsels on all aspects of the leasing cycle, from the initial letter of intent to the surrender and recapture of the property.Our group represents both landlords and tenants to provide guidance in the negotiation of the initial lease and subsequent amendments, assistance relating to the structuring of financing and property development and the management of leasing disputes across the spectrum.Our group routinely handles all shapes and sizes of leasing transactions, ranging from structuring complex ground leases involving multi-building mixed use developments to assisting the franchisee, shopping center or office building tenant in the negotiation of its lease.
Key Contact:
Matthew Kertz, Esq.
Partner
(973) 230-2087
Commercial Real Estate & Redevelopment
The Commercial Real Estate & Redevelopment Practice Group offers specialized services with respect to each aspect of real estate law and the regulation that impacts the acquisition, sale, development, leasing or financing of property. Our experience in New Jersey and New York helps us to provide our clients with comprehensive strategic advice when it comes to their real estate transactions. The Commercial Real Estate Practice advises:
Key Contact:
Jeffrey R. Rich, Esq
Partner
(732) 758-0117
Complex Commercial Litigation
Our litigation attorneys have extensive experience in:
Key Contact:
Matthew I. W. Baker, Esq.
Partner
(973) 646-3286
Construction Law & Litigation
Attorneys in our Construction Law & Litigation Practice Group assist clients in all aspects of construction and government contracting, such as design, development, financing, performance and management of construction and government procurement contracts.We regularly represent public and private owners and developers, contractors and subcontractors, managers, suppliers, architects/engineers/designers, unions and their surety interests. Our depth and breadth of experience in this area enables us to handle the complex and inter-related issues that may emerge during the life cycle of any construction project, including:
Key Contact:
Matthew I. W. Baker, Esq.
Partner
(973) 646-3286
Corporate & Commercial Transactions
Genova Burns team of attorneys can assist your company, large or small through every phase of business.With our legal knowledge and extensive business experience, from start-ups to structuring, negotiating, and executing complex corporate and commercial transactions, Genova Burns insightful, prescient (predictive, prognostic) practical, innovative and business first approach will provide strategic, cost-conscious and effective solutions.With clients spanning many industries, we can proactively assist your business from start-up through growth to sale/dissolution with all aspects of your legal needs including:
Key Contact:
Keith A Krauss, Esq.
Senior Counsel
(973) 535-4441
Corporate Law & Business Transactions
Genova Burns has decades of experience in business law and transactional matters, including:
Key Contact:
Keith A Krauss, Esq.
Senior Counsel
(973) 535-4441
Corporate Political Activity
Our Corporate Political Activity Law Group serves corporations, individuals, trade associations, political action committees, government contractors and investment advisers as well as candidates for public office, government officials and political parties. We provide in-depth counsel to individuals and entities engaged in political activities, electioneering communications and issue advocacy.
Key Contact:
Harrison C. Clewell, Esq.
Associate
(973) 535-4444
Criminal Defense, Investigations & Compliance
Genova Burns represents individual and corporate clients in criminal prosecutions and governmental investigations. We guide our clients with sound legal advice and mitigate the negative publicity and business implications that often accompany being the subject of legal matters. From the genesis of a case, our attorneys deliver effective representation and seek favorable resolutions prior to a grand jury indictment. We also counsel clients that are subject to parallel governmental investigations and criminal prosecutions, helping navigate the fine line between compliance with government inquiries and the preservation of constitutional and common law protections.
Key Contact:
Harvey Weissbard, Esq.
Of Counsel
(973) 230-084
Crisis Management
Often the natural response to an unexpected crisis is panic. The steps our clients take at the initial stages of an emergency are critical to their management and diffusion. At Genova Burns, we have a proven track record of having the judgment, skills, relationships and experience to resolve a crisis with as little overall impact as possible. We quickly develop strategies that address all aspects of the matter—governmental, regulatory and inspector general investigations; civil litigation and media and investor scrutiny as well as the long-term business ramifications.
Key Contact:
Angelo J. Genova, Esq.
Chairman
(973) 535- 7100
Education Law
Our Education Law Group represents public and private universities and colleges, community and professional schools, public school districts, charter schools and private educational services organizations in New Jersey and throughout the Mid-Atlantic Region.
We assist our clients with board governance, litigation, counseling, audit, investigations and/or training services related to Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), Special Education, Title VII, Title IX and related statutory, regulatory or constitutional claims.
Key Contact:
Angelo J. Genova, Esq.
Chairman
(973) 535- 7100
Election Law & Litigation
We have a market leading Election Law Practice. We provide invaluable counsel on all aspects of political law, local and state campaign finance, lobbying and government relations. Our clients include:
Key Contact:
Angelo J. Genova, Esq.
Chairman
(973) 535- 7100
Employment Law & Litigation
Genova Burns has one of the foremost and cutting-edge Employment Litigation groups of any midsize law firm in New Jersey. The firm was founded 30 years ago as an employment and labor boutique law firm by Angelo J. Genova and James M. Burns. Even as the firm has grown to become one of the preeminent full service firms in New Jersey, employment litigation remains one of its most recognized, successful and prestigious practices.
Chaired by Partner John C. Petrella, the department handles an extraordinary array of complex employment litigation matters on behalf of management in both the private and public sectors in the trial and appellate courts.
Key Contact:
Lawrence Bluestone, Esq.
Partner
(973) 535-4434
Energy & Utility Law
Our Energy & Utility Group has well-honed expertise in energy and utility law, policy and regulation. We have experience working with government entities and state and federal agencies, including the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
Our Energy & Utility attorneys are instrumental in interpreting, developing, drafting and implementing statutory and regulatory regimes. They possess the perspective and prowess to provide our clients invaluable advice on how to navigate this highly regulated area. Together with ourBusiness Law & Commercial Transactions Group, our attorneys assist clients with a full range of business service in the context of mergers and acquisitions and other changes in corporate control as well as reviewing, drafting and negotiating energy and utilities contracts.
Key Contact:
Kenneth J. Sheehan, Esq.
Counsel
(973) 646-3292
Environmental Law
Attorneys in our Environmental Law Practice handle all aspects of environmental issues in New Jersey and the region specifically as they relate to real estate transactions. We have substantial experience in large, complex environmental matters such as:
Key Contact:
William F. Harrison, Esq.
Partner
(973) 535-4430
Health & Hospital Law
Our Health & Hospital Group specializes in a broad range of regulatory, compliance, transactional and other matters in the acute care and long-term care industries. We advise our clients on:
Key Contact:
James M. Burns, Esq.
Managing Partner
(973) 535-7101
Immigration Law
Many of our clients’ businesses are global in scope and our immigration attorneys assist them in obtaining the diversified workforce they need to grow their businesses in the U.S. We prepare applications for visas, visa transfers, permanent residency, adjustment of status, and naturalization for the executives, professional staff, managers and their family members that our clients want to employ in the U.S. on a temporary or a permanent basis.
Key Contact:
Patrick W. McGovern, Esq.
Partner
(973) 535-7129
Incentives Law
Genova Burns LLC’s Incentives Law Practice attorneys recognize the important role incentives play in helping to finance so many real estate projects. Our team of attorneys provides creative solutions in this fast-developing area, with a particular focus on the real estate and film industries in New Jersey.
Key Contact:
Jeffrey R. Rich, Esq
Partner
(732) 758-0117
Insurance Law
Our Insurance Group handles all aspects of insurance-related corporate and regulatory matters including:
Key Contact:
James M. Burns, Esq.
Managing Partner
(973) 535-7101
Intellectual Property
We know intellectual property (IP) can be a business’s most valuable asset. We help our clients successfully navigate the potentially daunting landscape of government regulations and filing requirements. Our team has far reaching experience in a variety of IP related transactions, including the acquisition and sale of IP; the structuring of licenses and royalties, and the distribution and franchising of IP rights in addition to other arrangements defining and allocating these rights. We help our clients protect and enforce their IP through negotiation and litigation. Our attorneys have significant experience litigating patent, trademark, copyright, trade dress, unfair competition and licensing matters in courts throughout the region and have a track record of success when it comes to protecting clients’ registered and unregistered IP rights.
Key Contact:
Lawrence Bluestone, Esq.
Partner
(973) 535-4434
Labor Law
Genova Burns is among a few of the region’s mid-sized law firms that specialize in all aspects of labor law exclusively on behalf of management clients. We are also one of the only firms to have distinct Labor and Employment practices that work together, where often these nuanced practices and sub-practices are blended into the same practice area. Our Labor Group represents employers in a wide range of industries including manufacturing, financial, consumer sales, energy, hospitals and health care, construction, transportation, hotels, restaurants, schools and education, other non-profits and the businesses that serve them.
Key Contact:
James J. McGovern III, Esq.
Partner
(973) 535-7122
Land Use & Approvals
Our Land Use & Approvals Group advises on all phases of the real estate development process and the complexities of acquiring zoning, planning and other regulatory approvals. Our experience includes:
Key Contact:
William F. Harrison, Esq.
Partner
(973) 535-4430
Mediation & Alternative Dispute Resolution
Businesses rely on Genova Burns’ expertise in Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) to avoid costly, protracted and public litigation. Attorneys in our ADR Practice Group have held senior positions in the judiciary, government and business. Our extensive experience allows us to resolve disputes in the best interests of our clients, doing so cost-efficiently, quickly and privately through mediation or arbitration.
Key Contact:
Harvey Weissbard, Esq.
Of Counsel
(973) 230-2084
Nonprofits, Trade Associations & Tax-Exempt Organizations
The attorneys in our Non-Profit & Tax Exempt Organizations Group represent individuals and organizations in their activities involving private foundations, public charities and other types of tax exempt organizations. Our experience includes:
·Establishment of the Non-Profit Entity
·Governance, Restructuring and Multi-Organization Structures
·Business Transactions by Non-Profit Organizations
·Political and Lobbying Activities of Non-Profit Organizations and Associated Persons
·Institutional Asset Management
·Relationships with Fundraisers and Sponsors
·Grant-Making Practices
·Trusts and Estates
·Social Enterprise
·Specialized Organizations
Key Contact:
Matthew I. W. Baker, Esq.
Partner
(973) 646-3286
Procurement Law, Government Contracts & Bid Protest Litigation
Unique in the tri-state region is our practice group specializing in the representation of business entities that compete for public contracts from local, county and state governments and agencies and bi-state agencies. From the RFQ/RFP stage through bid award and final performance, our multidisciplinary attorneys have extensive experience in all aspects of the government procurement process.
Key Contact:
Jennifer Borek, Esq.
Partner
(973) 535-7107
Technology and Innovation Law
Our extensive technology experience embraces many areas including software, hardware, eCommerce, industrial technology and autonomous vehicles. Our comprehensive services offering assists clients with technology matters and transactions in the following substantive areas:
Business/Transactional:
- Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A)
- Corporate Governance & Compliance, including internal investigations
Intellectual Property:
- Technology Transactions
- Intellectual Property (IP) Litigation
- Patent prosecution and defense
Regulatory:
- Government Regulations
Key Contact:
Brigette N. Eagan, Esq.
Partner
(973) 535-7114
Transportation, Shipping, Trucking & Logistics
We have extensive experience working on matters in the transportation, shipping, trucking and logistics industries. The expertise of the lawyers in our Transportation, Trucking & Logistics Group complements the Firm’sAviation & Aircraft, Complex Commercial Litigation, Business Law & Commercial Transactions, Employment Law & Litigation and Labor Law practice groups, all who collaborate to solve issues that our clients encounter on a daily basis.
Our knowledge and experience of the myriad federal and state enforcement agencies and their regulatory environments are invaluable to the business community, particularly for our aviation, port commerce, warehousing, shipping, mass transit, rail, and trucking industry clients. Our team responds to our clients’ needs as they arise anywhere in the supply chain in a practical and cost-effective manner. Our team covers motor carrier, aviation, rail, maritime and third-party logistics. We regularly advise our clients on regulatory compliance; contract management; commercial and financial matters; insurance and risk management as well as state and federal lobbying. In addition, our litigators successfully represent clients in administrative and civil litigation in state and federal courts.
Key Contact:
David P. Cooke, Esq.
Of Counsel
(973) 309-6076
International Work: N/A
Practice Areas:
Alcohol & Regulated Products Law
Appellate Litigation
Autonomous Vehicle Law
Aviation & Aircraft Law
Banking & Commercial Lending
Bankruptcy, Reorganization & Creditors’ Rights
Cannabis Law
Casino & Gaming Law
Commercial & Residential Real Estate Leasing
Commercial Real Estate & Redevelopment
Complex Commercial Litigation
Construction Law & Litigation
Corporate & Commercial Transactions
Corporate Law & Business Transactions
Corporate Political Activity
Criminal Defense, Investigations & Compliance
Crisis Management
Education Law
Election Law & Litigation
Employment Law & Litigation
Energy & Utility Law
Environmental Law
Fashion Law
Franchise Law
Health & Hospital Law
Immigration Law
India Focus Group
Insurance Law
Intellectual Property
Labor Law
Land Use & Approvals
Mediation & Alternative Dispute Resolution
Nonprofits, Trade Associations & Tax-Exempt Organizations
Privacy, Cyber & Data Security
Procurement Law, Government Contracts & Bid Protest Litigation
Training & Audit Programs
Transportation, Shipping, Trucking & Logistics
Trusts, Estates, & Wealth Management
Offices:
Newark, NJ Office
494 Broad Street
Newark, NJ 07102
Phone: (973) 533-0777
Fax: (973) 533-1112
Jersey City, NJ Office
30 Montgomery Street, 11th Floor
Jersey City, NJ 07302
Phone: (201) 469-0100
Fax: (201) 332-1303
Basking Ridge, NJ Office
110 Allen Road, Suite 304
Basking Ridge, NJ 07920
Phone: (973) 467-2700
Fax: (973) 467-8126
Lambertville, NJ Office
24 Arnett Avenue
Lambertville, NJ 08530
Phone: (609) 773-6150
Fax: (973) 533-1112
New York, NY Office
115 Broadway, 15th Floor
New York, NY 10006
Phone: (212) 566-7188
Fax: (212) 566-7116
Philadelphia, PA Office
19 West 3rd Street
Media, PA 19063
Phone: (215) 564-0444
Fax: (973) 814-4045
Provided by Genova Burns LLC
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