40 Under 40
YOUTH AND TALENT RULE THE DAY
Once again, we feature 40 lawyers we think are worthy of attention, using a selection method that is unapologetically unscientific but that we’re nonetheless sure is calculated to produce excellent results. We do not presume to say that these attorneys are the best in the state in their age group — only that they have distinguished themselves in ways that draw our interest as observers of the legal profession.
Our basic criteria for selection of these rising stars, now in their second decade of practice, are that they have developed practice niches, amassed strong books of business, demonstrated leadership qualities, shown expertise in litigation or transactional work and committed themselves to pro bono, charitable and professional volunteer work. All of these factors tend to make an individual stand out among his or her peers and also signal greater accomplishments ahead.
We did not single out for preference partners at larger firms, but it is evident that they make up the largest share of the group. Why? Generally because one who has made partner before age 40 — by any standard a splendid achievement — has demonstrated to his or her firm precisely the qualities that we also focus on in this survey.
Neither did we give preference to characteristics like gender and ethnicity, yet it is rewarding to see that the measurements we did use have produced a slate of honorees that is far more diverse than in the past. The methodology has not changed — the profession has.
No two of the 40 were selected for identical reasons. They all have unique attributes and have structured their careers differently, yet each stands out in some way, however nuanced, and we believe each is deserving of this distinction. We hope our readers agree.
— Ronald J. Fleury, Editor in Chief
James T. Prusinowski
Born: July 8, 1973
Position: Managing Partner,Trimboli & Prusinowski, Florham Park
Practice Areas: Labor and employment, commercial litigation, corporate
College: University of Northern Colorado, B.A., English literature (minor: creative writing), 1996
Law School: Seton Hall University School of Law, J.D., 2001
Clerkships: Hon. Roger F. Mahon, P.J.S.C., 2001-02
Career History: Current firm, partner, 2008-present; Laufer, Knapp, Dalena, Trimboli & Cadicina, associate, 2003-08; Fogarty & Hara, associate, 2002-03
Profile: As managing partner of his growing seven-lawyer firm, Prusinowski handles all day-to-day administration, including personnel, finances, marketing, advertising, client relations and other necessary tasks. He does this while carrying a full load of litigation, employment and corporate clients, among them the County of Sussex, for which he counsels regarding personnel matters; conducts departmental hearings for employee discipline; serves as lead counsel in disciplinary matters before the Office of Administrative Law; handles unemployment appeals and labor arbitrations; and advises concerning labor union disputes and unfair practices. He has also defended the City of Trenton in numerous litigation matters brought by whistleblowers or claimed victims of discrimination, including Parker v. City of Trenton (Superior Court, Mercer Co.) and Flores v. City of Trenton (Superior Court, Mercer Co.), both resulting in summary judgment for the city. Other major clients include Harding Township, for counseling regarding personnel matters and representation in labor arbitrations; PBA Local 29, Irvington, for labor issues including negotiations, arbitrations and litigation; and ProtecHockey,
Somerset, which he serves as general counsel and also represents in pending litigation concerning the construction and maintenance of a facility. Prusinowski is also a frequent lecturer for the Morris County Bar Association on employment law issues.
