Garry S. Rothstadt, retired New Jersey Appellate Division judge, now with Cole Schotz in Hackensack, New Jersey. Courtesy photo

Rothstadt Joins Cole Schotz

Hackensack-based Cole Schotz announced that Garry S. Rothstadt, retired judge of the Appellate Division, joined the firm as of counsel in the alternative dispute resoluation practice to handle legal strategy, mediation, arbitration and special master work. He will focus on complex commercial and fiduciary matters, the firm said. "Judge Rothstadt combines his judicial experience, which includes a history of successfully assisting litigants in resolving their matters, with his litigation expertise to deliver a deliberate and creative approach to legal proceedings as well as a remarkable ability to amicably resolve difficult disputes," Warren Usatine, firm co-managing partner and co-chair of the litigation department, said in a statement. Rothstadt has 21 years of experience as a Superior Court judge, including his last nine years, when he was assigned to the Appellate Division. He has authored hundreds of opinions, addressing all areas of the law, many of which were published by the court, according to the announcement. Rothstadt previously sat in Passaic County Superior Court (three years in the Criminal Part, three years in the Family Part and six years in the Civil Part). He also handled general equity and probate matters. In private practice earlier in his career, he focused on business, family and real estate matters. Rothstadt currently is a visiting instructor at Rutgers Law School in Newark, where he received his J.D. in 1983 and was a co-recipient of the school's award for most promising trial attorney. He also earned his B.A. at Rutgers. "I admire Cole Schotz's collaborative approach, responsiveness and overall quality client-service," Rothstadt said in a statement. "The New Jersey team has earned its reputation as both a regional powerhouse and an established national practice. I look forward to working alongside such talented legal professionals."

Barnes & Thornburg Expands

Brett Kahn of Barnes & Thornburg in Morristown, New Jersey. Courtesy photo

Barnes & Thornburg made three hires in its Morristown office: partner Brett Kahn, and associates William Carlucci and Thomas Zelante Jr. The firm, based in Indianapolis, has some 800 lawyers and opened offices in Morristown and Philadelphia last year.