Lisa John-Basta of Chiesa, Shahinian & Giantomasi PC, Roseland, NJ. Courtesy photo

Chiesa Shahinian Expands Practice Groups

Chiesa Shahinian & Giantomasi announced the elevation of long-time team members to leadership roles as part of real estate group strategy. The redevelopment, land use and zoning group will be led by co-chairs Lisa A. John-Basta and Thomas J. Trautner Jr., and practice group leader Jennifer M. Porter, who are all veterans of redevelopment practice, the announcement said. Also, John Lloyd, a leader of the property taxation bar, will become chair of the rebranded real property taxation and incentives group.

Thomas J. Trautner Jr. of Chiesa, Shahinian & Giantomasi PC in West Orange, NJ. Courtesy photo

"The significant growth of the firm's real estate group has created the opportunity to establish the redevelopment, land use & zoning group and rebrand our real estate property taxation and incentives group, all in order to align with client needs," said Francis J. Giantomasi, member of the executive committee of CSG Law, in a statement.

Jennifer Porter of Chiesa, Shahinian & Giantomasi PC in Roseland, NJ. Courtesy photo

Mitchell S. Berkey, chair of the real estate group, added: "Lisa, Tom and Jen spearheading our redevelopment, land use and zoning team, and John continuing to helm our enhanced property taxation and incentives practice, recognizes their proven leadership and will be a win-win for CSG Law and our clients for years to come."

John-Basta co-authors "New Jersey Zoning & Land Use Administration," a treatise on land use and zoning, published by Gann Law Books. She received her J.D. from Seton Hall University School of Law and her bachelor's from Ramapo University.

Trautner is the co-chair of the Northern New Jersey District of the Urban Land Institute. He received his J.D. from Rutgers Law School and his bachelor's from Rider University.

John Lloyd of Chiesa, Shahinian & Giantomasi PC, in West Orange, NJ. Courtesy photo

Porter's practice expands the team's reach to four states (New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Connecticut). She received her J.D. from Pace University Elisabeth Haub School of Law and her bachelor's from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

Lloyd has over three decades of experience representing owners, taxpayers, and municipalities on real property taxation issues spanning all asset classes, as well as complex PILOT, redevelopment, condemnation, and incentives matters, the announcement noted. He received his J.D. from Rutgers Law School and his bachelor's from Saint Joseph's University.

Jeralyn Lawrence Wins Trial Bar Award 

Jeralyn Lawrence, managing member and founder of Lawrence Law, was a Trial Bar Award honoree, along with Robert Kaplan and Paul G. Nittoly, at the Trial Attorneys of New Jersey's 55th annual award reception on Oct. 5, according to an announcement by her firm. 

Jeralyn Lawrence (right) of Lawrence Law receiving the Trial Bar Award with Chad Moore. Courtesy photo

Upon receiving the award, Lawrence said in a statement, "As a trial attorney, it was a tremendous honor to receive the Trial Bar Award from the Trial Attorneys of New Jersey. I am so proud to share this recognition with other distinguished honorees who have made an incredible impact in the practice of law. This award will always resonate and be meaningful to me."