AIELLO HARRIS ABATE - Key Persons
Alan J. Pollack, has been in Immigration practice in both New Jersey and New York for 30 years. He is a Past Chair of the New Jersey Chapter of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) and a recent Past Chair of the Immigration Section of the New Jersey State Bar Association.
Mr. Pollack was also recently on National AILA's USCIS EOIR/ICE Liaison Committee and currently serves on their USCIS Field Office Operations committee.
Mr. Pollack is currently an Adjunct Professor at Rutgers Law School and has also been an Adjunct Professor at Montclair State University where he has taught courses on Immigration Law and Politics and Business Immigration Law.
Mr. Pollack was named a Best Lawyer and Law Firm for the State of New Jersey (Immigration) by U.S. News & World Report for the past several years including 2023 and 2024.
Mr. Alfano graduated from Seton Hall University Law School in 1982. He was admitted to the New Jersey State Bar and the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey. He served as Assistant Bergen County Prosecutor from 1983 through 1985 and prosecuted over a 1,000 cases ranging from homicides, serious drug offenses and sex offenses to juvenile matters, Municipal Appeals, Krol Hearings, Gun Revocation Hearings and Expungements.
Christopher G. Aiello was selected for AVVO's -top attorney workers compensation list. The top attorney criminal defense list, is issued by AVVO. A description of the selection of methodology can be found at https://support.avvo.com/hc/en-us/articles/208478156-What-is-the-Avvo-Rating. No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court of New Jersey.
Christopher G. Aiello was selected for The National Academy of Personal Injury Attorneys' Top Ten attorneys for Southern NJ, in personal injury law. The, list is issued by The National Academy of Personal Injury Attorneys. A description of the selection of process can be found at http://www.naopia.com/selection-process. No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court of New Jersey.
Christopher G. Aiello was selected to The National Trial Lawyers - Top 100 Trial Lawyers list. The Top 100 Trial Lawyers list is issued by The National Trial Lawyers. A description of the selection of methodology can be found at http://www.thenationaltriallawyers.org/ntl-groups/top-100-trial-lawyers/. No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court of New Jersey.
Mr. Aiello has been engaged in litigation throughout his entire career that began in 1983. He has been honored with the top 100 trial attorney award in New Jersey by the national trial lawyers. He has achieved a 10.0 superb rating by Avvo a leading lawyer rating agency. His firm has been awarded a 5.0 out of 5.0 rating by Martindale Hubbell another leading lawyer rating group. He has appeared in dozens of televised, print and internet media including: New York Post, New York Daily News, the Newark Star-Ledger, the Bergen Record, the Philadelphia Inquirer, NJ.com, News 12 New Jersey, ABC, NBC, CBS, CBS Radio, 101.5 FM, WINS Radio New York, etc. He initially worked a well-known insurance defense firm where he served as defense counsel for insurance companies and large corporations including the Chrysler Corporation, the Hertz Corporation, Mitsubishi motors, Stanley tools, and medical professionals involved in medical malpractice cases. Mr. Aiello then took this intensive background and training and began representing people as plaintiffs in personal injury and employment litigation matters. He also since he was a former municipal prosecutor represented people in need of criminal defense. He and his team of attorneys have achieved substantial results for their clients.
Daniel Tune focuses his practice on complex litigation and significant family law issues. He is an experienced litigator and is Certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as a Matrimonial Trial Attorney. Mr. Tune's practice focuses on matrimonial and custody disputes, and acts of domestic violence, along with business disputes and formation and commercial litigation.
Mr. Tune is a Past President of the Hunterdon County Bar Association's Executive Committee and sits on the Family Practice Committees for both Warren and Hunterdon Counties, who lectures on various topics at both County and State level. He is a fierce litigator who represents his clients in a zealous manner.
Mr. Tune received his Juris Doctor from Syracuse University College of Law, as well as his Masters of Science in Computer Science from Syracuse University. He also completed his undergraduate education at Syracuse University where he received his Bachelors of Science in Computer Science.
After graduating from law school and taking both the New York and New Jersey bar exams, Mr. Tune began his legal career in a clerkship with The Honorable Roger N. Nanovic, II, Presiding Judge for the Court of Common Pleas of Carbon County. During that time, Mr. Tune worked with the judge in resolving civil, criminal, and family law matters. During his time at the Court of Common Pleas, Mr. Tune also provided assistance for The Honorable David W. Addy, as well as to several visiting judges (who oftentimes presided over family matters). Mr. Tune is also admitted to practice law in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey.
Mr. Harris, a partner in the Watchung New Jersey Firm of Aiello, Harris, Abate, Law Group PC had numerous years of trial experience representing defendants in personal injury cases for the insurance industry and thereafter began representing plaintiffs in their injury claims. Mr. Harris has
secured 7 figure results for individual clients against the likes of major trucking firms and construction companies. He has had numerous case results reported in the New Jersey Law Journal's "Suits & Deals" and is rated a "10.0" by Avvo. Nevertheless, Mr. Harris remains a down to earth person, whose priorities - "family and colleagues have always come first to me" - Growing up in Great Falls, Virginia, Mr. Harris, admired his father, a former WWII combat Army veteran, who closed his law practice down to join the service after Pearl Harbor and later served under Robert Kennedy in the Justice Department pursuing prosecutions against organized crime.
After majoring in Political Science at Fairleigh Dickinson University he then graduated from Seton Hall University School of Law in 1984. Mr. Harris learned under two of the best trial lawyers in New Jersey, Harold E. Braff, Esq. and R. Gregory Leonard, Esq.
The Aiello, Harris, Abate firm enjoys a Martindale-Hubel! rating of 5.0 and is one of the most respected law practices in Somerset County with respected lawyers such as Christopher Aiello, Esq. and Certified Civil Trial Attorney Frank Tunnero, Esq. ("One of the best courtroom lawyers anywhere"), who both enjoy a superb reputation as trial lawyers and advocates. Their diverse practice, in Watchung, New Jersey includes criminal defense, classic personal injury, and employment litigation.
He appeared on ABC's "Good Morning America" discussing the innocent spouse tax law which he was involved in getting changed to permit his client relief from her husband's tax transgressions (as mentioned above). After passing Congress and being signed into law by the President, the decision was made retroactive to his client's taxes.
James A. Abate is a partner with Aiello, Harris, Abate Law Group. Mr. Abate's practice is focused in Criminal Law, DWI Defense, Domestic Violence and Appellate practice. Mr. Abate is certified as an instructor in the administration of Standardized Field Sobriety Testing (SFST) and Drug Recognition Evaluator (DRE) tests. Mr. Abate recently moderated the symposium "Emerging From The Pandemic" at the New Jersey Bar Association Meetings, which featured a who's who of Judges, Prosecutors and Defense Counsel. Mr. Abate is a member of the Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers of New Jersey (ACDLNJ), National College for DWI Defense and Mr. Abate is the Legislative Chair for the New Jersey Bar Association Municipal Court Practice Section.
Mr. Abate represents individuals from all walks of life including Actors, Athletes and Politicians. Mr. Abate successfully defended New York Giants cornerback Kamrin Moore securing the dismissal of a Temporary Restraining Order and Criminal charges securing his path for removal from the commissioner's exempt list. Mr. Abate's reported cases include the seminal Domestic Violence case of R.G. v. R.G. and State v. Thompson, which redefined operation in DWI cases. Mr. Abate has been featured in various media including ESPN, Bleacher Report, CNN, The New York Post, NJ.Com, and the blog Advocacy for Fairness in Sports. Mr. Abate was a candidate for New Jersey State Senate in the 2022 election.
Mr. Abate is rated by Super Lawyers Magazine as one of the preeminent defense lawyers for DWI Defense and Domestic Violence litigation. Mr. Abate holds a rating of 10.0 from Avvo- the highest ranking possible, 5.0 from Findlaw, and 4.5 from Google. You can learn further about Mr. Abate and his team from his over 100 reviews from prior clients.
Aiello, Harris, Abate Law Group is a full-service law firm that handles cases in Criminal Law, Employment Law, Personal Injury, Family Law, Workers Compensation and Appellate Practice.
Education
Brooklyn Law School, Brooklyn, New York
J.D. - 1999
Mr. Lankford has a vast amount of litigation experience. He was an Assistant County Prosecutor for over 25 years. Mr. Lankford was responsible in every stage of the criminal justice process: from screening criminal charges; presenting cases to the Grand Jury, Motion Practice; Criminal Trials in both Adult Court and Juvenile Court; Sentencing and Appeals. Mr. Lankford prosecuted over 1,000 criminal cases during his tenure as an Assistant Prosecutor. Mr. Lankford prosecuted cases involving violent crimes, including homicide, robbery, sexual assault and arson, as well as non-violent offenses including drug charges and child pornography. Mr. Lankford has prosecuted every level of crime from first degree charges to disorderly persons offenses as well as motor vehicle charges. Many of his cases have been in the media.
He has significant experience in Juvenile Court, Domestic Violence Court, Firearm Forfeiture Hearings, Municipal Courts, Superior Courts, Appellate Courts and successfully argued before the New Jersey Supreme Court. He taught criminal law and procedure to police cadets at the Somerset County Police Academy, served as Legal Supervisor to the Somerset County Organized Crime and Narcotic Task Force as well as to the Somerset County Arson Task Force.
Mr. Lankford has taken his vast knowledge and experience to now defend individuals charged in the criminal justice system. He takes each and every case very seriously and recognizes what is at stake for each and every client he represents. He is cognizant that his client's liberty interest are at stake, and are exposed to significant incarceration or probation. He also understands that the outcome can result in a permanent criminal record, which could have a significant adverse effect on their employment in the future. Knowing that these ramifications can cause havoc to all areas of their lives he implores innovative strategies and just old-fashioned hard work in protecting each and every client.
The best way to do that is to consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney who can help formulate an aggressive strategy to resolve your case either before charges are filed or if charges are implemented in the Municipal, County Courts of New Jersey and Federal Court. Mr. Lankford brings his significant courtroom experience in the criminal arena to also representing individuals in Personal Injury Litigation and Employment Litigation as well. Whether you are potentially facing arrest, investigation or trial involving United States Attorney's Office, New Jersey Attorney General's Office, County Prosecutor's Office, or matters in Municipal Court, you need to take steps to protect yourself and call the Aiello, Harris, Abate Criminal Defense Team.
As a highly recognized attorney of over 30 years, Jay Freireich focuses on tax, estate planning, estates and business, and is skilled in both planning and litigation in these areas - a rare combination.
With a passion for his profession as a lawyer and a larger than life competitive spirit, Jay embraces challenge with a laser focus on achieving results for his clients.
As a top-rated attorney, Jay is easily accessible and eagerly providing help and transparency to his clients whether handling legal cases involving sensitive family dynamics or complex tax issues.
As an estate planner, Jay is experienced in minimizing the risk of litigation. On the other hand, he also has the ability to identify exposure to drive litigation on behalf of his clients.
Mr. Bronson received his J.D. from Seton Hall School of Law at Newark, New Jersey in 1982 and his B.A. in American Studies from Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachussetts. He is admitted to the New Jersey State Bar and U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey. He is a member of the New Jersey Bar Association and the American Immigration Lawyers Association. Mr. Bronson's practice areas include Immigration and Naturalization and Bankruptcy Law.
John Portanova is a hard-working attorney who is passionate about providing strong, comprehensive representation to people who have been charged with crimes in New Jersey.
Mr. Portanova handles criminal, DUI/DWI, and traffic cases with a dedication to protecting the rights of each person he represents, from their initial contact with law enforcement until their case is complete. Mr. Portanova prides himself on not only achieving the best possible results, but in ensuring that his clients understand every aspect of their case.
Mr. Portanova's goal is that each client is satisfied with both the outcome of their case and the representation itself. Mr. Portanova has spent over a decade focused solely on criminal defense cases in both municipal and superior courts throughout New Jersey. He uses this wealth of experience to ensure his clients achieve the best possible results.
Mr. Portanova earned his Juris Doctorate from Rutgers University School of Law after obtaining his B.A. in History and Political Science from Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey.
Education:
Rutgers Law School - Camden, NJ
Job Titles:
- Founder and Co - Director of the Child First / Finding Words
Joseph Del Russo graduated from Rutgers University School of Law. Mr. Del Russo is the former Chief Assistant Prosecutor of the Special Victims Unit in the Passaic County Prosecutor's Office.
Joseph is one of the foremost experts in sex cases in the State of New Jersey. His expertise includes sexual assault, sexual contact, child abuse cases, child pornography cases, all aspects of Megan's Law.
Mr. Del Russo is a founder and Co-Director of the Child First/Finding Words program in New Jersey, which trains detectives, municipal police, child protection workers, mental health professionals, physicians, sexual assault nurse examiners and other family violence professionals on a protocol for conducting forensically defensible interviews. He also drafts curricula and has been a trainer in New Jersey's Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCP&P) since 2005. Out of those accomplishments, Del Russo is most proud of spearheading the Childs First/Finding Words Forensic Interviewing Training Academy.
"This training has become the de facto basic training for child abuse prosecutors throughout New Jersey," Del Russo said. "We also provide ongoing guidance to all 21 counties, and have been cited approvingly by the Supreme Court."
In Addition, he is a professor at the Robert D. McCormick Center for Child Advocacy at Montclair State University since 2008.
Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings allow attorneys to complete anonymous peer reviews where they rate fellow lawyers on a 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest) scale in five categories demonstrating legal ability: Legal Knowledge, Analytical Capabilities, Judgment, Communication Ability and Legal Experience. In addition, attorneys answer whether or not they believe a lawyer has very high ethical standards. A description of the selection methodology for the AV Preeminent rating can be found at www.martindale.com/ratings. No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court of New Jersey.
At Aiello, Harris, Abate, Law Group PC., our Plainfield lawyers help individuals, families, and businesses through a wide array of legal troubles. As a firm, we offer a vast amount of experience in a broad range of practice areas - from personal injury and employment law to criminal defense and complex federal tax litigation.
We have achieved multiple multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts, including a $3.5 structured settlement in a wrongful death. Members of our firm have appeared in the New York Times, the Newark Star-Ledger, the Courier News, ABC's Good Morning America, CNN, and more. Our lawyers are proud of both our accomplishments and the quality service we offer to clients.
Ms. Higbee represents clients in employment discrimination, "whistleblower", sexual harassment, and civil rights suits, but spent her first five years in practice handling matters in a broad range of areas, which fall within almost any litigation practice area. Ms. Higbee represents clients in general litigation; commercial litigation; probate litigation; family law (divorce, child custody, adoption); and landlord-tenant matters; in addition to non-litigation matters such as estate planning; consumer bankruptcies; residential real estate transactions; and lease and contract negotiation, drafting, and review matters.