LITE DEPALMA GREENBERG & AFANADOR - Key Persons

Job Titles:

• Chairman
• Member of the American Bankruptcy Institute

Allen J. Underwood II is a seasoned corporate, commercial and bankruptcy attorney who serves as outside general and special counsel to public and private manufacturing, trading, lending and service providers. His corporate and commercial career has as its foundation many years of intensive representations of creditors, debtors, committees and trustees in federal bankruptcy and state law debtor/creditor matters. Allen understands that representing a distressed entity in workout, forbearance, reorganization (either inside or outside of bankruptcy), wind-down or liquidation requires certain confidence, experience and mettle. These same characteristics are required when representing companies in strategic growth phases, commercial negotiations and, where unavoidable, civil litigation. Allen's extensive experience counseling clients at their best of times and their worst of times enables him to provide fast and efficient advice on the executive level. Allen is chair of the firm's Corporate, Commercial and Bankruptcy Department. Allen is a member of the American Bankruptcy Institute, the Turnaround Management Association, The Association of Commercial Finance Attorneys, Garden State Credit Associates, and the New Jersey Bar Association, among other organizations, and he remains an associate member of the Bergen County Bar Association. Allen has been an active supporter of numerous local non-profits over the years and has been involved at different levels, from trustee to maintenance, in supporting local museums, learn-to-sail programs, scouting and other community initiatives. Always interested in local politics, Allen has supported many a candidate, from town counsel to governor and beyond. From poll watcher to advisor, Allen considers the integrity of the American political process to be a core duty of every citizen, and in particular every member of the bar. Allen J. Underwood was quoted in Law360's article titled, "Canadian Creditors Seek Direct Appeal of Purdue Ch. 11 Plan". To read this article, click here. On Thursday, July 22nd, from 12:00-2:00 pm, Allen J. Underwood II, Corporate, Commercial and Bankruptcy department chair at Lite, DePalma, Greenberg & Afanador LLC, will be participating on a stellar panel including Jeff Bernstein & Nicole Leonard of McElroy, Deutsch, Mulvaney & Carpenter LLP and Nancy Iasaacson of Greenbaum, Rowe, Smith & Davis, LLP to discuss:

Job Titles:

• Associate
• Associate Newark, NJ Office

Job Titles:

• Co - Chair
• Member of the Executive Committee
• Chairman of the New Jersey State Bar Association 's Appellate Practice Committee
• Member Newark, NJ Office
• Member of the American Academy of Appellate Lawyers
• Moderator at New Jersey ICLE 's, "Prevailing Trends in Class Action Litigation."

Bruce D. Greenberg is a highly experienced litigator who draws on his more than 35 years of practice to provide sophisticated representation to clients in appellate and complex commercial litigation. Bruce has successfully handled dozens of cases in federal and state courts around the country, and has briefed and argued numerous appeals before the Supreme Court of New Jersey, New Jersey's Appellate Division, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, as well as one case in the Colorado Court of Appeals. The moderator at a recent seminar introduced Bruce, a panelist, as "the Dean of the New Jersey Supreme Court Bar." He also represents applicants before the Supreme Court of New Jersey Committee on Character (on which he previously served for fifteen years). During lower-court proceedings, Bruce focuses on winning the matter at hand while also laying the groundwork for a strong position on appeal. He is regularly asked to take over on appeal cases that were handled in lower courts by other counsel. A "lawyers' lawyer," Bruce has been retained by other attorneys to prosecute appeals in their own personal partnership, matrimonial, counsel fee, and legal malpractice matters. Some of Bruce's appellate work has led to multimillion-dollar victories for his clients. More than 40 of his cases have been officially reported, including significant decisions on mass torts, class actions, restrictive employment covenants, land use, real estate brokerage, and other topics. Additional subjects of his successful appeals have included medical malpractice, rent control, and other complex commercial litigation. "To be successful in appellate work," says Bruce, "you must have the oral argument skills and quick reactions of a superb debater, combined with the technical and analytical proficiency of a legal scholar. You must understand the appellate process inside and out, as well as the rules and preferences of the individual courts. With more than three decades of experience in trial-level and appellate practice, I believe I offer my clients all of these capabilities." Bruce D. Greenberg was recognized in The Best Lawyers in America© for 2024 for his work in the Appellate Practice. Bruce D. Greenberg has been named to the Super Lawyers® list for 2023 for his work in Appellate Practice. He has been recognized on the Super Lawyers® list since 2005. Bruce D. Greenberg was recognized in The Best Lawyers in America© for 2023 for his work in the Appellate Practice. Bruce D. Greenberg was quoted in the New Jersey Law Journal about the practice of designating most Appellate Division decisions as "unpublished" and "not precedential," rather than "published" and "precedential." To read this article, click here. Bruce D. Greenberg co-authored, with Hon. Gary K. Wolinetz of the Middlesex County Superior Court, an article in the October 2022 issue of New Jersey Lawyer magazine titled "New Jersey's Constitutional Right to a Civil Jury Trial: ‘Inviolate' But Not ‘Absolute." Bruce D. Greenberg spoke on a panel titled "Effective Oral Argument in the Trial and Appellate Courts" at the New Jersey State Bar Association's Annual Meeting and Convention. Other panelists included Justice Barry Albin of the Supreme Court of New Jersey and Judges Patty Shwartz of the Third Circuit Court of Appeals, Clarkson Fisher, Jr. of New Jersey's Appellate Division, and Karen Williams of the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey. Bruce D. Greenberg was a panelist at a seminar titled "Introduction to Class Actions in State and Federal Courts." The seminar was sponsored by the Bergen County Bar Association. Bruce D. Greenberg was quoted in the New Jersey Law Journal regarding the Supreme Court of New Jersey's decision to proceed with only six members following the retirement of Justice Fernandez-Vina. Bruce D. Greenberg was a panelist on a New Jersey ICLE program titled "Appellate Advocacy Perfected." Other panelists included Appellate Division judges Clarkson Fisher and Patrick DeAlmeida. Bruce D. Greenberg was recognized in The Best Lawyers in America© New Jersey for his work in the Appellate Practice. Bruce D. Greenberg was interviewed on "The Bold Sidebar" podcast, which covers "all things New Jersey Supreme Court," according to the podcast's host, Jeff Horn. The interview covers a group of Supreme Court cases, some already decided and others still pending before the Court. The listen to the interview, click here. Bruce D. Greenberg was appointed as a member of the Executive Committee in In re Volkswagen Timing Chain Product Liability Litigation, No. 16-2765(JLL)(JAD)(D.N.J.). The case involves allegations that Volkswagen and Audi vehicles have defective timing chains that can cause their engines to fail suddenly and unexpectedly, resulting in thousands of dollars in damages. Bruce D. Greenberg and Susana Cruz Hodge were quoted in a Law360 article about their participation on a panel titled "The Evolving Nature of Class Actions" at the New Jersey State Bar Association's Annual Meeting. To read this article, click here. Bruce D. Greenberg was a speaker at NJSBA's, "The Evolving Nature of Class Actions." Bruce D. Greenberg was a moderator at NJSBA's, "Ferguson v. JONAH: Inside the Gay Conversion Therapy Case." Bruce D. Greenberg was a speaker at New Jersey Association for Justice's, "The Rules for Winning Appeals." Bruce D. Greenberg was a speaker at the 27th Annual Alice and Stephen Evangelides Memorial Lecture, "Class Action Litigation: Who Benefits?" Bruce D. Greenberg was quoted in an article on Law360, "NJ Cases To Watch In The 2nd Half of 2015". To read this article, click here. Bruce D. Greenberg was quoted in a Law360.com article titled "The Biggest NJ Court Decisions of 2015: Midyear Report." To read this article, click here. Bruce D. Greenberg was mentioned in an article in Law360 as a member of the successful trial team in Ferguson v. JONAH. For a more complete description of the trial result, click here. Bruce D. Greenberg was quoted in an article on Law360.com about the Appellate Division's recent decision in Daniels v. Hollister, which rejected the Third Circuit's view that, in order to certify a class of consumers, each class member must be individually ascertainable at the time of class certification. Bruce D. Greenberg was a speaker at NJSBA's, "Latest Developments in Class Action Litigation." Bruce D. Greenberg was a panelist at a Morris County Bar Association seminar entitled "Building a Trial Record and Arguing it on Appeal," on September 16, 2013. Other panelists included Supreme Court Justice Anne Patterson, Appellate Division Judge Jack Sabatino, and retired Appellate Division Judges Edwin Stern and Francine Axelrad. Bruce D. Greenberg served as a moderator for "Consumer Class Actions & Beyond: Threatened or Alive and Well?" New Jersey ICLE, April 27, 2011 Bruce D. Greenberg was reappointed as co-Chair of the New Jersey State Bar Association's Class Actions Committee. He has served as co-Chair since 2008. Mr. Greenberg succeeded Allyn Z. Lite, who served as co-Chair for four years. Bruce D. Greenberg served as a moderator for "Appellate Practice in New Jersey: 2005," New Jersey ICLE, March 8 and March 30, 2005. Bruce D. Greenberg completed a two-year term as Chair of the New Jersey State Bar Association's Appellate Practice Committee. He has served on that committee for more than ten years. Bruce D. Greenberg was quoted in the New Jersey Law Journal in connection with his victory in the Appellate Division in a case in which he represented an attorney in a dispute with his former law partner. Bruce D. Greenberg was quoted in the New Jersey Law Journal regarding his victory in the Supreme Court of New Jersey case of Walker v. Giuffre. Bruce D. Greenberg and Katrina Carroll were mentioned in the New Jersey Law Journal in connection with their success in defeating a motion by Wells Fargo Bank to dismiss a class action case that LDG brought against the bank and its predecessor. Bruce D. Greenberg was quoted in the New Jersey Law Journal about the decision of the Supreme Court of New Jersey to answer certified questions posed by the Third Circuit Court of Appeals in Shelton v. Restaurant.com in which he was brought in on appeal as co-counsel and won the appeal before the Supreme Court. Bruce D. Greenberg was quoted in the Newark Star-Ledger article about Bosland v. Warnock Dodge, Inc., a New Jersey Supreme Court decision that rejected an attempt to reduce protections for consumers under the New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act. Mr. Greenberg had submitted a friend of the court brief in the case on behalf of Consumers League of New Jersey, whose reasoning was adopted by the Supreme Court in its unanimous opinion. Bruce D. Greenberg was quoted in the New Jersey Law Journal regarding Chin v. DaimlerChrysler Corp., in which plaintiffs' attorneys' efforts had been the catalyst for relief worth over $54 million to purchasers and lessees of Chrysler vehicles. Bruce D. Greenberg was quoted in the New Jersey Law Journal about the decision of the Supreme Court of New Jersey to answer certified questions posed by the Third Circuit Court of Appeals in Shelton v. Restaurant.com in which he was brought in on appeal as co-counsel and won the appeal before the Supreme Court. Bruce D. Greenberg was quoted in the Newark Star-Ledger article about Bosland v. Warnock Dodge, Inc., a New Jersey Supreme Court decision that rejected an attempt to reduce protections for consumers under the New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act. Mr. Greenberg had submitted a friend of the court brief in the case on behalf of Consumers League of New Jersey, whose reasoning was adopted by the Supreme Court in its unanimous opinion. Bruce D. Greenberg was quoted in the New Jersey Law Journal regarding Chin v. DaimlerChrysler Corp., in which plaintiffs' attorneys' efforts had been the catalyst for relief worth over $54 million to purchasers and lessees of Chrysler vehicles. Bruce D. Greenberg was quoted in the New Jersey Law Journal about the mechanics of the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation. The article focused on the Pet Food Products Liability Litigation, in which Lite DePalma Greenberg Afanador filed more cases than any other firm in the nation. Bruce D. Greenberg was quoted in an article in the National Law Journal about the use of confidential witnesses in class action securities cases. A similar version of that article appeared in the New Jersey Law Journal as well. Bruce D. Greenberg was quoted in the New Jersey Lawyer newspaper on the subject of the impact of the Class Action Fairness Act on New Jersey class action cases. Bruce D. Greenber g presented a seminar for the Insurance Society of Philadelphia entitled "Class Actions in New Jersey Courts." The seminar was approved for continuing legal education credit in Pennsylvania. Bruce D. Greenberg was a panelist at the New Jersey State Bar Association's Appellate Bench-Bar Conference in Atlantic City. Other panelists were Supreme Court of New Jersey Associate Justice Roberto Rivera-Soto, Appellate Division Presiding Judge Mary Catherine Cuff, and Appellate Division Judges Michael Winkelstein and Anthony J. Parrillo. Allyn Z. Lite was the moderator and Bruce D. Greenberg was a panelist on the subject of "Hot Topics in Class Action Litigation" at the New Jersey State Bar Association annual convention. Other panelists included Superior Court Judges Jonathan N. Harris and Marina Corodemus, J.S.C. (retired). Bruce D. Greenberg was a featured speaker at the New Jersey Association of Justice's Meadowlands Seminar. His topic was "Consumer Class Action Caselaw Updates." Bruce D. Greenberg was elected to be a member of the American Academy of Appellate Lawyers. Academy membership is limited to 500 members in the United States who have a reputation of recognized distinction as appellate lawyers. There are only three other Academy members from New Jersey, only one of whom is also from a private law firm. Bruce D. Greenberg has been selected by his peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© 2021 for his work in Appellate Law. Bruce D. Greenberg was named to New Jersey Super Lawyers Top 100 list. To read more on this listing, click here. Bruce D. Greenberg was a presenter on a New Jersey ICLE webinar titled "Do's and Don'ts of Appellate Practice." The other presenters were Appellate Division Judges Ellen Koblitz and Thomas Sumners, Jr., and Marie Hanley, Chief Counsel to the Appellate Division. Bruce D. Greenberg was quoted in a Law360 article about the effect of a recent Appellate Division decision that allowed trial testimony to be offered by live remote video, rather than in person, in certain circumstances. Bruce D. Greenberg was quoted in The New York Times regarding class actions against rental car companies for allegedly improper charges that arise out of "cashless tolling." Bruce D. Greenberg has been selected by his peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© 2020 for his work in Appellate Law. Bruce D. Greenberg was named to the 2019 list of "New Jersey Super Lawyers." Mr. Greenberg has been included on that list every year since 2005, when the listing was first introduced.¹ Bruce D. Greenberg was a speaker at New Jersey ICLE's, "Current Developments on the Admissibility of Expert Testimony in New Jersey." Bruce D. Greenberg was quoted in a New Jersey Law Journal article regarding the case of Skuse v. Pfizer. There, the Appellate Division ruled that, in the circumstances of that case, an employer's arbitration clause was ineffective when it was sent to the employee by e-mail. Bruce D. Greenberg was a speaker at New Jersey Association for Justice's, "New Jersey Law on Expert Evidence: What You Need to Know After the Accutane Decision." Bruce D. Greenberg was selected by his peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© 2019 in the field of Appellate Law. Bruce D. Greenberg was a moderator and Susana Cruz Hodge was a panelist at the New Jersey Institute for Continuing Legal Education's seminar titled "Significant Developments in Class Actions" on April 11, 2018. Bruce D. Greenberg was a Co-Moderator at New Jersey ICLE's, "Significant Developments in Class Actions." On February 6, 2018, the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Washington granted final approval of a nationwide class action settlement worth $3.8 million In Desio v. Insinkerator, No. 2:15-cv-00346- SMU. Bruce D. Greenber g of LDG was co-lead counsel for the Class. The case involved allegedly defective water filters used in Insinkerator F-201 hot water dispensing systems. Bruce D. Greenberg was a speaker at New Jersey ICLE's, "A Lawyer's Guide to New Jersey Civil Trial Preparation." Bruce D. Greenberg was quoted in an article in the New Jersey Law Journal regarding the effect of two recent Supreme Court of New Jersey decisions regarding the Truth in Consumer Contract, Warranty, and Notice Act ("TCCWNA"). To read this article, click here. Bruce D. Greenberg was a speaker at HB Litigation Conferences, "Reversed and Remanded: The Impact of Recent Appellate Court Rulings on Mass Torts." Bruce D. Greenberg was quoted in an article in Law360 regarding the Third Circuit's increasing unwillingness to apply the standing doctrine of Spokeo, Inc. v. Robins to bar plaintiffs from proceeding. To read this article, click here.

Job Titles:

• Counsel
• Counsel Newark, NJ Office

Job Titles:

• Associate
• Associate Newark, NJ Office

Connor T. Wright has experience in a wide variety of matters, from family and employment law to intellectual property prosecution and protection, including licensing, patents and trademarks. In the IP arena, he has a particular focus on biotechnology and related assets. Before joining the firm, Connor served as law clerk to the Honorable Arthur J. Batista of the Family Division of the Superior Court of New Jersey in Essex County. In that capacity, he coordinated the voluminous matrimonial motion calendar in the largest and busiest vicinage of the state. He conducted legal research and writing, and provided support in the drafting of orders on a wide range of family law issues. While earning his law degree, Connor completed a judicial internship at the Criminal Division of the Superior Court of New Jersey and a legal internship at one of the top 50 global candy companies. During law school, he was a member of the Environmental Law Society and the Intellectual Property Law Society, where he held leadership roles. While an undergraduate, Connor completed a legal internship at a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company. Connor was also a graduate assistant and a research assistant at his alma mater.

Job Titles:

• Counsel
• Counsel Newark, NJ Office

Job Titles:

• Associate
• Associate Newark, NJ Office

Job Titles:

• Associate
• Associate Newark, NJ Office

Joseph D. DePalma was featured in a recent Seton Hall Law Rising publication for alumni. The article, entitled "A Gift of Gratitude - Lite DePalma Greenberg Afanador, LLC" emphasizes the firm's commitment to giving back to Seton Hall Law.

Job Titles:

• Co - Lead Counsel
• Local Counsel

Joe is a Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA)-approved arbitrator, and an active member of the American Association for Justice (AAJ). He has served as a lecturer on complex commercial litigation for continuing legal education (CLE) programs and regularly speaks at bar association meetings, industry conferences, and events sponsored by trade associations and organizations. From 1992 to 1996, Joe served as a member of the New Jersey Supreme Court's District Ethics Committee. Joseph DePalma was a panelist at the New Jersey Civil Justice Institute and the Morris County Chamber of Commerce 2016 Fall Legal Reform Conference, where he presented a plaintiff's perspective on the Truth-In-Consumer Contract, Warranty and Notice Act. Joseph J. DePalma was quoted in the New Jersey Law Journal regarding Lite DePalma Greenberg Afanador's success in defeating a motion to send a putative class action, Noble v. Samsung, to arbitration. The case centers on the deficient performance of the batteries in Samsung's smart watches. Joseph J. DePalma and Bruce D. Greenberg were included in the list of 2015 "New Jersey Super Lawyers." Mr. Greenberg has been included in the "New Jersey Super Lawyers" list every year since 2005, when the listing was first introduced, and Mr. DePalma has appeared every year since 2007. Susana Cruz Hodge and Jeffrey A. Shooman were listed among the 2015 "New Jersey Rising Stars."¹ Joseph J. DePalma was named to the Board of Visitors of the Seton Hall School of Law. Lite DePalma Greenberg Afanador was mentioned in the New Jersey Law Journal for the firm's role on the team that achieved a $42 million class action settlement against Staples on behalf of Staples managers. Joseph J. DePalma and Mayra V. Tarantino participated in that case for the firm.

Job Titles:

• Managing Member
• Managing Member Newark, NJ Office

Joseph J. DePalma represents individuals, organizations and government entities in national class actions and other complex commercial and consumer litigation. A co-founder of Lite DePalma Greenberg Afanador and the firm's managing member since 1988, Joe has a strong record of success helping clients achieve the results they seek and winning precedent-setting court victories that can prevent future litigation. "At Lite DePalma, we try to achieve decisions with impact," says Joe. "Winning a jury trial or negotiating a favorable settlement can help my clients today. But we also want to influence case law in ways that have lasting, positive effects." Joseph J. DePalma was quoted in an article in the New Jersey Law Journal about ERISA securities litigation. The article highlighted the firm's success in In re Schering-Plough ERISA Litigation, 420 F.3d 231. Joseph J. DePalma, Bruce D. Greenberg, Victor A. Afanador and Susana Cruz Hodge were all named to the 2021 list of "New Jersey Super Lawyers." Mr. Greenberg has been included on that list every year since 2005, when the listing was first introduced and Mr. DePalma has appeared every year since 2007. Mr. Afanador has been named to the "New Jersey Super Lawyers" list for five consecutive years and Ms. Hodge has been named to the "New Jersey Super Lawyers" list for the second consecutive year. Ms. Hodge was named to the "Rising Stars" list for six consecutive years. Mr. Greenberg has also been named "Top 100" list for the third time, including the last two years in a row. Joseph J. DePalma was named to the 2019 list of "New Jersey Super Lawyers." Mr. DePalma has been included on that list every year since 2007.¹

Job Titles:

• Associate
• Associate Newark, NJ Office

Job Titles:

• Counsel
• Counsel Newark, NJ Office
• Member of the New Jersey Bar Association

Maria advises employers at every step in the employer-employee relationship, from recruiting and hiring to retention and separation, working with clients to identify and minimize potential risks and exposure. When litigating, Maria provides solution-focused, sophisticated and efficient representation in federal and state courts, in arbitration, and in administrative proceedings before agencies such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the Division of Civil Rights of the New Jersey and the New York State Division of Human Rights. Among other areas, Maria handles matters involving claims of wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, misclassification, failure to accommodate, and wage and hour violations. She routinely advises clients on leaves of absence, paid time off/sick leave, classification issues, and non-competes, and regularly drafts, revises and edits employee handbooks and communications. She has experience helping employers develop effective, enforceable workplace policies, including in evolving areas such as COVID-19 and employee use of recreational cannabis and medical marijuana where legislative, regulatory and judicial positions are in conflict or incomplete. Maria also has significant experience evaluating pre-litigation demand letters and recommending appropriate employer responses. A strategic thinker, Maria develops and hosts client trainings and speaks before industry and legal groups regarding new developments in employment law. As a litigator, Maria has also represented businesses and educational institutions in a wide variety of disputes, including commercial claims, trade secret claims, premises liability disputes, automobile/trucking defense and other matters. While in law school, she completed a clerkship under the Honorable Estela M. De La Cruz of the New Jersey Judiciary at the Superior Court of New Jersey, where she helped draft judicial decisions, riders and orders for motions. Maria is a member of the New Jersey Bar Association, Bergen County Bar Association and New Jersey Defense Association. While in law school, Maria served as articles editor for the Women's Rights Law Reporter, was a teaching associate of Legal Research and Writing, and a member of the Rutgers Moot Court Board. In addition to being a Dean's Merit Scholar, she received the award for best brief in the Nathan Baker Mock Trial Competition and the Commencement Award for Outstanding Scholarship in Taxation.

Job Titles:

• Member Philadelphia, PA Office

Job Titles:

• Associate
• Associate Newark, NJ Office

Nicholas R. McClelland draws on his research and in- and out-of-court experience to provide strategic guidance to clients throughout the litigation process. Nick regularly handles discovery in complex cases, drafts, reviews and edits a variety of legal documents and reports, and conducts depositions of plaintiffs, co-defendants and non-party witnesses. He also has conducted mediations that resulted in agreeable resolutions with unrepresented parties. While in law school, Nick provided services at Seton Hall Law's Equal Justice Clinic in its Center for Social Justice, providing free legal aid to indigent clients.

Job Titles:

• Associate
• Associate Newark, NJ Office

Nicole Flynn advises clients on a variety of matters. An avid researcher, her experience includes civil rights actions, class action litigation, internal investigations, preparation and analysis of discovery material, documents drafting, and other services on behalf of public and private entities. While earning her law degree, Nicole was a semi-finalist for the Eugene Gressman Appellate Moot competition and was awarded Best Brief for Respondent. She also served on the Mock Trial board. Prior to her career in law and after earning her master's degree in education, Nicole served as a middle school teacher.

Job Titles:

• Counsel
• President and Coach of Rampage Fastpitch Softball

Richard L. Oller focuses his practice on real estate-related matters. Drawing on his four decades of experience, Richard helps clients navigate issues connected to land use law, real estate law, condominium and community association law, and business law. Richard also assists clients with commercial real estate matters, including commercial leasing and financing and registration of condominium projects with the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs. Richard regularly represents municipal land use boards, land developers, and condominium and homeowner associations. He drafts public offering statements, obtains New Jersey Department of Community Affairs approvals for residential condominium projects, drafts master deeds for commercial and residential condominium projects, obtains land use approvals for a variety of commercial and residential projects, and represents clients before planning boards and zoning boards of adjustment. Richard has obtained approvals for development projects in excess of 1,500 units and for golf course developments. Richard also routinely drafts letters of intent, purchase and sale agreements, and easements, completes due diligence studies in connection with the acquisition of commercial and residential properties, and assists clients with commercial and residential real estate closings. In addition, Richard has extensive experience serving as general counsel in the context of real estate development and business management. He has drafted and negotiated leases for a variety of corporate and medical offices and medical equipment, contracts for sale and purchase of commercial and residential property, employment agreements, and brokerage agreements with real estate brokerage firms. Further, Richard has managed outside counsel related to complex commercial litigation as well as outside engineering firms for development matters. Outside of his real estate work, Richard offers clients services related to wills, living wills and powers of attorney. He also helps clients with probate matters and corporate formations. As part of his commitment to community service, Richard has served as president and coach of Rampage Fastpitch Softball, and as volunteer assistant coach of Girls Fastpitch Softball at Watchung Hills High School. As a Rutgers University clinician, he is certified to teach the Rutgers S.A.F.E.T.Y. course. Additionally, Richard is currently vice-chairman of the Rockaway Township Citizen's Recreation Committee.

Job Titles:

• Counsel
• Counsel Philadelphia, PA Office

Job Titles:

• Counsel
• Member of the Executive Committee
• Member Newark, NJ Office
• Member of the New Jersey Bar Association

Susana Cruz Hodge focuses her practice on class actions, commercial litigation, and appeals. With respect to class actions, Susana specializes in product liability and consumer fraud cases. In her capacity as a commercial litigator, Susana represents parties in general business disputes arising from breach of contract and fraud, including matters involving construction and suretyship law. In her appellate work, Susana has won appeals in cases involving constitutional and employment law, rent control, and commercial leases. Prior to entering private practice, Susana clerked for the Honorable Thomas J. LaConte, J.S.C., in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Passaic County. Susana has briefed and argued before the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey, and the New Jersey Superior Court. She has also participated in appeals to the Supreme Court of New Jersey, the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit and to the Appellate Division of the New Jersey Superior Court. Susana is co-author of the chapter entitled "Class Action Litigation" in New Jersey Federal Civil Procedure, and has been a panelist in various seminars such as "Significant Developments in Class Actions," hosted yearly by the New Jersey Institute for Continuing Legal Education, and "The Evolving Nature of Class Actions," hosted by New Jersey State Bar Association. Susana was a member of the Lite DePalma Greenberg & Afanador teams that litigated consumer fraud and product liability class cases, including cases involving fraudulent charges assessed by major rental car companies and the manufacturing and sale of defective consumer products. Currently, Susana is a member of a litigation team pursuing class actions all over the country against various pet food companies that manufacture foods containing high levels of heavy metals, BPA, and toxins such as pentobarbital. Susana is also currently involved in several class actions regarding defective consumer products such as automobiles and household appliances. Recently, Susana was appointed as a member of the Executive Committee in In re Robinhood Outage Litigation, No. 20-01626-JD (N.D.C.A.), which was filed on behalf of users of Robinhood's trading platform who were unable to access their brokerage accounts on March 2, 2020, a day that saw the biggest ever point gain in a single day with Dow Jones Industrial Average rising over 1,294 points, the S&P 500 rising 136 points, and the Nasdaq rising 384 points. In her capacity as a commercial litigator, Susana represented a major food and beverage company in recovering millions of dollars fraudulently converted in a Ponzi scheme. She has also represented a struggling local business in closing its doors without filing bankruptcy, which involved negotiating settlements with nearly 100 creditors and successfully pursuing claims against various debtors. Susana has investigated, negotiated, and litigated claims by subcontractors and material suppliers in a range of construction-related contractual disputes. Susana has also filed and defended commercial and residential construction liens, and payment and performance bond surety claims in cases involving public and private construction projects. "Effective case management requires clear and regular communication with the court, my colleagues and, most of all, my clients," says Susana. "Likewise, excellent service is built on a series of small actions that add up: promptly addressing emails and responding to calls, prioritizing tasks, and ensuring that all members of the team know what they should be doing, and when." Susana is a member of the New Jersey Bar Association as well as the Association of the Federal Bar of the State of New Jersey. Susana Cruz Hodge has been appointed Co-Lead Counsel in In Re Plum Baby Food Litigation, Case No. 21-cv-913, pending in the Northern District of California. This putative class action alleges Plum PBC and Plum, Inc. misrepresented and failed to fully disclose the presence of arsenic, cadmium, lead, or mercury and/or perchlorates in their baby and toddler food. Joseph J. DePalma, Bruce D. Greenberg, Victor A. Afanador and Susana Cruz Hodge were all named to the 2021 list of "New Jersey Super Lawyers." Mr. Greenberg has been included on that list every year since 2005, when the listing was first introduced and Mr. DePalma has appeared every year since 2007. Mr. Afanador has been named to the "New Jersey Super Lawyers" list for five consecutive years and Ms. Hodge has been named to the "New Jersey Super Lawyers" list for the second consecutive year. Ms. Hodge was named to the "Rising Stars" list for six consecutive years. Mr. Greenberg has also been named "Top 100" list for the third time, including the last two years in a row. Susana Cruz Hodge was appointed as a member of the Executive Committee in In re Robinhood Outage Litigation, No. 20-01626-JD (N.D.C.A.). The case was filed on behalf of users of Robinhood's trading platform who were unable to access their brokerage accounts on March 2, 2020, a day that saw the biggest ever point gain in a single day with Dow Jones Industrial Average rising over 1,294 points, the S&P 500 rising 136 points, and the Nasdaq rising 384 points. Lite DePalma Greenberg Afanador Successfully Challenges Recent Bar on the Sale of Raw Milk for Pet Consumption. To read more on this, click here. Susana Cruz Hodge was named to the 2019 list of "New Jersey Rising Stars," the fifth consecutive year that she has appeared there.¹ Bruce D. Greenberg and Susana Cruz Hodge were quoted in a Law360 article about their participation on a panel titled "The Evolving Nature of Class Actions" at the New Jersey State Bar Association's Annual Meeting. To read this article, click here. Joseph J. DePalma and Bruce D. Greenberg were included in the list of 2015 "New Jersey Super Lawyers." Mr. Greenberg has been included in the "New Jersey Super Lawyers" list every year since 2005, when the listing was first introduced, and Mr. DePalma has appeared every year since 2007. Susana Cruz Hodge and Jeffrey A. Shooman were listed among the 2015 "New Jersey Rising Stars." Susana Cruz Hodge was included in an article on Law360.com, "Avis Can't Escape Reward Program Fee Class Action" (August 7, 2014), covering a federal district court's rejection of the car-rental company's bid to toss a class-action suit, and its ruling that the plaintiff has standing to pursue the suit. Susana Cruz Hodge was included in an article on Law360.com, "Shop-Vac, Lowe's False-Ad MDL Trimmed to 2 Lead Plaintiffs" (July 18, 2014), covering a Pennsylvania judge's acceptance of a Lite DePalma Greenberg Afanador motion on all issues except one. Susana Cruz Hodge was included in an article on Law360.com, "Sun Pharma Can't Quell Patent Feud Over Epilepsy Drug" (October 7, 2013), covering a New Jersey federal judge's refusal to dismiss claims against a pharmaceutical company in a patent suit over a generic version of an anti-epilepsy drug. Susana Cruz Hodge was included in an article on Law360.com, "Avis Can't Race Past Consumer Suit Over E-Toll Fees" (April 12, 2012), covering a New Jersey federal judge's refusal to toss a proposed class action claiming Avis Budget Group Inc. did not tell customers about hidden fees. Susana Cruz Hodge is one of the first attorneys in New Jersey to handle pro bono appeals in the New Jersey Appellate Division's Pro Bono Civil Pilot Program.

Job Titles:

• Chairman
• Member Newark, NJ Office
• President of the AFBNJ
• Trustee of the NJILGA

Victor A. Afanador is a seasoned trial attorney/oral advocate, commercial litigator and negotiator. He manages a litigation practice group representing public and private clients in a wide variety of areas including: employment litigation defense (LAD and CEPA), labor counseling and negotiations, public entity tort liability defense (Title 59), police-related state and federal civil rights defense, constitutional civil rights defense, rent control litigation, federal and state criminal defense, condemnation/redevelopment law and complex commercial litigation. In federal and state jury and bench trials/hearings, Victor has successfully tried to verdict a broad range of civil rights, employment, class action, rent control, redevelopment law and criminal matters. He has often served as an appellate practitioner preparing legal briefs and orally advocating before the New Jersey Supreme Court, the Superior Court of New Jersey, Appellate Division, and the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit Court. His experience provided him with the opportunity to gain significant United States Supreme Court experience in litigating, editing and oral argument preparation in the matter Heffernan v. City of Paterson, 136 S. Ct. 1412 (2016) (A First Amendment Freedom of Association case). Victor A. Afanador, President of the AFBNJ accepted the honor of addressing 29 new citizens of the United States of America during the District Court of New Jersey - Camden Vicinage Naturalization Ceremony on September 7, 2023. Victor A. Afanador was recognized in The Best Lawyers in America© for 2024 for his work in Commercial Litigation. Victor A. Afanador was a panelist for the seminar "Judicial Creativity and Non-Traditional Case Management" in the Federal District Courts during the New Jersey State Bar Association Seminar Annual Meeting in Atlantic City on May 19, 2022. Other Panelists included Chief District Court Judge Freda L. Wolfson, U.S.D.J., Michael A. Shipp, U.S.D.J., Michael V. Madden, Esq., and Arthur Owens, Esq. Victor A. Afanador was selected by Chair LeRoy J. Jones, Jr., to be part of the legal team that represented, counseled and assisted the Democratic Members of the New Jersey Legislative Apportionment Commission during the once a decade process of redrawing the boundary lines of legislative districts within the state. This engagement was highlighted on February 18, 2022, by the historic 9-2 vote wherein the Commission adopted, for the first time in Apportionment history, a consensus map. On February 1, 2022, the Honorable Freda L. Wolfson, Chief U.S. District Court Judge, appointed Victor A. Afanador as one of the new members of the Lawyers Advisory Committee for the U.S. District Court. Victor A. Afanador authored an article titled "Technology for Trial Attorneys During the Advent of Hybrid and Virtual Trials." The article was published in the June 2021 issue of New Jersey Lawyer Magazine. The read this article, click here. Our firm is proud to announce that Victor A. Afanador has been appointed as a member of the Diversity Committee of the New Jersey Institute of Local Government Attorneys. The NJILGA formed the Diversity Committee in January 2021 with a mission to educate, promote, and foster diversity, equity, and inclusion in legal business development and professional opportunities. This includes increasing diverse attorney visibility within the NJILGA, public and private entities, and the practice of law at large. Mr. Afanador is one of five members of the Diversity Committee. Mr. Afanador is a trustee of the NJILGA and a partner at Lite DePalma Greenberg & Afanador LLC. Victor A. Afanador was invited to participate as an Adjunct Professor in the January 2020 inaugural Denis F. Mclaughlin Advanced Trial Advocacy Workshop. He and other invited attorney participant adjunct professors are assigned to join one of two groups of eight 2L or 3L law students in an intensive two week trial preparation program. The groups will be led by Team Leader Professors from Seton Hall University School of Law through various skill sessions highlighting the various separate components of a trial like: Openings, Closings, Direct Examination, Cross-Examination, and the introduction of exhibits. During the "Skill" sessions, the other attorney participants join in providing feedback to the students as they practice the skills. Victor A. Afanador was a Moderator at the HNBA's Young Lawyers/Law Students Career Development Panel titled, "There Are No Motions for Reconsideration When it Comes to Your Reputation". The panel focused on how young lawyers must carefully navigate the pitfalls in the legal profession from their first handshake to their first court appearance. To view the full agenda, click here. Victor A. Afanador was named to the 2019 list of "New Jersey Super Lawyers," the fourth consecutive year that he has appeared there.¹ Victor A. Afanador was a presenter at the NJSBA's Prisoner Reentry Program that focused on the problems faced by those after incarceration. Victor A. Afanador was a speaker at the 2018 Pro Bono Conference held by the New Jersey State Bar Association on October 24, 2018. Victor Afanador was published in the NJ Lawyer Magazine on Diversity in Jury Selection. A PDF of this article, which originally published in the August 2018 issue of New Jersey Lawyer, a publication of the New Jersey State Bar Association, and is reprinted here with permission. Victor A. Afanador co-authored an article in the New Jersey Lawyer titled, "An Introduction to Re-Entry". To read this article, click here. Victor A. Afanador was a speaker at NJSBA's Seminar, "Supplier Diversity in Law" along with Louis Diaz, Esq., from Gibbons, P.C. The two addressed how these programs are implemented, the application procedure, and how these programs level the playing field for small minority and women owned companies (including law firms) to perform work for Fortune 500 companies. On January 19, 2016 Victor A. Afanado r appeared at counsel table as second chair to a United States Supreme Court oral argument in the matter Heffernan v. The City of Paterson. Mr. Afanador represents the City of Paterson before the Court seeking to affirm the Third Circuits determination that the Plaintiff did not properly establish a cause of action under the First Amendment. The Question presented before the Court is: Victor A. Afanador is one of the 100 attorneys in New Jersey appointed by the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey to defend individuals pursuant to the Criminal Justice Act Panel (CJA). Victor A. Afanador was quoted in an article on Law360.com, "Bridgegate-Inspired NJ Bill Imperils Gov't Employers" (October 31, 2014), which reviewed proposed state legislation that would enhance whistleblower safeguards for government whistleblowers, but could cause an increase in frivolous litigation against public employers. Victor A. Afanador was quoted in an article on Law360.com, "NJ Town's Petition Refusal Was Civil Rights Breach: Court" (July 31, 2014), which reviewed a state Supreme Court ruling on a claim that a municipal clerk had illegally refused the petition of a citizens' rights group. Victor A. Afanador was quoted in an article on Law360.com, "NJ High Court Tackles Local Referendum Question" (March 31, 2014), which explored a case with the potential to affect the referendum process of municipalities organized under the state's Faulkner Act. Victor A. Afanador, Bruce D. Greenberg, Susana Cruz Hodge and Danielle Y. Alvarez were mentioned in an article on Law360.com, "Newark Doesn't Have To Cover Cop For Shooting: NJ Court" (July 29, 2013), covering a New Jersey appeals court's decision that the city of Newark was not required to indemnify a police officer for a $2.8 million civil judgment stemming from an off-duty shooting. Victor A. Afanador and Susana Cruz Hodge were mentioned in an article on Law360.com, "Fraud Law Applies In Rent Charging Row: NJ Appeals Court" (June 25, 2013), which reported on a New Jersey appellate panel's ruling that a landlord could be sued for overcharges under the state's Consumer Fraud Act. Victor A. Afanador was mentioned in an article on Law360.com, "NJ Court Says City Clerks Must File Referendum Proposals" (May 29, 2013), which reviewed a state appellate court's ruling in a case involving a lawsuit against a city clerk who refused to file a petition challenging a rent-control ordinance. Victor A. Afanador was elected as Seton Hall University School of Law's Alumni President for the 2011-12 Law School fiscal year. He is the first Latino to serve as Alumni President. In that capacity, Mr. Afanador will sit on the Law School's Board of Visitors and lead the Council in supporting the needs and interests of the Law School and building strong, lasting relationships with its alumni. Victor A. Afanador, who has coached Seton Hall School of Law teams in American Bar Association National Appellate Advocacy Moot Court Competitions for many years, has had a series of successes with those teams. His 2006, 2007 and 2011 teams all reached the national finals in Chicago. The 2006 team reached the final round, the 2007 team finished in 4th place, and the 2011 team got to the round of 16. Mr. Afanador's teams have also won a number of awards for best brief and best oralist. Seton Hall School of Law Dean Patrick Hobbs publicly recognized Mr. Afanador for his work, and called the results "beyond fantastic." Victor A. Afanador was a panelist at the Third National People of Color Legal Scholarship Conference. His topic was "Diversity in the Profession: The Role of Firms, Corporations and Specialty Bar Associations." Other panelists include Superior Court Judge Hany Mawla. Victor A. Afanador was a panelist at the Third National People of Color Legal Scholarship Conference. His topic was "Diversity in the Profession: The Role of Firms, Corporations and Specialty Bar Associations." Other panelists include Superior Court Judge Hany Mawla. Victor A. Afanador addressed a seminar sponsored by Volunteer Lawyers for Justice (Newark Reentry Legal Services ReLeSe) on the subject of "Municipal Court Practice and Advocacy." Victor A. Afanador was appointed to the Board of Trustees for the Association of the Federal Bar of New Jersey. Victor A. Afanador was named to the transition team for Newark's Mayor Cory Booker. Mr. Afanador was a member of the Real Estate and Land Use Policy Group. Among other things, that Group's mission was to identify important real estate and land use issues to be dealt with in the Mayor's first 100 days, and to develop long-term goals for the areas of redevelopment, real estate and land use in Newark. Victor A. Afanador was appointed to the Board of Trustees for the Association of the Federal Bar of New Jersey. Victor A. Afanador was named to the transition team for Newark's Mayor Cory Booker. Mr. Afanador was a member of the Real Estate and Land Use Policy Group. Among other things, that Group's mission was to identify important real estate and land use issues to be dealt with in the Mayor's first 100 days, and to develop long-term goals for the areas of redevelopment, real estate and land use in Newark. Victor A. Afanador was quoted in the New Jersey Law Journal regarding the Supreme Court's grant of certification in Tumpson v. Farina, a case that Mr. Afanador argued in the Appellate Division. Victor A. Afanador was featured on the ABC News television program "Tiempo." The program focused on the Griffin Bridges Scholarship at Seton Hall Preparatory School. Mr. Afanador, himself a graduate of Seton Hall Prep, sits on the Board of the Griffin Bridges Scholarship Program.