PIETRAS SARACINO SMITH & MEEKS - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Member of the New Jersey Association for Justice
Ben is a member of the New Jersey Association for Justice, New Jersey State Bar Association, Workers' Compensation Section, the Gloucester County Bar Association & the Justice James H. Coleman, Jr. Inn of Court - New Jersey Workers' Compensation American Inn of Court.
Ben joined the Firm in 2003 and became a partner in 2004. Prior to joining Pietras Saracino, LLP, Mr. Smith was associated with two large New Jersey firms, where he focused his practice in the area of workers' compensation and litigation. He also served as house counsel to Selective Insurance Company.
Ben has litigated thousands of cases in his 20+ year career, including many Total Disability cases in the New Jersey Division of Workers' Compensation. He has successfully tried numerous cases and has appeared before New Jersey Appellate Division successfully on multiple occasions.
Ben has been a frequent lecturer, including before the National Association of Insurance Women (Reducing Workers' Compensation Costs). He is a published author on New Jersey Workers' Compensation law for Practical Law a Thomson Reuters' Company: Workers' Compensation Laws: New Jersey.
Ben contributes in Pro Bono activities helping guide many people through the legal process. He is also active in giving back both personally and professionally to the Veterans' community.
Ben has been a Gloucester County resident for over 20 years. He is active in his community and in his children's school. In his spare time he is active in his children's sporting activities and getting them involved in outdoor activities.
Chris has been a featured lecturer on workers' compensation law with the New Jersey Association of Justice, Lorman Education Services, and the Council for Education in Management in addition to numerous in-house seminars and classes. He is a member of the American Bar Association, New Jersey State Bar Association (Workers' Compensation Section), Burlington County Bar Association, and the Camden County Bar Association.
Chris has been recognized in the field of workers' compensation litigation by various publications, including being selected as a "Top Attorney" in the area of Workers' Compensation Law by SJ Magazine several years in a row.
Jim has been representing clients in litigated workers' compensation matters throughout the State of New Jersey for 26 years. He co-founded Pietras Saracino Smith & Meeks, LLP in 2003. He partnered with Attorney, Chris Saracino, to form the firm limiting their practice to workers' compensation litigation. Jim has extensive experience in the area of workers' compensation litigation. He has personally litigated thousands of workers' compensation claims in the New Jersey Division of Workers' Compensation. This includes his representation of clients in claims involving total permanent disability with contribution from the New Jersey Second Injury Fund. Jim has handled many notable cases throughout his career, including a case that helped shape the law in New Jersey regarding off-premises work injuries, in Jumpp v. City of Ventnor, 177 N.J. 470 (2003).
Jim received his Bachelor of Arts degree, cum laude, from the University of Pittsburgh in 1987. He received his Juris Doctorate degree with honors from the Seton Hall University School of Law, cum laude, in 1990. Following his admission to the New Jersey Bar in 1990, Jim practiced law as a shareholder with a large South Jersey firm specializing in workers' compensation litigation. He is admitted to practice in New Jersey, the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey, and the United States Supreme Court.
Jim is an avid golfer. He has been a member of the Moorestown Field Club since 1998 where he served as Trustee on the Board from 2011 to 2016. He is presently serving a two-year term as Treasurer of the Moorestown Field Club through 2018. Jim is also a member of the Barefoot Resort Golf Club in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
Throughout the years, Jim has been very active in the American Diabetes Association and is an active supporter of The JAG Fund for brain cancer research.
Jody joined Pietras Saracino Smith & Meeks, LLP in 2004. She was named a partner of the firm in 2006. Jody has been representing clients in all aspects of workers' compensation matters for over 23 years. She has extensive experience in the area of workers' compensation appeals.
Jody graduated from Pemberton Township High School as class Valedictorian in 1987. From there, she earned her undergraduate degree, magna cum laude, from The College of New Jersey (formerly, Trenton State College) in 1991. She graduated from Cornell Law School in 1994.
Jody is admitted to practice in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey. She was previously associated with two large South Jersey law firms as a workers' compensation law attorney.
Jody is a member of the Justice James H. Coleman, Jr. Inn of Court - New Jersey Workers' Compensation American Inn of Court. The Justice James H. Coleman, Jr., Inn of Court was founded by workers' compensation attorneys and judges and concentrates on issues surrounding workers' compensation in New Jersey.
Jody has served as the Treasurer of the Chatsworth Elementary School Home and School Association for the past seven years. She is also active with the 12th Man Club supporting the Seneca Golden Eagles Football Team, as well as the Medford Athletic Association.
Jody has volunteered countless hours to several animal rescue organizations including JoeJoe's Place, New Life Animal Rescue, Friends of Burlington County Animal Shelter, and One Love Animal Rescue. She also volunteers her time with the March of Dimes and Special Olympics.
Jody is an avid reader. She enjoys camping and all things Disney.