Need Alternative Dispute Resolution Services in New Jersey?
At Keefe Law firm, we are privileged to have as Of Counsel two distinguished retired judges who comprise our Alternate Dispute Resolution Department. Retired Judge John E. Keefe, Sr. is one of the most highly regarded mediators in New Jersey. Retired Judge Dennis R. O’Brien has developed a reputation for resolving even the most difficult cases. Arbitration and/or mediation services can save everyone time and money, but it takes an experienced third party to facilitate these types of negotiations. Both Judge Keefe and Judge O’Brien have had extensive judicial experience and careers as distinguished trial attorneys allowing them to handle a wide variety of cases with equanimity and objectivity.
Nationally Recognized and Respected New Jersey Mediator
Judge John E. Keefe, Sr. had a judicial career spanning nearly 25 years before becoming counsel to our law firm in 2001. He took this position after retiring as a Presiding Judge of the Appellate Division of the New Jersey Superior Court, where he served for thirteen years. Before that position, he served as Presiding Judge of the General Equity Part of the NJ Superior Court. He also supervised and administered a pilot project involving statewide asbestos litigation during that time.
Prior to his appointment, Judge Keefe was a civil trial attorney whose practice encompassed medical malpractice, product liability and insurance. In addition to his judicial service, Judge Keefe has been a frequent lecturer at the Institute for Continuing Legal Education, the New Jersey State Bar Association, and the New Jersey Association for Justice (NJAJ). He also co-authored New Jersey Products Liability & Toxic Tort Law, which is published by Gann Law Books.
A Wealth of Trial Experience
Judge Dennis R. O’Brien has tried over 500 jury trials to verdict as an attorney and judge. From his start as an Assistant Union County Prosecutor, to his time as a Certified Civil Trial Attorney, to his twelve years on the bench, Judge O’Brien has spent his entire 33-year career in New Jersey courtrooms. That extensive courtroom experience gives him a unique perspective on resolving all sorts of legal disputes, because he knows intuitively how jurors react to the evidence presented.
As a trial judge, Judge O’Brien sat in the Civil, Family and Criminal Divisions, with the bulk of his career in the former two. He gained a reputation amongst the bench and bar for resolving the most difficult cases, whether they be personal injury, medical or legal malpractice, employment disputes, commercial disputes or business litigation. In the Family Division, he resolved all aspects of divorce cases, including, alimony, custody, parenting time, equitable distribution, pension distribution and even domestic violence. He was rated by the New Jersey Law Journal as the Number One Judge in the Monmouth Vicinage while sitting in the Family Division and the Number One Judge sitting in the Civil Division.
Prior to joining the bench Judge O’Brien was a civil trial attorney, handling personal injury and insurance cases, and was twice certified by the NJ Supreme Court as a Certified Civil Trial Attorney. He has lectured on trial advocacy topics for the Monmouth Bar Association, the Haydn Proctor Inn of Court and the New Jersey State Bar Association.
Contact Us Today for More Information About Alternative Dispute Resolution Services
Attorneys and other interested parties can contact the alternative dispute resolution department at Keefe Law Firm to schedule a consultation.