David McBride is Counsel with Harwood Lloyd in its Commercial and Real Estate Department. Mr. McBride received his B.A. from Georgetown University in 1969 and his J.D. from Georgetown University School of Law in 1973. He has experience in real estate transactions, including commercial closings, residential closings, co-operative transfers and lease negotiations. Mr. McBride is admitted to practice before the courts of the State of New Jersey (1973) and the courts of the State of New York (1983).

Eric M. Mark is the founder of the Law Office of Eric M. Mark based in Newark, NJ. Since 2010, the firm has focused on immigration law throughout the United States, criminal defense in New Jersey, New York and federal courts, and specifically the criminal-immigration intersection. What makes Eric unique is his approach to the law. While many lawyers limit themselves to strategies based on existing law, which is, of course, important and essential, Eric is not afraid to try to make new law or challenge existing laws. Many lawyers find a specific niche that is comfortable for them; Eric’s niche is the complicated cases that many other lawyers do not want or cannot handle. These cases require not only knowledge and experience, but also creativity. It is the creative strategies and solutions that make Eric unique and that he is most proud of. From 2006 through 2009, Eric was an assistant prosecutor in Somerset County. Eric graduated from the Pepperdine University School of Law and completed his undergraduate degree at Rutgers University. Eric is a member of the New Jersey Association of Justice, the Essex County Bar Association, the American Immigration Lawyers Association, and the National Immigration Project. He is a former chairperson of the New Jersey chapter of AILA. He has participated on CLE panels for the New Jersey Association for Justice, the Federal Bar Association, the American Immigration Lawyers Association, and the Essex County Bar Association and has been a guest lecturer at the Rutgers University School of Law.

James N. Barletti has devoted the majority of his eighteen (18) year career to litigation, having handled cases involving claims including, but not limited to premises liability, governmental liability (Title 59), products liability, dram shop liability, automobile negligence, malpractice, and criminal defense. He has tried cases from each of these areas to favorable conclusions on behalf of his clients and the Law Firm.

David E. Maitlin is a graduate of Rutgers College and Boston University School of Law. He is admitted to practice before the New Jersey courts and the New York courts. He is also admitted to practice before the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey and for the Southern District of New York. He is a member of the New Jersey and New York State Bars, and a member of the Association of the Bar of the City of New York. He served a judicial clerkship with New Jersey Appellate Division Judge Irwin I. Kimmelman. He is presently Vice Chair of the Essex County Ethics Committee. He concentrates his practice in real estate transactions as well as insurance, commercial and real estate related litigation.

My entire life is marked by resilience, tenacity, service, and leadership. The totality of my personal and professional experiences informs the holistic, compassionate, and relentless work I do on behalf of my clients. In October 2018, I became New Jersey’s first undocumented female attorney, after a lifetime of stress but also support from my family and community. My parents crossed the U.S.-Mexico border in the late 1980’s when I was only one year old, and they brought me with them. I grew up in Mercer and Middlesex Counties (NJ) knowing and understanding I was undocumented, but it did not diminish my relentless commitment to higher education. Since 2005, I continuously and concurrently worked full-time, studied part-time, and publicly advocated for humane immigration reform and policies. In the process, I graduated from Middlesex County College, graduated summa cum laude from Rutgers University–New Brunswick, and then became New Jersey’s first undocumented law school graduate when I graduated from Rutgers School of Law. Through my pubic advocacy, I have addressed hundreds of venues and crowds of various sizes and demographics on immigration topics while organizing and advocating for pro-immigrant federal and state legislation, like the DREAM Act of 2007 and the NJ In-State Tuition Bill of 2013. I also co-founded, the New Jersey Dream Act Coalition, New Jersey’s first statewide, grassroots immigrant-youth led organization. In collaboration with other organizations of young advocates, we successfully moved the state and then-governor Chris Christie to make in-state tuition for certain undocumented students at public colleges a reality. Now, after over a decade of advocating for New Jersey’s immigrant community, I am proud and privileged to represent and advocate for individual members of my community before state, federal, and administrative courts. Since 2005, I continuously and concurrently worked full-time, studied part-time, and publicly advocated for humane immigration reform and policies. In the process, I graduated from Middlesex County College, graduated summa cum laude from Rutgers University–New Brunswick, and then became New Jersey’s first undocumented law school graduate when I graduated from Rutgers School of Law. Through my pubic advocacy, I have addressed hundreds of venues and crowds of various sizes and demographics on immigration topics while organizing and advocating for pro-immigrant federal and state legislation, like the DREAM Act of 2007 and the NJ In-State Tuition Bill of 2013. I also co-founded, the New Jersey Dream Act Coalition, New Jersey’s first statewide, grassroots immigrant-youth led organization. In collaboration with other organizations of young advocates, we successfully moved the state and then-governor Chris Christie to make in-state tuition for certain undocumented students at public colleges a reality. Now, after over a decade of advocating for New Jersey’s immigrant community, I am proud and privileged to represent and advocate for individual members of my community before state, federal, and administrative courts. I clerked for Eric M. Mark until becoming a licensed attorney. Here, I’ve worked on a wide range of traffic, criminal, immigration, and family matters, including: divorces, final restraining orders, and various affirmative and defensive applications for immigration relief, such as Special Immigrant Juvenile status, U-visas, asylum, cancellation of removal, adjustment of status, VAWA-related applications, waivers, etc. I also have accrued experience in appellate work with filings to the Board of Immigration Appeals and the Third Circuit Court of Appeals. During law school, I gained experience providing direct client representation under the supervision of practicing law school faculty at Harvard Law School and Rutgers Law School. I also gained experience at two impact-litigation civil rights organizations. In the summer of 2015, I served as a Summer Legal Intern at the Harvard Legal Aid Bureau (HLAB) of Harvard Law School, the nation’s oldest student-run legal services organization. There, I represented indigent Boston residents facing eviction, many of them Latino immigrants, before the Boston Housing Court, and in wage theft cases before the Suffolk County Superior Court of Massachusetts. I also served as HLAB’s liaison to City Life/ Vida Urbana, one of Boston’s fiercest anti-displacement grassroots, community organizations. I served on the Rutgers Criminal and Youth Justice Clinic where I represented incarcerated youth in New Jersey’s juvenile justice system, as well as indigent young adults charged with minor criminal offenses in the Essex County Remand Court. Through the clinic, I also assisted a female inmate, convicted of a felony as an adult while only a child, secure an early release on parole. While in law school I also interned at Latino Justice PRLDEF in New York, and at the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of New Jersey. At Latino Justice PRLDEF, I conducted census research that was ultimately used in an amicus brief for Evanwel v. Abbott. I completed a bilingual workers’ rights pamphlet for workers in New York City. And I researched and wrote memoranda of law on various matters, including but not limited to: international calling rates for prisoners in New Jersey, and professional licensing for undocumented young adults in New Jersey. At the ACLU-NJ, I conducted legal research and legal memoranda on issues like prisoner’s rights litigation, medicaid coverage of Hepatitis C medication, and First Amendment freedom of speech and expression.

Lauren Jacoby is a seasoned family law attorney with Petrelli Previtera, LLC, bringing more than two decades of courtroom experience to clients facing divorce, custody, and complex family law disputes in New Jersey. Known for her steady presence, meticulous preparation, and deep understanding of litigation strategy, Lauren guides clients through some of life’s most difficult transitions with clarity, confidence, and compassion. Throughout her career, Lauren has built a reputation as a thorough and tenacious advocate. She has represented individuals and families across a wide range of emotionally and financially significant matters, including divorce, custody disputes, child advocacy cases, and high-stakes litigation involving property, finances, and personal rights. Her extensive trial experience allows her to anticipate challenges, develop strong legal strategies, and protect her clients’ interests at every stage of the process. Lauren approaches family law with the understanding that no two families, and no two divorces, are the same. Clients working with Lauren can expect clear communication, honest guidance, and a lawyer who takes the time to understand both the legal issues and the personal stakes involved. She values preparation and transparency and works closely with clients so they understand the process and know what to expect at each stage of their case. Her background in civil litigation and courtroom advocacy gives her a practical edge in contested family law matters. Whether negotiating a settlement or litigating in court, Lauren focuses on positioning her clients for long-term stability while minimizing unnecessary conflict whenever possible. Before joining Petrelli Previtera, Lauren spent years building a diverse legal practice that included complex civil litigation, real estate matters, estate planning, and extensive courtroom advocacy. She has successfully argued motions and tried cases in state, federal, and appellate courts. A significant portion of Lauren’s career has been dedicated to child advocacy. As an attorney with the New Jersey Office of the Law Guardian, she has represented children in sensitive family court matters involving custody, parental rights, and permanency planning. This experience has shaped her thoughtful, child-focused approach to family law cases involving custody and parenting disputes. Lauren has also been appointed by the Ocean County Superior Court to serve as counsel for incapacitated individuals and as a commissioner in condemnation matters, reflecting the court’s trust in her judgment and professionalism. in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey.

Searra S. Hazel is an associate attorney at Petrelli Previtera, LLC, where she focuses on divorce, custody, child support, and family law matters throughout New Jersey. With years of experience, Searra has guided hundreds of clients supporting them through the complex divorce and custody process. Searra is known for her practical, solution-focused approach to family law, providing clear guidance and strategic representation that helps clients navigate divorce and custody matters with confidence. Clients can expect honest advice, proactive problem-solving, and a commitment to securing outcomes that protect their well-being and long-term goals. With a legal career rooted in family law and dispute resolution, Searra understands that the legal system can feel overwhelming for clients experiencing major life changes. Whether handling divorce proceedings, custody disputes, or non-dissolution matters for unmarried parents, she is committed to providing clarity, support, and advocacy for every client she represents. How Searra Helps Clients Searra has advised hundreds of clients at the start of their divorce or custody process, helping them avoid common pitfalls before they even step into court. She believes that a well-prepared client is an empowered client. She takes a direct and realistic approach to family law, ensuring her clients understand what the law allows—and what false expectations may lead to unnecessary litigation or delays. “Family law is about managing expectations,” she explains. “Emotions can cloud judgment, so my role is to guide my clients with both empathy and legal clarity.”

Rebekah E. Heilman is a New Jersey family law attorney at Petrelli Previtera, LLC, serving clients across New Jersey in divorce, custody, and complex family law matters. With nearly two decades of legal experience, she brings a deep understanding of the court system, informed by her work as an appellate attorney, public defender, Deputy Attorney General, and court administrator. Known for her meticulous attention to detail and strategic legal thinking, Rebekah helps clients navigate the complexities of family law with clarity and confidence. With a career rooted in public service, Rebekah has dedicated her work to making the legal system more accessible and effective. She has represented clients in high-stakes family law cases, fought for parental rights in child welfare proceedings, and successfully overturned unjust rulings in appellate courts. With experience in trial and appellate litigation, as well as working within the court system, Rebekah brings a well-rounded perspective to family law cases. This background allows her to anticipate potential legal challenges, craft strong legal arguments, and develop strategic approaches that help clients navigate both litigation and settlement negotiations effectively. How Rebekah Helps Clients Rebekah believes that a well-informed client is an empowered client. She takes the time to explain legal processes in a way that makes sense, ensuring that clients understand not just what is happening in their case, but why it is happening. She provides practical guidance and strategic insights that help clients make informed decisions about their future. Her years of experience in appellate litigation has shaped her approach to trial work, allowing her to anticipate legal missteps that could impact a case. She is known for her meticulous case preparation, persuasive legal writing, and ability to build strong arguments that stand up to scrutiny. Rebekah is also an accomplished negotiator. As an adjunct professor at Kean University, she teaches Negotiation Strategies and Conflict Resolution, equipping future professionals with the tools to navigate high-stakes disputes. She applies these skills to her legal practice, helping clients achieve favorable settlements while ensuring their interests are protected. Her experience in mediation and strategic case positioning enables her to offer clients creative solutions tailored to their specific needs.

Peter A. Greene has a B.A. and an M.S. degree from Columbia University as well as a J.D. degree from Rutgers Law School. He is a certified civil trial lawyer, and is a member of the New York County Lawyers Association and the New Jersey Bar Association. He was a Deputy Attorney General of the State of New Jersey for five years, representing the State Board of Medical Examiners and other professional boards. He was also a staff attorney for Ralph Nader’s Health Research Group in Washington, D.C. He is a member of the New Jersey, New York and Washington, D.C. bars. He has authored a chapter in a text on nursing malpractice defense. He has tried over 150 jury cases to a conclusion including 80 medical malpractice actions. He has also tried fire cases, ambulance and auto cases, as well as insurance coverages cases.