01.29.2026Federal Pleading Standard Prevails: Berk v. Choy Clarifies Rule 8 Supremacy over State Affidavit RequirementsIn more than half of U.S. states, a plaintiff filing a medical malpractice action must submit an “affidavit of merit” or similar document at an early stage of the case. This document is typically an affidavit by a medical professional that the defendant’s actions fell below an acceptable professional standard of care or by the attorney confirming they consulted with such a professional(i). And in some states, including in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, this requirement applies beyond the medical profession to malpractice claims against any “licensed professional,” such as a lawyer(ii).
01.01.2026NJBIZ - Genova Burns Names Borek First Female Managing PartnerLeadership is changing at one of New Jersey’s top law firms. As of Jan. 1, Jennifer Borek is the new managing partner of Genova Burns LLC, the Newark-based firm said in a press release.
Borek is the first woman to hold the firm’s top leadership role in its more than 35-year history. She will oversee strategic direction and operations while continuing to maintain an active practice.
12.10.2025Lawrence Bluestone Pens Op-Ed For Law360 "Horizontal Stare Decisis Should Not Be Casually Discarded"In his new Law360 op-ed, Genova Burns Partner and Complex Commercial Litigation specialist Lawrence Bluestone, Esq. weighs in on a growing debate sparked by Judge Andrew Oldham’s recent lecture urging the Fifth Circuit to abandon its “rule of orderliness.” It’s a bold idea, but as Lawrence explains, it’s one that could make our courts less predictable, more partisan-seeming, and far more expensive for the people who rely on them.
12.04.2025Clarity Over Convenience: New Jersey Supreme Court Provides Lessons for Companies Seeking Personal GuaranteesOftentimes when dealing with a small business, especially a new one with limited credit history, it is wise to obtain a personal guarantee from the company’s principal. In its unanimous decision this week in Extech Building Materials, Inc. v. E&N Construction, Inc., No. A-28-24 (Dec. 2, 2025), the Supreme Court of New Jersey answered whether a single signature in an agreement binding a company as the principal debtor can simultaneously bind the signer in their personal capacity as a guarantor. In Extech, the answer was “no” – the single signature did not show the principal’s unambiguous intent to be bound as a guarantor. The Court’s decision, however, offered guidance to businesses going forward.
09.29.2025Genova Burns Welcomes Three New Associates: Kevin Stawicki, R. Edward Stone, and Michael ThurmGenova Burns LLC is pleased to announce the addition of Kevin Stawicki, R. Edward Stone, and Michael Thurm, recent law school graduates, joining the firm as Associates, pending bar admission. Each brings exceptional academic achievements, diverse professional experience, and a commitment to excellence that will strengthen the firm’s multidisciplinary practice.
09.05.2025Third Circuit Further Narrows Employer Remedy Under Federal Computer Fraud and Abuse ActWhat can an employer do when its employee accesses data in a way that violates company policy? In the past, one avenue for relief was the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA), a federal statute that creates the potential for both civil and criminal liability for individuals who “intentionally accesses a computer without authorization or exceeds authorized access.” CFAA, 18 U.S.C. § 1030(a)(2). Because it is a federal statute, the CFAA opens the doors to the federal courts to litigate these types of disputes.
07.28.2025Lawrence Bluestone Quoted in Law.com Article Discussing Defamation SuitsGenova Burns Partner and Complex Commercial Litigation Law specialist Lawrence Bluestone, Esq. was quoted in a recent Law.com article, "Avis Customer Falsely Accused Of Stealing Rental Fires Back With Defamation Suit".
07.11.2025NJ Supreme Court Tightens Proof Requirements of Arbitration AgreementIn its recent decision in Gerald Fazio Jr. v. Altice USA, the New Jersey Supreme Court continued its trend of enforcing strict contract formation requirements in consumer contract cases, serving as a counterbalance to the liberal enforcement of arbitration clauses required under federal law. The plaintiff, Gerald Fazio Jr., is a quadriplegic man who had difficulty breathing, rendering him unable to wear a mask. He sued Altice for disability discrimination after Altice would not allow him into a store for not wearing a mask during the COVID-19 pandemic.
03.14.2025Jennifer Borek Named To NJBIZ "Leaders In Law" 2025 ListingGenova Burns is proud to announce that Partner Jennifer Borek, Esq. has been named to NJBIZ's "Leaders in Law" 2025 listing. This awards program honors exceptional legal professionals—both attorneys and general counsels—who demonstrate outstanding dedication to their practice and their communities.
02.03.2025Michael Freeman Joins Genova Burns LLC As PartnerGenova Burns LLC proudly announces that Michael H. Freeman, a seasoned attorney with over three decades of legal experience, has joined the Firm as Partner. Mr. Freeman is a distinguished litigator and a key contributor to the firm’s Commercial Litigation, Employment, and White Collar Criminal Defense Departments.
11.26.2024On Notice: Changes for Legal Notices as Print News Nears EndMunicipalities and their lawyers will soon find themselves in a bind when state laws that require them to publish legal notices in print newspapers are no longer possible to comply with as several leading print newspapers are moving to online-only.
09.12.2024Genova Burns Announces New Milestone for Bruce Wolff, ERISA Specialist, and Gina Maturi, Newly Admitted AttorneyGenova Burns LLC proudly celebrates two significant accomplishments within its ranks. Bruce L. Wolff, Esq., Of Counsel, continues his remarkable tenure at the firm as a preeminent authority in Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) law, while Gina M. Maturi, Esq., achieves a professional milestone, recently passing the bar exam after a distinguished multi-year career at Genova Burns as a paralegal.
06.17.2024Unanimous But Fractured: Supreme Court Upholds Rejection of “Trump Too Small” Trademark, With Little Guidance for the FutureLast week, the U.S. Supreme Court decided in Vidal v. Ester, 602 U.S. ___ (2024) that the federal prohibition on registering trademarks that identify a living individual without their consent does not violate the First Amendment right to free expression. Although the Justices were unanimous in the ultimate result, they disagreed dramatically as to why, ultimately providing little guidance for future cases.
06.11.2024Genova Burns Welcomes Thomas S. Dolan As PartnerGenova Burns LLC is thrilled to announce that Thomas S. Dolan, Esq. has joined the firm as a Partner, specializing in Commercial Litigation and Property Tax. With over 15 years of legal experience, Tom has built a stellar reputation based on his experience in handling complex legal matters for corporate clients and successfully represented clients in property tax appeals and high-stakes commercial litigation in both federal and state courts.
This website uses cookies for site operation, security and analytics purposes, as described in our Privacy Notice and Cookie Notice. By clicking Ok, you are agreeing to our use of cookies.
OK
