02.02.2026Jersey City Issues Executive Order on PILOT Audits: What Developers and Owners Need to KnowIn an action that may signal a challenging environment for tax abatements in Jersey City, newly elected Jersey City Mayor James Solomon recently signed an Executive Order on January 21, 2026 launching a comprehensive audit of all long-term tax exemptions currently active in Jersey City. The City has over 100 such abatements currently in effect. The audit will review every active abatement to determine compliance status, and identify any abatements that warrant enforcement action.
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).
01.28.2026Fast-Tracking Economic Opportunity: Inside Governor Sherrill’s Plan to Simplify New Jersey’s Permitting and Regulatory SystemsIn one of her first actions after being sworn in, Governor Mikie Sherrill signed a number of Executive Orders to implement a number of strategic initiatives aimed at modernizing and simplifying the State’s regulatory and permitting systems to allow for a more transparent, efficient and forward facing government. Executive Order 4 established the position of Chief Operating Officer who will establish working groups across a number of State departments and disciplines to establish streamlined processes and regulations to enhance the priorities and economic goals of the Administration.
01.22.2026Genova Burns To Host 2026 New Jersey Employment Law Update Genova Burns LLC is pleased to invite you to its 2026 New Jersey Employment Law Update, presented in partnership with SHRM Gateway, (Society for Human Resource Management) featuring employment law attorneys Brigette N. Eagan, Esq. and Patrick W. McGovern, Esq. You are invited to attend an in-person update on New Jersey employment laws on January 22nd at Genova Burns LLC's headquarters in Newark.
01.20.2026New Jersey Small Employers – Get Ready To Provide Your Employees With 12 Weeks Of Job Protected Leave!On January 17, 2026 Governor Murphy signed into law amendments to the New Jersey Family Leave Act (NJFLA). The NJFLA allows eligible employees to take 12 weeks of job protected leave per year to bond with a newborn baby or to care for a family member with a serious health condition. The amendments lower eligibility requirements making most employees eligible for leave.
01.13.2026Jaclynn McDonnell Elevated To CounselGenova Burns LLC is pleased to announce that Jaclynn McDonnell, Esq. has been elevated to Counsel, recognizing her exceptional legal work, leadership within the firm, and sustained commitment to community service.
01.08.2026Higher Bar, Same Risk: Second Circuit Orders Successor Employer to Hire Predecessor’s Union WorkforceApplying the Supreme Court’s new nationwide labor injunction standard, the Second Circuit Court of Appeals reversed a District Court and ordered a New York company to hire unionized parking valets that it declined to hire when it assumed a parking services contract from a former vendor. Poor v. Parking Systems Plus, Inc., case number 24-3324. In doing so, the Court sided with the National Labor Relations Board, which sought the injunction while an administrative trial process was ongoing. The Court also required the company to immediately bargain with the union that represented the valets. The case is significant in that the court granted the injunction notwithstanding that the Supreme Court set the bar higher for injunctions than the Second Circuit’s former standard.
01.01.2026Genova Burns Partners Gene Paolino and Gerard Pizzillo Named ROI-NJ Influencers: Real EstateGenova Burns LLC is proud to announce that firm Partners and Commercial Real Estate Law specialists Eugene T. Paolino, Esq. and Gerard D. Pizzillo, Esq., have been named to ROI-NJ’s Influencers: Real Estate listing, which recognizes more than 200 leaders shaping one of the most dynamic real estate markets in the nation.
01.01.2026Law360 - Genova Burns Taps Litigation Head Jennifer Borek As Next Managing PartnerGenova Burns LLC announced that it has a new managing partner Wednesday with the appointment of the former head of its commercial litigation practice with over 20 years of experience at the firm to the top role.
Jennifer Borek is the new managing partner, becoming the first woman to lead Genova Burns in its 35-year history, according to an announcement from the Newark-based firm. She takes over the managing partner role from co-founder James Burns.
01.01.2026InsiderNJ - Genova Burns Names Jennifer Borek as Managing Partner; Becomes Firm’s First Woman to Hold the RoleGenova Burns LLC today announced the appointment of Jennifer Borek as Managing Partner, marking a historic milestone as the first woman to hold the firm’s top leadership role in its more than 35-year history.
Borek is a highly accomplished attorney whose practice focuses on complex commercial litigation, government contracts and procurement law, employment litigation and appellate advocacy. Known for her strategic judgment, vigorous advocacy, and practical approach, Borek has earned the trust of clients and colleagues alike.
01.01.2026Genova Burns Names Jennifer Borek As Managing PartnerGenova Burns LLC today announced the appointment of Jennifer Borek as Managing Partner, marking a historic milestone as the first woman to hold the firm’s top leadership role in its more than 35-year history.
01.01.2026BINJE - Borek Named Managing Partner At Genova BurnsJennifer Borek, a highly respected attorney whose practice focuses on complex commercial litigation, government contracts and procurement law, has been named managing partner at Genova Burns.
Borek is the first woman to hold the role in the history of the prestigious Newark-based firm. She succeeds Jim Burns, a co-founder and the most recent managing partner.
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.
12.17.2025Genova Burns Congratulates Don Clarke, Esq. on Graduating from the 2025 Lead New Jersey ProgramGenova Burns LLC is proud to announce that Partner Don Clarke, Esq. has graduated from the prestigious Lead New Jersey (LNJ) program, joining a distinguished network of leaders committed to strengthening communities, driving innovation, and shaping public policy across the state.
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.
11.25.2025Genova Burns Teams Up With Speedway Academy & Newark Public Schools For "Meal In A Bag" InitiativeGenova Burns is proud to continue our annual Thanksgiving partnership with Newark Public Schools, Miriam's House and Speedway Academies Elementary School. Each year, we join forces to ensure families facing hardship can still experience the comfort of a holiday meal and provide families with a “Meal in a Bag”.
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