News

James Aaron Co-Chairs Benefit to Support Israel

Shareholder Emeritus James G. Aaron recently co-chaired a successful fundraising benefit to support Israel. Inspired by his rabbi’s sermon following the October 7, 2023, attack in Israel, Jim felt compelled to organize a benefit to raise humanitarian aid for the victims of terror. As vice president of the Axelrod Performing Arts Center, Jim partnered with the Jewish Federation in the Heart of NJ to invite Israeli artists to perform. 

Guy Mintus, pianist and composer, and Naama Nachum, vocalist and actress, traveled to the United States to perform at the October 29 event at the Axelrod Performing Arts Center. Jim gave a passionate welcome to kick off the benefit performance before more than 250 attendees. 

The concert was a success and raised significant funds, with 100 percent going directly to the Jewish Federation’s Israel Emergency Fund. This important event drew national and local politicians, including United States Representative John Pallone, State Senator Vin Gopal, and Ocean Township Mayor John P. Napolitani, Sr.

The acclaimed Israeli artists will perform for other benefit concerts in the tri-state area before returning home to Israel in November.

Law360 Covers Closely Watched Verizon Cell Tower Litigation in Monmouth County

In a hotly contested and closely watched litigation matter, Verizon Wireless applied to place cell towers along a New Jersey boardwalk in Monmouth County. Verizon sued the county and its board when their request was denied, claiming the denial was not supported by substantial evidence. Proposed Intervenors now seek to join the case, asking the courts to dismiss Verizon’s claims against the county. A recent Law360 article covered the case.

Ansell.Law partner Anthony J. D’Artiglio and associate Layne A. Feldman, attorneys in the Firm’s Litigation Department, represent the intervenors in the case.

Anthony’s practice encompasses complex litigation, bankruptcy, controlled substances and regulatory law, and labor and employment. Layne handles a diverse range of complex commercial and civil litigation matters.

Click here to read the Law360 article (subscription required).

Anthony J. D’Artiglio Elevated to Litigation Team Leader

Ansell.Law is pleased to announce that partner Anthony J. D’Artiglio has been elevated to Litigation Team Leader for North New Jersey. This new role complements his mentoring and leadership abilities within the Firm. D’Artiglio will manage the Firm’s North New Jersey litigation presence. Additionally, he will work closely with Firmwide Litigation Department Chair Lawrence H. Shapiro to shape the department’s future.

Based in the Firm’s Woodland Park office, D’Artiglio’s practice encompasses litigation, bankruptcy, controlled substances and regulatory law, and labor and employment. A seasoned attorney, he litigates a broad range of commercial matters, including commercial lease disputes, class actions, Consumer Fraud Act claims, corporate and shareholder disputes, employment disputes, and secured property actions. He also routinely represents creditors in bankruptcy matters.

D’Artiglio is licensed in New York and New Jersey. Best Lawyers in America has recognized him as a “One to Watch” since 2021.

Andrea White Appointed to Speak at the New Jersey State Bar Association 2023 Mid-Year Meeting in Paris

Ansell.Law is proud to announce Andrea White is scheduled to be a speaker at the New Jersey State Bar Association 2023 Mid-Year Meeting in Paris November 4-11. Andrea will present at the Diversity and Inclusion seminar on Josephine Baker and her instrumental involvement in Women’s Rights.

The first black woman to star in a major Hollywood motion picture, Josephine Baker was known as a groundbreaking dancer, singer, and actress. She also courageously aided the French resistance during World War II, earning the Resistance Medal from the French Committee of National Liberation and the Croix de Guerre by the French military. Andrea’s panel will explore Baker’s incredible legacy and discuss the related social and legal issues. The program will examine issues related to women’s rights, race, adoption, the LGBTQ+ community, and military law. Learn more here.

Ansell.Law Continues Criminal Defense Practice Growth With New Attorney

Ansell.Law is pleased to announce that Courtney R. Sauer has joined the firm. As an associate based in our Ocean office, Courtney devotes her practice to criminal defense. She will defend clients in various criminal matters, including motor vehicle violations, disorderly persons offenses, and felonies. Courtney joins the busy criminal defense practice following Hillary Hudson Bryce’s recent addition to the team.

Licensed in New Jersey, Courtney is also a certified civil mediator with the Special Division-Small Claims Part. She earned her Juris Doctor from Rutgers University and her Bachelor of Science, cum laude, from Virginia Tech.

Ansell.Law Welcomes Former Chief Assistant Prosecutor Hillary Bryce

Ansell.Law is thrilled to announce that Hillary Hudson Bryce has joined the firm’s Ocean office. Hillary devotes her practice to criminal defense and joins the firm following a stellar twenty-five-year career serving the people of Ocean County as chief assistant prosecutor. She will dedicate her time and vast courtroom skills to defending clients in various criminal matters, including motor vehicle violations, disorderly persons offenses, and felonies.

Hillary served in the Juvenile, Grand Jury, Trial Team, Domestic Violence, and High-Tech Crime Units at the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office. Gaining notoriety for her trial abilities, she shared her legal insights in several televised criminal documentaries.

Licensed in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, Hillary is also a certified criminal trial attorney and is actively involved with the Ocean County Bar Association. She earned her Juris Doctor and Bachelor of Arts from Rutgers University.

Jennifer Krimko Quoted in NJ.com Article About the Rezoning of a Historic Golf Course

The Old Orchard Country Club in Eatontown is moving closer to its transformation into an age-restricted housing development with open space and commercial uses on the highway. A recent ordinance amendment established new zoning regulations for the 94-year-old golf course, allowing up to 145 age-restricted, single-family homes with amenities off of Route 71 (Monmouth Road) and commercial development on Route 36. The firm, through Shareholder Jennifer S. Krimko represents the contract purchaser and future developer of Old Orchard. She addressed the Council at the hearing on the Ordinance and her sharing her statements on the zoning framework and the balance being struck between her client and the community is highlighted in this NJ.com article.

Jennifer is co-chair of Ansell.Law’s Land Use & Zoning Department. Our attorneys assist clients in navigating land development. They offer thorough advice on zoning due diligence and development prospects, managing the process from planning to compliance. From small renovations to large commercial projects, our attorneys are prepared to guide clients through the approval process. Please contact Jennifer for more information.

Joshua Bauchner Presenting During the New Jersey League of Municipalities Conference

Shareholder Joshua Bauchner will join a panel of experts presenting “The Municipal Cannabis Matrix Reloaded” at the New Jersey League of Municipalities Annual Conference in Atlantic City, November 14-16, 2023. The largest municipal gathering in the nation, this conference provides New Jersey’s local government officials and professionals with extensive learning opportunities, meaningful networking, and a comprehensive showcase of the latest product innovations.

The panel will provide a brief introduction to municipal cannabis before a discussion with city leaders exploring what is and is not working in their cities. Joshua will share insights on how to avoid municipal cannabis litigation. The panel will also address a checklist for governing bodies to consider when drafting or amending cannabis ordinances, police enforcement, smoke-free laws, and cannabis taxation for municipal tax assessors and CFOs. Learn more and register here.

Joshua leads Ansell.Law’s dedicated Controlled Substances & Regulatory Law Practice Group. Our attorneys understand the laws related to the production, sale, use, regulation, and legalization of controlled substances, including hemp, cannabis, and psychedelics. Controlled substance law remains a multifaceted and complex field with, at times, conflicting regulations from different governing bodies. We are prepared to assist in all aspects of this emerging field and are committed to helping our clients understand their rights and opportunities in this complex and evolving area of law. Please contact Joshua for additional information.

Joshua Bauchner Quoted in New Jersey Monitor Article

Shareholder Joshua Bauchner is quoted in a New Jersey Monitor article discussing the recent decision impacting New Jersey law enforcement officers’ rights to use cannabis when not on duty. The closely watched case of wrongful termination resulted in a win for police officers who want to use cannabis legally while off duty. The conflict between state and federal law makes this a complex and nuanced issue. Read the article.

Joshua leads Ansell.Law’s dedicated Controlled Substances & Regulatory Law Practice Group. Our attorneys understand the laws related to the production, sale, use, regulation, and legalization of controlled substances, including hemp, cannabis, and psychedelics. Controlled substance law remains a multifaceted and complex field with, at times, conflicting regulations from different governing bodies. We are prepared to assist in all aspects of this emerging field and are committed to helping our clients understand their rights and opportunities in this complex and evolving area of law. Please contact Joshua for additional information.

Controlled Substances & Regulatory Law August Update

In the rapidly evolving area of controlled substances law, our attorneys are at the forefront of recent developments and important issues affecting business owners in this exciting space. Read below to learn more.

New Lawsuit Challenges Unconstitutional Bureaucratic Overreach by New York Cannabis Regulators

A new lawsuit challenges unconstitutional overreach by NY cannabis regulators that has delayed or denied dispensary licenses for hundreds of qualified applicants. Read More.

New York’s Cannabis Control Board Approves New Regulations for Select Cannabinoid Products

To curtail the largely uncontrolled New York market of hemp-derived cannabinoids, state regulators recently approved new regulations. However, these regulations are having an immediate negative impact on thousands of small businesses. Read More.

Ansell Law’s New York Controlled Substances and Regulatory Law Capabilities

In addition to our strong foothold navigating New Jersey’s controlled substances industry, Ansell Law has a New York presence where we assist clients seeking a Conditional Adult-Use Retail Dispensary (CAURD) license. Read More.

New Cannabis License Categories Will Become Available in New Jersey

Beginning September 27, 2023, the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Committee (“CRC”) will open three new adult-use cannabis license categories- Wholesaler, Delivery, and Distribution- in the Garden State. Read More.

New Coalition Ups Pressure to Reschedule Cannabis From List of Controlled Substances

A new coalition of cannabis lawyers, researchers, activists, and businesses is ramping up pressure on the Biden Administration to either remove cannabis from the Controlled Substances Act’s list of controlled substances or reschedule it to a lower tier.  Read More.

In Major Advancement, FDA Issues First-Ever Draft Guidance on Clinical Trials for Psychedelic Drugs 

In a significant step that offers the promise of new medical treatments and advancements, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued its first-ever guidance for those wishing to study and test psychedelics for medicinal use. Read More.

Firm News

Joshua S. Bauchner and Kelsey M. Barber, two attorneys in our Controlled Substances and Regulatory Law Group, will present during the National Business Institute’s Marijuana Business Operations in New Jersey seminar on August 21, 2023. They will address critical human resources, labor, and employment issues affecting cannabis and marijuana businesses operating in New Jersey. Bauchner and Barber also will provide an ethics presentation exploring rules of professional conduct, the duty to pursue justice, attorney use of cannabis, and attorney ownership of cannabis businesses.

The full-day seminar will be offered live online on August 21, 2023, and available to view on demand. Learn more and register for this information-packed program presented by cannabis industry leaders.

Bauchner also contributed to the book “New Jersey Cannabis Regulation,” published by LexisNexis, which focuses on marijuana laws and regulations as interpreted by NJ courts. The book is available to order.

Ansell Law’s dedicated Controlled Substances & Regulatory Law Practice Group has an in-depth understanding of the laws related to the production, sale, use, regulation, and legalization of controlled substances, including hemp, cannabis, and psychedelics. Controlled substances law remains a multifaceted and complex field with, at times, conflicting regulations from different governing bodies. Our attorneys are prepared to assist in all aspects of this emerging field. We are committed to helping our clients understand their rights and the opportunities in this complex and evolving area of law. For additional information, please contact Joshua S. Bauchner or Kelsey M. Barber at (973) 247-9000.