Additional attorneys will join the Bergen County office, deepening the firm’s regional footprint
HACKENSACK, NEW JERSEY – JULY [29], 2025 – Connell Foley LLP is pleased to announce that Brian J. Neary of Neary Law LLC will join the firm, effective August 1, 2025. This addition and Connell Foley’s expansion into Bergen County reinforce the firm’s long-standing capabilities, enhance its presence in the region and mark a significant step in supporting its broader growth strategy.
“We are proud to welcome Brian Neary to the Connell Foley family,” said Timothy E. Corriston, Managing Partner. “Brian’s distinguished reputation, deep roots in Bergen County and extensive trial experience make him a tremendous asset to our firm. His addition reflects Connell Foley’s legacy of excellence and supports our long-term vision – attracting top-tier talent, strengthening client relationships and strategically expanding our geographic reach and substantive capabilities. Brian’s presence enhances our visibility and footprint in Bergen County, a key region for our continued growth.”
Widely regarded as one of the preeminent criminal defense attorneys in the New York metropolitan area, Neary brings nearly 50 years of experience in state and federal courts around the country and is known as one of the state’s most ardent defenders of clients’ rights. Neary will be a Partner in Connell Foley’s Commercial Litigation Practice Group and will also serve as co-chair of the firm’s White Collar Criminal Defense and Investigations Practice Group. Additional team members, including an associate and an office administrator, will also join the firm and will continue to operate their office in Hackensack under the Connell Foley name.
“I'm thrilled to be joining Connell Foley’s powerhouse team of litigators and trial lawyers,” said Neary. “With the firm’s deep bench and reputation as a highly trusted, respected leader throughout New Jersey and the region, I can offer clients even greater capabilities backed by Connell Foley’s size and breadth. At the same time, I look forward to pursuing what I love most – trying complex cases and mentoring the next generation of trial lawyers. This is a dynamic partnership built on mutual respect, shared values and a vision for excellence.”
Strategic Expansion Supports Firm’s Growth
As part of Connell Foley’s expansion into Bergen County, Bryan P. Couch, Co-Chair of the firm’s Commercial Litigation Practice Group and Executive Committee member, will join the new Bergen County office alongside his team of two commercial litigation associates. A seasoned litigator, Couch focuses on complex commercial disputes, trademark litigation, product liability claims, business torts and other matters arising from diverse business relationships. Couch, who is a longtime resident of Bergen County, brings a strong connection to the area and broad courtroom experience, having appeared in state and federal courts across New Jersey, New York and nationally.
In addition to Couch and his team, several other Connell Foley attorneys – including Corriston, John Cromie, Michael X. McBride, Karen Painter Randall and Thomas Scuderi – will also have a presence in the office, playing an instrumental role in its development and drawing on their deep local ties to better serve clients and foster strong community engagement.
“Connell Foley has long maintained a presence in Bergen County, and the addition of Brian Neary – along with Bryan Couch and his associates joining our office there – further strengthens our footprint in this important region,” continued Corriston. “This expansion not only reinforces our vision for the future, it also creates new opportunities to broaden our reach, expand direct access to our clients and continue delivering trusted counsel. It marks an exciting step in the firm’s ongoing strategy to grow our geographic presence and serve clients more effectively across key markets.”
A Record of Recognition
Both Neary and Connell Foley have built respected reputations and a legacy of professional achievement. A Fellow of the prestigious American College of Trial Lawyers, Neary has been named to the New Jersey Super Lawyers Top 100 list since 2005, including recognition on its “Top 10” list for the past eight consecutive years. His distinguished reputation aligns with Connell Foley’s well-established leadership in litigation, corporate, real estate and complex tax and estate planning law. Connell Foley’s attorneys, like Neary, are frequently recognized by Super Lawyers, Chambers and Best Lawyers. Connell Foley’s Corporate Practice Group has been named New Jersey Law Journal’s Dealmaker of the Year, while the Real Estate Practice Group has received recognition from NJBIZ as a Leader in Real Estate Construction and Design for the past two years. The firm’s partners include fellows of the American College of Trial Lawyers, the Litigation Counsel of America, the American Board of Trial Advocates and the International Association of Defense Counsel. Its litigation team includes former County Bar Presidents, Assistant United States Attorneys and Assistant County Prosecutors.
About Connell Foley LLP
Established in 1938, Connell Foley is a full-service law firm of more than 140 lawyers and offices across multiple offices throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. Connell Foley provides a broad range of legal services that involve both established and emerging areas of law, with strengths in litigation, corporate, real estate and land use, and sophisticated tax and estate planning. Renowned for its commitment to exceptional client service and practical, results-oriented solutions, Connell Foley has built a reputation for legal excellence and innovation. The firm’s attorneys are recognized leaders in their fields, frequently contributing to industry publications, serving in leadership positions at professional organizations and presenting at key conferences.
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Media Coverage:
https://njbiz.com/connell-foley-neary-law-acquisition-bergen-county/
https://binje.com/neary-joining-connell-foleys-bergen-county-office/
Longtime NJ Defense Atty Joins Connell Foley - Law360 Pulse (Subscription may be required)