Jersey City, New Jersey – October 13, 2025 - Connell Foley’s Partner Leo J. Hurley Jr. has become a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, one of the premier legal associations in North America.
The induction ceremony at which Hurley became a Fellow took place during the recent Annual Meeting of the College in Washington, D.C.
Founded in 1950, the College is composed of the best of the trial bar from the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Fellowship in the College is extended by invitation only and only after careful investigation, to those experienced trial lawyers of diverse backgrounds, who have mastered the art of advocacy and whose professional careers have been marked by the highest standards of ethical conduct, professionalism, civility and collegiality. Lawyers must have a minimum of fifteen years trial experience before they can be considered for Fellowship.
The American College of Trial Lawyers comprises the best of the trial bar from the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico and is widely considered to be the premier professional trial organization in North America. Founded in 1950, this invitation-only fellowship thoroughly investigates each nominee for admission and selects only those who have demonstrated the very highest standards of trial advocacy, ethical conduct, integrity, professionalism and collegiality. Its mission seeks to improve the standards of trial practice, professionalism, ethics, and the administration of justice through education and public statements on important legal issues. The College strongly supports the independence of the judiciary, trial by jury, respect for the rule of law, access to justice, and fair and just representation of all parties to legal proceedings.
Hurley is a partner in the firm of Connell Foley LLP and has been practicing law for over 20 years. The newly inducted Fellow is an alumnus of Notre Dame Law School. He is an accomplished first chair trial lawyer and experienced litigator who is routinely called upon to represent corporations and individuals in high-stakes, high-profile and “bet the company” matters—both civilly, and criminally. Hurley’s litigation practice is national in breadth and substantively diverse in scope. He handles disputes among closely held businesses and publicly traded companies, including matters involving allegations of minority shareholder oppression, breaches of fiduciary duties, and violations of securities laws. Hurley regularly defends and advises corporations, government officials and private citizens in connection with government investigations and prosecutions, including allegations of money laundering, complex fraud, and political corruption. Hurley is a past president of the Hudson County Bar Association, currently serves on the New Jersey State Bar Judicial and Prosecutorial Appointments Committee and is a Board Member of the Notre Dame Lawyers of New York.
Connell Foley LLP has hosted several former colleagues as fellows, including Jack Pindar, Bill McElroy, Adrian Foley, John LaVecchia, Judy Wahrenberger, and Kate Murphy. Currently, Hurley joins partners Jeffrey O’Hara, George Kenny, and recently hired partner Brian Neary as fellows of the College.
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.