Addition strengthens firm’s employment practice during period of strategic expansion
Connell Foley LLP is pleased to announce that Carmel Joy Decker has joined the firm as a Partner in its Labor & Employment Law practice group. Ms. Decker brings extensive experience in employment litigation and compliance counseling on behalf of employers to the firm’s well-respected practice. Ms. Decker’s expertise extends to corporate matters including contracts, business transactions, construction, aviation, leasing, insurance, dispute resolution, and litigation. She customarily serves as fractional general counsel to corporate clients across various industries, including those with parent companies abroad. Ms. Decker provides strategic advice to clients on business operations, corporate governance, and compliance. She strives to proactively protect and maintain the integrity of corporate governance of clients, ensure their consistent compliance with applicable state and federal regulations, and mitigate their exposure to risk.
"Carmel's addition reflects our continued commitment to attracting and retaining top-tier legal talent as we expand our capabilities," said Timothy E. Corriston, Managing Partner of Connell Foley LLP. "Her arrival comes at an exciting time for our firm as we continue our strategic growth, having recently opened our Delaware office and launched our Corporate Restructuring and Bankruptcy group. Adding attorneys of Carmel's caliber strengthens our ability to serve clients across all our practice areas."
Ms. Decker concentrates her practice in employment law, handling complex litigation in state and federal courts and before administrative agencies involving claims of sexual harassment and hostile work environment, discrimination, retaliation, breach of contract and workplace torts. "I've long admired Connell Foley's capabilities and strong reputation in the legal community," said Ms. Decker. "I'm confident that the firm's resources and collaborative approach will provide exceptional backing for my clients, and I'm excited to contribute to the continued success of such a dynamic team."
In addition to her litigation work, Ms. Decker provides preventive compliance counseling to employers on employment issues, drafts employee handbooks and advises clients on risk management and regulatory compliance. She frequently lectures on employment law best practices and litigation strategies.
Michael A. Shadiack, Chair of Connell Foley's Labor & Employment Law group, added, "Carmel brings tremendous depth of experience and a strong client following that will bolster our talented team and extensive client base. With numerous new compliance requirements taking effect in 2026, having an attorney with Carmel's extensive background in employment counseling and litigation is invaluable to our clients navigating the evolving employment law landscape."
Ms. Decker earned her B.S., cum laude, in Business Administration from Montclair State University in 1978 and her J.D. from Seton Hall University School of Law in 1981. She is admitted to practice in New Jersey, the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey, and New York. She is a member of the Federal Bar Association, Bergen County Bar Association, and Professional Liability Underwriting Society.
