Chief Judge John W. Bissell To Join Connell Foley - Judge Bissell to Chair Firm’s Alternative Dispute Resolution Department

12.17.2014
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ROSELAND, N.J./August 15, 2005 -- Connell Foley LLP announced today that John W. Bissell, Chief Judge, United States District Court, District of New Jersey, will join the firm on December 1, 2005. Appointed by President Ronald Reagan to the District Court in 1982, Judge Bissell is retiring on September 1st after serving 27 years on both state and federal courts in New Jersey. For the last four years, he has been the Chief Judge of the District Court.

Judge Bissell joins the firm as counsel and will serve as Chair of the Alternative Dispute Resolution Department (ADR) and also as a member of the firm's Litigation practice group. The firm's ADR department helps clients resolve commercial and other disputes more quickly and efficiently than can be accomplished through traditional litigation in the Courts. In addition to counseling clients in this area, Judge Bissell will be available to serve as an appointed arbitrator, mediator, and fact-finder in ADR matters.

Commenting on Bissell’s arrival, Richard D. Catenacci, Chairman of Connell Foley’s Executive Committee, stated, “Judge Bissell is a man characterized by integrity, fairness, and deep respect for the law. He is the ideal individual to spearhead our Alternative Dispute Resolution capability. Connell Foley has a tradition of providing innovative counsel that makes a true impact for our clients, and it is an honor to have a man of Judge Bissell’s stature join us.”

“With its stellar clients, reverence for the law and dedication to its staff, Connell Foley provides the perfect place for me to continue my legal career,” said Judge Bissell. “The firm's attorneys − most of whom have spent their entire professional lives at Connell Foley − provide intelligent, sophisticated counsel in an atmosphere marked by mutual respect and cooperation. The firm also embraces growth as reflected by its recent expansion into Jersey City, New York City, and Philadelphia, and its commitment to expand the firm's ADR capabilities. These are among the many positive traits and values which brought me to Connell Foley.”

Judge Bissell is the 2005 recipient of the Association of the Federal Bar of the District of New Jersey William J. Brennan, Jr. Award. This award honors an outstanding jurist or attorney whose contributions to the law are recognized by The Association as deserving of special and unique recognition befitting the name of Justice Brennan in whose name the award is given. Judge Bissell received his undergraduate degree from Princeton University in 1962 and his LL.B. from the University of Virginia in 1965.

About Connell Foley
Connell Foley employs more than 100 lawyers in a wide range of specialties, including civil litigation, corporate, banking, intellectual property, real estate, environmental and land use, taxation and estate planning, personal injury, insurance, bankruptcy, toxic torts, and other fields. In addition to its main office in Roseland, New Jersey, the firm maintains offices in Jersey City, New York City, and Philadelphia.

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