Thomas D. Forrester Jr.

Thomas D. Forrester Jr. has extensive experience litigating commercial disputes that involve environmental, construction, trade secret, premises liability and professional liability issues. His practice also includes the defense of employers in New Jersey Worker’s Compensation courts.

Environmental Litigation Experience
Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.

Tom’s environmental practice involves complex litigation/enforcement matters including site remediation and governmental agency climate change measures. He has significant knowledge of the legal issues related to CERCLA Superfund sites, having, for example, represented a major New Jersey utility in the nation’s largest Superfund clean-up.

He has provided legal counsel on matters involving proposed flood-risk reduction projects that implicate a wide variety of environmental and land use regulations and laws.

Tom also regularly advises clients on New Jersey Spill Act matters and toxic tort claims.

In a case that afforded him the opportunity to draw upon his environmental law and premises-liability law experience, Tom and his Connell Foley LLP colleagues secured the dismissal of six consolidated matters alleging significant personal injuries resulting from emissions from a waste processing facility operated by his client, one of the world’s leading consulting and engineering companies. 

He served as a law clerk to the Honorable Jamie S. Perri, J.S.C., who managed the environmental and Mount Laurel cases in Monmouth County Superior Court.

Commercial Litigation Experience

Tom has represented both multinational and closely held partnerships in a variety of complex commercial litigation matters, including trade secret disputes and partnership disputes.

He regularly represents corporate clients in personal injury matters arising out of negligence claims.

Professional Liability Experience

Tom has defended regional, national and international professionals and their firms—including attorneys, architects, and engineers—against claims of professional malpractice. He also defends hospitals against medical malpractice claims.

eDiscovery

Tom is well versed in electronic discovery management in all stages of litigation, including pre-suit preservation issues, initial negotiations, collection, review and production, the application of various privileges, navigating disputes, and post-suit administration.

Community Involvement

Tom is dedicated to improving New Jersey communities, and has been involved for a decade with the non-profit organization Rebuilding Together – Jersey City. The mission of this organization is to repair homes, revitalize communities and rebuild lives in Jersey City. As a member of Rebuilding Together’s board, Tom is involved in the organization’s management, fundraising, community engagement, and hands-on rehabilitation work.

Professional and Community Affiliations

• New Jersey State Bar Association
• Defense Research Institute (DRI)
  • Commercial Litigation Committee
    • Pretrial Practice & Procedure Substantive Law Group Subcommittee
  • Toxic Torts & Environmental Law Committee
    • Environmental Law Subcommittee
• American Bar Association
  • YLD Environmental, Energy & Resources Law Committee Vice-Chair
  • Awards/Subgrants Associate Judge
• New York State Bar Association
• The Brennan-Vanderbilt American Inn of Court
  • Barrister
• Morris County Chamber of Commerce 
  • Young Professionals Forum
• Rebuilding Together - Jersey City
  • Board Member

Best Lawyers in America (2021-2023)

• Ones to Watch - Commercial Litigation

New Jersey Law Journal (2023)

• New Leaders of the Bar

_{Please see Honor and Award Methodology. No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court of New Jersey.}