Thomas D. Forrester Jr.

Thomas D. Forrester Jr. is an accomplished litigator whose experience includes the management of disputes over environmental, construction, trade secret, premises liability, healthcare and professional liability issues. 

An Environmental Law Advisor and Litigator

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, and 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.

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.

A Litigator of Commercial Disputes & Professional Liability Claims

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.

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, having been involved with the non-profit organization Rebuilding Together – Jersey City for over a decade. 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.

Environmental Law Experience

Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances

• Represented a major New Jersey utility in the nation’s largest Superfund clean-up.
• Secured the dismissal of six consolidated matters alleging significant personal injuries resulting from emissions from a waste processing facility operated by one of the world’s leading consulting and engineering companies. 
• Provided legal counsel on matters involving proposed flood-risk reduction projects that implicate a wide variety of environmental and land use regulations and laws.
• Advised on New Jersey Spill Act matters and toxic tort claims.

Commercial Litigation Experience

Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances

• Secured a unanimous, multi-million-dollar jury award on behalf of a Garden State health insurer in a New Jersey Superior Court case alleging three healthcare provider defendants improperly billed the insurer for services that were not actually performed. Convinced the court to treble damages, resulting in a $5.65 million judgment in favor of Connell Foley’s client.

• Representing a defendant medical provider, successfully opposed a petition requesting the U.S. Supreme Court grant certiorari in a case that was dismissed with prejudice by the N.J. Superior Court.
• Represented multinational and closely held partnerships in complex commercial litigation matters, including trade secret disputes and partnership disputes.
• Represented corporate clients in personal injury matters arising out of negligence claims.

Professional and Community Affiliations

• Adjunct Professor, Rutgers University School of Law
• 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.}