"I do not take a single newspaper, nor read one a month, and I feel myself infinitely the happier for it."
- Thomas Jefferson
"Tyranny is defined as that which is legal for the government but illegal for the citizenry."
- Thomas Jefferson
Firm
I have been engaged in the practice of law since 1984. I am a sole practitioner now, but I've been a partner in several small firms, and I have worked for several medium size firms. I have also served as general counsel for a company engaged in insurance related matters. I am licensed to appear in all courts of the State of New Jersey, as well as the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey, the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, and the U.S. Court of Claims. I have also appeared before the Armed Services Board of Contract Appeals.
Prior to my law career, I was a registered pharmacist and worked in hospital and community pharmacy settings, as well as a consultant for several nursing homes. I maintain my pharmacy license here in New Jersey, although I am no longer an active practitioner in that field.
It has been an interesting life, to say the least. Over the many years of my legal career, I have
Services
My approach to my practice is a simple one. I strive, each and every day, to continue to be sensitive to the needs of my clients, to receive fair and reasonable compensation for providing honest, dedicated professional services, to communicate well and to listen, listen, listen!
If you should retain me, then we become partners. I will give you the best representation that I am capable of and, in return, I will ask you for your full cooperation and your complete honesty. Only then will we have a true working partnership; only then will I be able to be your counsel and advocate.
Before you engage my services, I will fully explain the scope of and anticipated fees and costs for those services. I will provide you with a written retainer agreement that will outline our arrangement, which you will sign if you agree with its terms. An initial payment (retainer) may be required at that time. Services are billed in several ways - as a flat fee per transaction, hourly billing, or for a contingency fee (a percentage of any recovery). We will seek recovery of attorney's fees whenever allowed by law or by agreement. To assist you, major credit cards are accepted.
News & Publications
March 2018 - Governor Murphy takes the Christie shackles off the medical marijuana program by expanding the qualifying medical conditions and reducing some of the expenses involved. Now the program is more humane and a bit more affordable. More improvements are needed, however.
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On Oct. 14, 2017, Governor Christie signed into law a bill that, among other things, repealed the state's estate tax. The complete repeal becomes effective Jan. 1, 2018. Be aware this did NOT repeal the burdensome state inheritance tax which, unfortunately, remains in effect. Consult with your estate planning attorney to understand how this may effect you.
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We note the passing of Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, Antonin Scalia on February 13, 2016. Born in Trenton, NJ in 1936 of Italian immigrant parents, Justice Scalia attended Georgetown University and Havard Law School. He was nominated to the Court in 1986 by President Reagan. During his tenure on the bench, he was known as a strict constructionist, that is, one who interpreted the Constitution as written and not as a living, breathing document. He was arguably the most conservative member of the Court with the exception, perhaps, of Justice Clarence Thomas.
His passing impacts the balance of "philosophical power" in the Court. It will be interesting to see whether President Obama nominates his replacement, as is his right, with a more liberal thinking Justice, or will the President yield his nomination to our next President after the election. The Republican majority in the Senate has already threatened to block any of the President's nominees. Stay tuned, it's bound to get interesting!
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Contact Us
FOR AN INITIAL CONSULTATION
(732.982.8507)
Law Office of Jay R. Schmerler
12 Christopher Way, Suite 200
Eatontown, NJ 07724