News

2023: A Look at Our Year of Giving

2023 was a remarkable year for Ansell Grimm & Aaron, filled with client victories, Firm milestones, growth, and the loss of a cherished colleague. Through all those moments, one thing remained constant – our steadfast commitment to enriching the communities where we live and work.

Our people share a commitment to giving back that enhances collaboration, teamwork, and collegiality, which are cornerstones of our Firm culture. We recognize that supporting legal and charitable organizations that focus on education, healthcare, inclusivity, the arts, religion, hunger, justice, and culture is vital to improving our communities across New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania.

The Firm’s corporate social responsibility efforts don’t end with financial contributions. Our attorneys devote significant time to leadership and board roles for numerous charitable and non-profit entities. These are some of the worthy organizations we supported in 2023:

  • 180 Turning Lives Around.
  • Amerigo Vespucci Society.
  • Axelrod Performing Arts Center.
  • Big Brothers Big Sisters of Coastal and Northern New Jersey.
  • Boys & Girls Clubs of Monmouth County.
  • The Bruce Springsteen Archives and Center for American Music. 
  • CASA of New Jersey.
  • Congregation Magen David of West Deal.
  • Congregation Torat El.
  • Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation.
  • The Earle Family Foundation.
  • Emmanuel Cancer Foundation.
  • Foundation for Shrewsbury Education.
  • Friendly Sons of St. Patrick.
  • Fulfill.
  • Garden State Film Festival.
  • Hillel Yeshiva.
  • Holiday Express.
  • Hollywood Golf Club Foundation.
  • Holmdel PBA #239.
  • Interfaith Neighbors, Inc.
  • Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF).
  • The Jersey Shore Partnership Foundation.
  • Jersey Shore University Medical Center Foundation.
  • Joan Dancy & PALS.
  • LADACIN Network.
  • Legal Aid Society.
  • Light of Day Foundation Inc.
  • Lunch Break.
  • Monmouth Arts.
  • Monmouth County Police Chiefs Association.
  • Monmouth County SPCA.
  • Monmouth Park Charity Fund.
  • Monmouth Regional Chamber of Commerce.
  • Monmouth University.
  • Move For Hunger.
  • Mya Lin Terry Foundation.
  • New Jersey State Bar Foundation. 
  • Ocean County College Foundation.
  • Rising Treetops.
  • Riverview Medical Center Foundation.
  • Ronald McDonald House.
  • Rumson St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
  • The Sandy Hook Foundation.
  • Shore House.
  • The Shrewsbury PBA Local #308.
  • Special Olympics New Jersey.
  • Tigger Stavola Foundation.
  • Trinity Church.
  • Vin Gopal Civic Association.
  • VNA Health Group.

Learn more about our community commitment.

Celebrating the Life of Peter S. Falvo, Jr.

We are deeply saddened to share that Peter S. Falvo, Jr., a Shareholder Emeritus of Ansell.Law and the former Chair of the Firm’s Land Use & Zoning Law Department, passed away on December 18, 2023.

Peter was a loyal friend and colleague whose legal career spanned more than 50 years. He joined Ansell.Law in 2001 after founding and growing his own law firm. Peter made an immediate positive impact at Ansell.Law. He added depth and expertise to our Commercial Real Estate, Land Use & Zoning Law, Residential Real Estate, and Wills, Trusts & Estates Departments and brought in many distinguished clients, many of whom we continue to serve.

“Peter was the consummate dapper gentleman with inimitable style and wit. Despite his many accomplishments, Peter was unassuming and humble all while handling significant and complex legal matters,” said President and Managing Shareholder Michael V. Benedetto. “I’m honored to have had the opportunity to call him my partner and friend. He will always be loved and missed by everyone at Ansell.Law, past and present.”

Peter’s practice and talents were multi-faceted. In addition to being a skilled counselor, he was instrumental in the growth of our Land Use Department and unofficially known as the “Dean of Land Use” in Central New Jersey. He was an important part of our culture and never failed to bring humor to every interaction he had. 

Peter was also active in his community, serving on the boards of many professional and charitable organizations.

We will miss Peter and his many contributions to the Firm. As a mentor to a generation of Ansell.Law attorneys, his skills and influence will live on at the Firm for decades to come. On behalf of the entire Ansell Grimm & Aaron family, we extend our sincere condolences to Peter’s wife of almost 60 years, Chris, and their entire family. 

Click here for visitation and mass information.

Tigger Stavola Foundation Honors Mitchell Ansell

Celebrating their 10th anniversary this year, the Tigger Stavola Foundation recently honored Shareholder Mitchell Ansell. Involved since the foundation’s 2013 inception, Mitchell was recognized for his unwavering support and efforts to increase awareness of opioid addiction’s tragic effects. Aside from his personal connection to the Stavola family, he vigorously defends parents and children affected by substance abuse when they face legal challenges. Mitchell has donated his time to educate students about underage drinking, DWI, and possession of controlled dangerous substances during prom season for nearly 20 years.

As chair of the Firm’s criminal defense department, Mitchell devotes his practice to criminal defense and municipal court defense. Over three decades of practice, he has worked with well-known clients on high-profile cases. Mitchell is a past president of the Monmouth Bar Association and actively gives his time to various local charities.

The Tigger Stavola Foundation is dedicated to combating the opioid epidemic and changing the stigma surrounding addiction. Following the devastating loss of Tigger to an accidental overdose, the Stavola family created the foundation to raise awareness and save lives in their Monmouth County community. Learn more about the organization here.

Asbury Park Zest Profiles Michael Benedetto in Fall Green Life NJ Edition

President and Managing Shareholder Michael V. Benedetto is featured in the Fall/Holiday 2023 Green Life NJ edition, published by Asbury Park Zest. A prominent lifestyle publication, Asbury Park Zest was created to highlight one of the most unique oceanfront cities in America and the businesses and people who call it home.

In this issue, Michael sat down with the magazine to discuss the sprawling, diverse real estate landscape along New Jersey’s coastline. He shares his insights on recent trends, the importance of building trust with his clients, and what makes New Jersey such a special place. Read the interview here.

In addition to his Firm leadership role, Michael serves as co-chair of the Commercial Real Estate and Corporate, Finance & Banking Departments. He has built a distinguished practice working with clients throughout the northeast and across the country, focusing on complex commercial real estate, corporate and commercial matters, business organizations, and banking matters.

James Aaron Co-Chairs Benefit to Support Israel

Shareholder Emeritus James G. Aaron recently co-chaired a successful fundraising benefit to support Israel. Inspired by his rabbi’s sermon following the October 7, 2023, attack in Israel, Jim felt compelled to organize a benefit to raise humanitarian aid for the victims of terror. As vice president of the Axelrod Performing Arts Center, Jim partnered with the Jewish Federation in the Heart of NJ to invite Israeli artists to perform. 

Guy Mintus, pianist and composer, and Naama Nachum, vocalist and actress, traveled to the United States to perform at the October 29 event at the Axelrod Performing Arts Center. Jim gave a passionate welcome to kick off the benefit performance before more than 250 attendees. 

The concert was a success and raised significant funds, with 100 percent going directly to the Jewish Federation’s Israel Emergency Fund. This important event drew national and local politicians, including United States Representative John Pallone, State Senator Vin Gopal, and Ocean Township Mayor John P. Napolitani, Sr.

The acclaimed Israeli artists will perform for other benefit concerts in the tri-state area before returning home to Israel in November.

Ansell.Law Welcomes New Attorney to Woodland Park

Ansell.Law is pleased to announce that Richard L’Altrelli has joined the firm’s Woodland Park office. His practice encompasses complex corporate, finance & banking, and commercial real estate matters.

With a background in law and finance, Richard handles sales, acquisitions, leases, and financings involving different real estate types. Following several years as general counsel for an international private equity firm in New York, he founded a firm and focused his practice on complex commercial real estate and corporate matters. 

A seasoned attorney, Richard’s clients appreciate his thoughtful counsel as he guides them through the transaction. Additionally, he counsels privately held companies on corporate governance, operating agreements, shareholder agreements, and employment agreements.

Licensed in both New York and New Jersey, Richard earned his law degree from Brooklyn Law School and his undergraduate degree, cum laude, from Seton Hall University. 

Law360 Covers Closely Watched Verizon Cell Tower Litigation in Monmouth County

In a hotly contested and closely watched litigation matter, Verizon Wireless applied to place cell towers along a New Jersey boardwalk in Monmouth County. Verizon sued the county and its board when their request was denied, claiming the denial was not supported by substantial evidence. Proposed Intervenors now seek to join the case, asking the courts to dismiss Verizon’s claims against the county. A recent Law360 article covered the case.

Ansell.Law partner Anthony J. D’Artiglio and associate Layne A. Feldman, attorneys in the Firm’s Litigation Department, represent the intervenors in the case.

Anthony’s practice encompasses complex litigation, bankruptcy, controlled substances and regulatory law, and labor and employment. Layne handles a diverse range of complex commercial and civil litigation matters.

Click here to read the Law360 article (subscription required).

Anthony J. D’Artiglio Elevated to Litigation Team Leader

Ansell.Law is pleased to announce that partner Anthony J. D’Artiglio has been elevated to Litigation Team Leader for North New Jersey. This new role complements his mentoring and leadership abilities within the Firm. D’Artiglio will manage the Firm’s North New Jersey litigation presence. Additionally, he will work closely with Firmwide Litigation Department Chair Lawrence H. Shapiro to shape the department’s future.

Based in the Firm’s Woodland Park office, D’Artiglio’s practice encompasses litigation, bankruptcy, controlled substances and regulatory law, and labor and employment. A seasoned attorney, he litigates a broad range of commercial matters, including commercial lease disputes, class actions, Consumer Fraud Act claims, corporate and shareholder disputes, employment disputes, and secured property actions. He also routinely represents creditors in bankruptcy matters.

D’Artiglio is licensed in New York and New Jersey. Best Lawyers in America has recognized him as a “One to Watch” since 2021.

Andrea White Appointed to Speak at the New Jersey State Bar Association 2023 Mid-Year Meeting in Paris

Ansell.Law is proud to announce Andrea White is scheduled to be a speaker at the New Jersey State Bar Association 2023 Mid-Year Meeting in Paris November 4-11. Andrea will present at the Diversity and Inclusion seminar on Josephine Baker and her instrumental involvement in Women’s Rights.

The first black woman to star in a major Hollywood motion picture, Josephine Baker was known as a groundbreaking dancer, singer, and actress. She also courageously aided the French resistance during World War II, earning the Resistance Medal from the French Committee of National Liberation and the Croix de Guerre by the French military. Andrea’s panel will explore Baker’s incredible legacy and discuss the related social and legal issues. The program will examine issues related to women’s rights, race, adoption, the LGBTQ+ community, and military law. Learn more here.

Ansell.Law Continues Criminal Defense Practice Growth With New Attorney

Ansell.Law is pleased to announce that Courtney R. Sauer has joined the firm. As an associate based in our Ocean office, Courtney devotes her practice to criminal defense. She will defend clients in various criminal matters, including motor vehicle violations, disorderly persons offenses, and felonies. Courtney joins the busy criminal defense practice following Hillary Hudson Bryce’s recent addition to the team.

Licensed in New Jersey, Courtney is also a certified civil mediator with the Special Division-Small Claims Part. She earned her Juris Doctor from Rutgers University and her Bachelor of Science, cum laude, from Virginia Tech.