Cohn Lifland is a Proud Supporter of the Alzheimer’s Association® New Jersey Chapter
Cohn Lifland is proud to support the Alzheimer’s Association and its vital mission to advance research, provide care and support, and work toward a cure for Alzheimer’s disease.
In addition to serving as a sponsor of the Alzheimer’s Association’s annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s at Overpeck County Park, we are also honored to support the upcoming Corporate & Community Impact Breakfast. This important event brings together business and community leaders to raise awareness and inspire meaningful action in the fight against Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.
The breakfast is open to all, and we encourage anyone interested to attend, learn more, and get involved in making a difference in our community.
Scan the QR code to register. 👉
Maria J. La Sala Again Named to New Jersey Family’s Best NJ Lawyers for Families
Cohn Lifland Pearlman Herrmann & Knopf LLP is proud to announce that Maria J. La Sala has once again been selected by New Jersey Family as one of its *Best NJ Lawyers for Families, an honor determined through client testimonials and feedback.
This recognition reflects the trust and confidence Maria’s clients place in her during some of the most difficult and emotionally charged moments of their lives. With more than three decades of experience practicing family law, Maria is widely respected for her compassionate, detail-oriented approach and her unwavering focus on achieving resolutions that protect families—particularly children.
The New Jersey Family Best NJ Lawyers for Families designation is based on nominations and testimonials from clients who have worked directly with the attorney, highlighting professionalism, responsiveness, and the ability to guide families through sensitive matters with care and integrity. Maria’s continued inclusion underscores her long-standing commitment to listening carefully, advocating thoughtfully, and helping clients navigate divorce, custody, and parenting issues with clarity and dignity.
Maria’s practice emphasizes mediation and collaborative solutions whenever possible, allowing families to avoid unnecessary conflict while reaching outcomes tailored to their unique circumstances. This latest recognition further affirms her reputation as a trusted advocate and counselor for families throughout New Jersey.
Learn more about Maria and the work she does here: https://www.njlawfirm.com/attorneys/maria-j-la-sala
*The methodology for New Jersey Family’s Best NJ Lawyers for Families selection process is available on the magazine’s website and can be reviewed here: https://www.njfamily.com/new-jersey-familys-best-nj-lawyers-for-families-methodology/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court of New Jersey.
COHN LIFLAND PROUDLY ANNOUNCES 10 ATTORNEYS NAMED TO 2026 SUPER LAWYERS LIST
Cohn Lifland is proud to announce that ten of its attorneys have been selected to the 2026 Super Lawyers list, a distinction reserved for a small percentage of attorneys who demonstrate excellence in their practice areas.
The firm’s 2026 Super Lawyers honorees include:
These attorneys were recognized across a wide range of practice areas, including family law, criminal defense, business litigation, class action, civil litigation, real estate, creditor/debtor rights, and appellate advocacy. These recognitions are particularly meaningful because they reflect the respect and confidence of Cohn Lifland’s peers in the legal community. Each of these attorneys exemplifies the dedication, skill, and collaborative approach that define our firm.
The Super Lawyers distinction is widely regarded as a significant professional honor due to its rigorous, peer-driven selection process.* Unlike many recognitions, attorneys cannot simply apply for inclusion. Instead, candidates are identified through peer nominations, independent research, and evaluation by other attorneys in their practice areas. Being selected signals not only professional achievement, but also a strong reputation among fellow lawyers who have directly observed the nominees’ work. The result is a highly selective list representing the legal profession’s top performers.
Cohn Lifland is proud to have attorneys recognized across such a broad spectrum of practice areas, reflecting the firm’s depth of experience and commitment to delivering exceptional results for clients.
About Cohn Lifland
Cohn Lifland is a full-service law firm serving clients throughout New Jersey and beyond, offering comprehensive legal representation across a wide range of practice areas. The firm is committed to excellence, teamwork, and client-focused advocacy.
*Super Lawyers Selection Process
Super Lawyers, a Thomson Reuters business, is a rating service of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. The patented selection process includes peer nominations, independent research evaluating candidates on multiple indicators of professional achievement, and peer evaluations by practice area. Candidates are then grouped and scored, with no more than 5% of attorneys in each state selected for inclusion.
No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court of New Jersey.
COHN LIFLAND PROUDLY ANNOUNCES AMANDA S. TRIGG NAMED TOP 5 FAMILY LAW SUPER LAWYERS®
Cohn Lifland is proud to announce that Amanda S. Trigg, Partner and Chair of our Family Law Practice, has been named a Top 5 Family Law Super Lawyers 2026, as well as multiple other prestigious distinctions that reflect her continued excellence and leadership in family law.
For 2026, Amanda has been recognized as:
These honors underscore Amanda’s longstanding reputation as one of New Jersey’s leading family law practitioners, as well as her consistent recognition by peers across the legal community.
Amanda focuses her practice on complex matrimonial and family law matters, including high-net-worth divorce, custody disputes, and related litigation. She is also a Certified Matrimonial Law Attorney by the Supreme Court of New Jersey, a distinction held by a limited number of attorneys who demonstrate a high level of experience, education, and skill in family law.
Amanda’s recognition year after year is a testament not only to her exceptional legal ability, but also to the trust and respect she has earned from both clients and colleagues. Her leadership in the family law space and her commitment to achieving thoughtful, strategic outcomes for her clients make her an invaluable member of our firm.
The Super Lawyers distinction* is widely regarded as one of the legal profession’s most respected honors due to its rigorous and selective, peer-driven process. Attorneys are nominated by their peers, independently evaluated on multiple indicators of professional achievement, and further reviewed by other attorneys within their practice areas. Only a small percentage of attorneys in each state are ultimately selected for inclusion.
Cohn Lifland congratulates Amanda on these well-deserved recognitions and her continued impact in the field of family law.
About Cohn Lifland
Cohn Lifland is a full-service law firm serving clients throughout New Jersey and beyond, offering comprehensive legal representation across a wide range of practice areas. The firm is committed to excellence, collaboration, and client-focused advocacy.
*Super Lawyers Selection Process
Super Lawyers, a Thomson Reuters business, is a rating service of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. The patented selection process includes peer nominations, independent research evaluating candidates on multiple indicators of professional achievement, and peer evaluations by practice area. Candidates are then grouped and scored, with no more than 5% of attorneys in each state selected for inclusion.
No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court of New Jersey.
COHN LIFLAND ATTORNEYS SECURE IMPORTANT APPELLATE VICTORY IN PUBLIC RECORDS CASE
Cohn Lifland is pleased to announce that attorneys Christina N. Stripp, Walter M. Luers, and Michael Alderman successfully secured a significant victory in the New Jersey Appellate Division in a case addressing public access to police body-worn camera (“BWC”) recordings. The decision arose from litigation concerning whether certain BWC recordings made by municipal police officers in Spotswood, New Jersey must be disclosed under the Open Public Records Act (OPRA) and the state’s Body Worn Camera Law (“BWCL”).
In its opinion, the Appellate Division reversed key portions of the trial court’s ruling and clarified the relationship between the BWCL and OPRA. The court held that the recordings at issue could not automatically be destroyed or withheld from disclosure simply because officers allegedly failed to verbally notify a person that they were being recorded. Instead, the court determined that the statutory provisions governing body-worn cameras must be interpreted together in a way that preserves evidence and promotes transparency.
The court also concluded that the recordings constitute “government records” under OPRA, even if questions exist about how they were created, because they were received and maintained by law enforcement in the course of official duties.
As a result of the decision, the matter has been remanded for further review of limited redactions rather than wholesale nondisclosure of the recordings.
Why this Decision Matters
The ruling provides important guidance on the intersection of New Jersey’s body-worn camera law and public records law. By clarifying that technical issues in how recordings were made do not automatically eliminate public access rights, the decision reinforces OPRA’s strong policy favoring transparency while still allowing agencies to protect sensitive information through appropriate redactions.
The case also establishes helpful guidance for how courts should interpret potentially conflicting statutory provisions within the BWCL and confirms that recordings maintained by law enforcement agencies remain subject to OPRA’s definition of government records.
The Team Behind the Victory
Christina N. Stripp argued the matter on behalf of our client in the Appellate Division, with Walter M. Luers handling the briefing and Michael Alderman making significant contributions to the overall representation. Their collaborative effort reflects Cohn Lifland’s team-based approach to handling complex matters, where strategic coordination and shared insight drive successful outcomes for our clients. We congratulate the team on this important appellate win and their continued success advocating for clients in complex public records and governmental litigation matters.
If you need guidance or representation in OPRA or public records matters, contact us today!
Partner Amanda Trigg to Present at CCAAML Biennial Symposium
Cohn Lifland is pleased to announce that Partner Amanda Trigg will be a featured presenter at the upcoming biennial Symposium of the Connecticut Chapter of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers.
Amanda will present alongside Connecticut AAML Fellow Aidan Welsh in the session titled AI: Fast and Gritty Analysis of What is Available Right Now and How to Use It Effectively, where they will explore the rapidly evolving role of artificial intelligence in family law practice and provide practical, real-world insights for practitioners.
Hosted by the Connecticut Chapter of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, the biennial Symposium brings together leading matrimonial attorneys and professionals committed to promoting professionalism and excellence in the practice of family law. The program offers attendees the opportunity to engage with cutting-edge topics and learn from respected leaders in the field.
Amanda’s participation reflects Cohn Lifland’s continued commitment to thought leadership and innovation in family law, particularly as emerging technologies reshape the legal landscape.
For more information about the symposium or to register, please visit the event page here: https://www.aamlct.org/ccaaml-biennial-symposium
Cohn Lifland Partner Mercedes Diego Reappointed as Wyckoff Municipal Alternate Municipal Prosecutor
We are proud to announce that our partner, Mercedes Diego, Esq., has been reappointed as Alternate Municipal Prosecutor for the Wyckoff Municipal Court, both a professional distinction and a significant public responsibility.
In this role, Mercedes represents the Borough in court proceedings, works with law enforcement and court personnel, and appears regularly before the bench handling a broad range of matters. This courtroom experience demands sharp advocacy, sound judgment, and the ability to think strategically and act decisively in real time.
Why It Matters
Mercedes’ reappointment not only reflects the confidence the Borough places in her abilities, but it also strengthens the depth of experience she brings to our clients. Regular courtroom appearances refine litigation skills, enhance trial presentation, and deepen practical knowledge of procedure and evidentiary issues — all of which directly benefit the clients we represent. The perspective gained from serving on the prosecution side of municipal practice further sharpens Mercedes’ strategic insight and case evaluation.
In addition, this role fosters meaningful professional relationships with judges, fellow attorneys, and public safety officials throughout the community. These connections broaden collaboration, enhance professional credibility, and reinforce the firm’s commitment to active engagement in the legal community.
About Mercedes Diego
Mercedes Diego is a partner at Cohn Lifland with more than 25 years of legal experience. She focuses her practice on commercial litigation, residential and commercial real estate, foreclosure matters, and bankruptcy, providing strategic counsel and representation from pre-litigation through trial and resolution. Bilingual in English and Spanish, Mercedes is known for her thoughtful advocacy, strong negotiation skills, and dedication to achieving successful outcomes for her clients. Her broad background across transactional and courtroom matters equips her with practical insight and enhances her ability to serve a diverse range of individuals and businesses. In addition to her private practice, Mercedes’ role as alternate Municipal Prosecutor for the Wyckoff Municipal Court strengthens her legal acumen, deepens her understanding of courtroom dynamics, and supports her commitment to the community.
We congratulate Mercedes on her reappointment and are honored to support her continued service to Wyckoff and the administration of justice.
Learn more about Mercedes and the important work she does here 👇
Cohn Lifland Partner Jeffrey Herrmann to Present Unique CLE Seminar on Shakespeare and the Law
We are pleased to announce that our Partner Jeffrey W. Herrmann, Esq. will be presenting a compelling and distinctive continuing legal education (CLE) program titled “A Seminar By Any Other Name – The Shakespeare CLE” with the New Jersey State Bar Association (NJSBA) on March 12, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., at the New Jersey Law Center in New Brunswick, New Jersey, with a live online option available. Attendees can earn up to 3.3 CLE credits for participating in this program.
This three-hour seminar offers attorneys an engaging opportunity to explore timeless legal and ethical questions through the lens of William Shakespeare’s plays. Drawing on works such as Hamlet, Macbeth, Much Ado About Nothing, and The Merchant of Venice, Jeffrey will examine how Shakespeare’s observations illuminate modern legal practice — from justice and mercy to equity and the rule of law. The session promises to be informative, thought-provoking, and entertaining for attorneys across practice areas.
In addition to his distinguished career as a civil litigator in state and federal courts, Jeffrey is an Adjunct Professor of Shakespeare studies in the English Department at Kean University. In 2024, he was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award by the New Jersey Law Journal for his contributions to the legal profession.
Don’t miss this unique CLE experience that blends legal insight with literary richness. Learn more and register here: A Seminar By Any Other Name – The Shakespeare CLE
Partner Jeffrey Fiorello to Present at NJSBA Advanced Family Law Mediation Workshop
We’re proud to share that our Partner, Jeffrey Fiorello, Esq., will be serving as the keynote moderator at the Advanced Family Law Mediation Workshop hosted by the New Jersey State Bar Association (NJSBA).
Taking place online on February 25, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., this highly anticipated workshop offers valuable continuing legal education for family law practitioners, focusing on advanced mediation techniques and strategies for handling complex and high-conflict cases. Attendees can earn up to 4.5 CLE credits, including 1.2 in ethics.
As an experienced family law attorney and trusted mediator, Jeff will lead discussions designed to sharpen participants’ skills in navigating challenging mediation scenarios, enhancing settlement outcomes, and managing difficult dynamics in family law disputes.
Don’t miss it! For more details on the workshop and to register, visit the event page:
👉 Advanced Family Law Mediation Workshop
Cohn Lifland Partner Amanda S. Trigg to Speak at Multi-State Comparative Family Law Seminar
Cohn Lifland is proud to announce that Partner Amanda Trigg will be a featured panelist at the upcoming Multi-State Comparative Family Law Seminar presented by the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML).
The virtual seminar, taking place on February 25, 2026, brings together AAML Fellows from Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania to provide comparative insights on key family law topics. Ms. Trigg will participate in Panel 3: Alimony, where she will join fellow practitioners to discuss how different states approach spousal support, including the types of alimony available, how duration and amount are determined, the use of formulas and buyouts, and grounds for modification or termination based on changed circumstances.
Amanda is a Partner in the Firm’s Family Law Department and a Fellow of the AAML. She regularly represents clients in complex matrimonial matters, including divorce, custody, support, and post-judgment issues, and is recognized for her thoughtful, strategic advocacy. We congratulate Amanda on this speaking engagement and her continued leadership in the family law community.
In addition to the Alimony panel, this AAML program also features sessions focused on the basis of divorce and agreements, offering attendees a comprehensive, multi-state perspective on several core areas of family law.
To learn about all three sessions and register, visit the event page here. 👇
