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. 👇
Cohn Lifland Pearlman Herrmann & Knopf LLP is proud to announce that the firm was awarded a commemorative plaque in recognition of its sponsorship of the 2025 Walk to End Alzheimer’s for Bergen-Passaic, held at Overpeck Park in Ridgefield Park, New Jersey.
The Walk to End Alzheimer’s brings together communities across the country to raise critical funds and awareness in support of Alzheimer’s care, research, and advocacy. At Cohn Lifland, we believe strongly in giving back and supporting causes that make a meaningful difference in people’s lives, especially those that impact families so deeply and personally. Our participation reflects the same values that guide our legal practice every day: compassion, service, and a commitment to helping others navigate difficult challenges.
Our team, the Cohn Lifland Alz-Stars, participated in this year’s event by walking and/or fundraising in support of this important cause. The Cohn Lifland Alz-Stars met their fundraising goal of $6,000 in 2025. We are especially proud to recognize Barbara Blumberg, our top fundraiser, and Erika Piccirillo, our team leader who also serves on the Executive Leadership Team for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s Committee.
Whether advocating for our clients or supporting our broader community, Cohn Lifland is driven by a shared passion for helping people during some of life’s most challenging moments. We are honored to stand with the Alzheimer’s Association and with all those affected by this disease.
We extend our sincere thanks to every team member who participated and contributed, and we look forward to next year’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s, which is scheduled for September 27, 2026! To learn more about the 2026 Walk, visit the Walk to End Alzheimer's page.
COHN LIFLAND PARTNER JEFFREY FIORELLO TO SPEAK AT 2026 NJICLE FAMILY MEDIATION TRAINING COURSE
Cohn Lifland is proud to announce that Partner Jeffrey M. Fiorello, Esq. will be a featured presenter at the 2026 Family Mediation Training Course, hosted by NJICLE, a division of the New Jersey State Bar Association.
The program runs Tuesday, January 27 through Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at the New Jersey Law Center in New Brunswick, New Jersey. This comprehensive five-day course provides nearly 49.5 hours of CLE credit, including 2.4 credits in ethics, and is designed to qualify attendees for placement on the Court-Approved Roster of Family Mediators under New Jersey Supreme Court rules.
A Leader in Family Law and Alternative Dispute Resolution
Jeff brings his deep experience in family law and dispute resolution to this esteemed panel of mediation professionals. The training covers essential aspects of family mediation, including mediator roles and skills, ethics, court rules and standards, case law, emotional intelligence in mediation, handling difficult parties, and confidentiality — with interactive demonstrations and practical role-play sessions.
At Cohn Lifland, Jeff represents clients in complex family law matters and is highly regarded for his mediation and negotiation skillset. His practice also includes handling high-stakes contested matters that benefit from alternative dispute resolution strategies — a perspective he brings to his teaching and public speaking engagements.
Participation in the Family Mediation Training Course underscores Jeff’s commitment to advancing mediation skills within the legal community and enhancing access to effective dispute resolution in family law matters.
For more information on the program or how to register, visit the NJICLE Family Mediation Training Course page here: https://njsba.com/njicle/cle-programs/family-mediation-training-course/
To learn more about Jeffrey Fiorello and the important work he does, visit his bio here: https://www.njlawfirm.com/attorneys/jeffrey-fiorello
Our Partner, Joseph A. Maurice, Esq., has been reappointed as Municipal Prosecutor for the Wyckoff Municipal Court. This reappointment underscores Joe’s long-standing dedication to public service and his exemplary commitment to the fair administration of justice.
Joe brings decades of legal experience and a distinguished record of leadership to his role in Wyckoff. He is certified as a Civil Trial Attorney by the Supreme Court of the State of New Jersey’s Board on Trial Attorney Certification, and practices primarily in commercial and criminal litigation, representing clients in both state and federal courts. Joe also has significant experience in matrimonial litigation and real estate matters.
Before his current prosecutorial service in Wyckoff, Joe served as Municipal Prosecutor for the Borough of Paramus and as a court-appointed mediator for the New Jersey Superior Court. His broad legal contributions extend beyond the courtroom: he has served as Secretary of the Supreme Court District IIA Ethics Committee and as the 122nd President of the Bergen County Bar Association.
In his reappointed role, Joe will continue to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity in prosecuting matters before the Wyckoff Municipal Court.
Read more about Joe and the important work he does here: https://www.njlawfirm.com/attorneys/joseph-a-maurice
COHN LIFLAND ATTORNEYS PUBLISH ARTICLE IN NEW JERSEY LAW JOURNAL
Cohn Lifland attorneys Matthew F. Gately and Michael Alderman authored a recent article published in the New Jersey Law Journal titled “Technically Correct Is the Only Correct: What Perrigo v. Papa Means for Opting Out of a Class Action in the Third Circuit.”
The article examines the Third Circuit’s decision in Perrigo v. Papa and its implications for litigants seeking to opt out of class actions, emphasizing the importance of strict procedural compliance and the strategic considerations that follow. Matt and Michael’s analyses provide valuable insight for practitioners navigating class action litigation in federal courts.
About Matthew F. Gately
Matthew F. Gately is a Partner with Cohn Lifland and a Supreme Court of New Jersey-certified Civil Trial Attorney with extensive experience in complex commercial litigation and class actions in state and federal courts, including matters before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, giving him deep insight to analyze the procedural implications of Perrigo v. Papa.
About Michael Alderman
Michael Alderman is an Associate with Cohn Lifland whose practice includes complex civil litigation and appellate work, providing him with experience in legal research and analysis relevant to the procedural and strategic issues discussed in Perrigo v. Papa.
This publication reflects our firm’s ongoing commitment to thought leadership in complex litigation and appellate matters.
Read the full article on Law.com 👇
https://www.law.com/njlawjournal/2025/12/15/technically-correct-is-the-only-correct-what-perrigo-v-papa-means-for-opting-out-of-a-class-action-in-the-third-circuit-/
Cohn Lifland Partners to Participate in 2026 NJICLE Family Law Symposium
We are pleased to announce that Amanda S. Trigg, Esq. and Jeffrey M. Fiorello, Esq. will be featured at the 2026 NJICLE Family Law Symposium, a Two-Day Event, taking place January 23, 24, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Both Amanda and Jeffrey have served as Chair of the Family Law Section and frequently participate in this annual program.
In a rare joint appearance on the same educational panel, Amanda and Jeff will address critical issues concerning “Complex Issues in Custody Matters, Substance Abuse and Sexual Abuse Allegations in Family Law.” This segment brings together leading legal professionals and judges to explore the most challenging aspects of custody litigation, including how allegations of substance abuse and sexual abuse impact family law proceedings.
Why It Matters
Drawing on her extensive experience handling high-conflict custody disputes, Amanda will bring a practitioner-focused perspective to the panel, with particular emphasis on the evidentiary and procedural challenges that arise when allegations of sexual abuse are raised in family law matters. Her work regularly involves litigating sensitive abuse claims and navigating complex custody issues, offering attendees practical insight into how courts evaluate these allegations and how counsel can effectively address them while prioritizing the best interests of the child.
As the immediate Past Chair of the Family Law Section of the New Jersey State Bar Association, as well as a Past President of the Passaic County Bar Association (2011-2012) and the Past Chair of the LGBTQ Rights Section of the New Jersey State Bar Association (2021-2022), Jeff will moderate the discussion and add important insight on how to deal with the various seminar topics through Mediation and Alternate Dispute Resolution.
About the 2026 Family Law Symposium
The 2026 Family Law Symposium is one of New Jersey’s premier continuing legal education events, drawing hundreds of attorneys, judges, and allied professionals to engage on cutting-edge topics and network with peers. Sessions this year span complex custody issues, recent case law developments, equitable distribution strategies, and more.
Attendees can expect a robust program that enhances practical knowledge and equips practitioners with tools to navigate complex family law matters.
For more details or to register, visit the NJICLE Family Law Symposium event page here. 👇
https://njsba.com/njicle/cle-programs/family-law-symposium-a-two-day-event/
