The basics:

• Connell Foley acquires Neary Law to grow Bergen County presence
• Brian Neary joins as partner, co-chair of the white collar defense group
• Adds new Hackensack location for the firm
• Expansion aligns with long-term growth and regional strategy

Connell Foley LLP is expanding its presence in Bergen County with the acquisition of Neary Law LLC.

After joining the Roseland-based firm Aug. 1, Brian Neary, as well as one of his associates and an office administrator, will continue to operate an office in Hackensack, now under the Connell Foley name, according to a press release.

Widely regarded as one of the top criminal defense attorneys in the New York City area, Neary brings almost five decades of experience in state and federal courts. He has represented professional athletes, entertainers, lawyers, doctors, business leaders, law enforcement and public officials. He’s also known in the courthouse and in the press as “the lawyer with the bow-tie.”

At Connell Foley, Neary will become a partner in the commercial litigation practice group. He will also serve as co-chair of the white collar criminal defense and investigations practice group, the firm said.

“I’m thrilled to be joining Connell Foley’s powerhouse team of litigators and trial lawyers,” Neary said. “With the firm’s deep bench and reputation as a highly trusted, respected leader throughout New Jersey and the region, I can offer clients even greater capabilities backed by Connell Foley’s size and breadth.”

“At the same time, I look forward to pursuing what I love most – trying complex cases and mentoring the next generation of trial lawyers. This is a dynamic partnership built on mutual respect, shared values and a vision for excellence,” he said.

Expanding reach, capabilities

Neary founded his own firm in 1982.

Connell Foley managing partner Timothy Corriston said the firm is proud to welcome Neary to its family.

“Brian’s distinguished reputation, deep roots in Bergen County and extensive trial experience make him a tremendous asset to our firm. His addition reflects Connell Foley’s legacy of excellence and supports our long-term vision – attracting top-tier talent, strengthening client relationships and strategically expanding our geographic reach and substantive capabilities. Brian’s presence enhances our visibility and footprint in Bergen County, a key region for our continued growth,” he said.

Founded in 1938, Connell Foley is a full-service law firm. The company boasts more than 140 lawyers across multiple offices throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. Its strengths include litigation, corporate, real estate and land use, and sophisticated tax & estate planning.

In addition to its Roseland headquarters, Connell Foley also has offices in Jersey City, Newark, New York City and Philadelphia.

An ‘important region’

As part of Connell Foley’s push into Bergen County, Bryan Couch will join the new office in Hackensack alongside his team of two commercial litigation associates. Couch serves as co-chair of Connell Foley’s commercial litigation practice group and is an executive committee member, as well.

A seasoned litigator with broad courtroom experience, Couch focuses on complex commercial disputes, trademark litigation, product liability claims, business torts and other matters arising from diverse business relationships. As a longtime Bergen County resident, he also brings a strong connection to the area, the firm said.

Additionally, several other Connell Foley attorneys will also have a presence in the Bergen County office and play an instrumental role in its development, the firm said. In addition to Corriston, they include:

• John Cromie
• Michael McBride
• Karen Painter Randall
• Thomas Scuderi

Corriston said, “Connell Foley has long maintained a presence in Bergen County, and the addition of Brian Neary – along with Bryan Couch and his associates joining our office there – further strengthens our footprint in this important region. This expansion not only reinforces our vision for the future, it also creates new opportunities to broaden our reach, expand direct access to our clients and continue delivering trusted counsel. It marks an exciting step in the firm’s ongoing strategy to grow our geographic presence and serve clients more effectively across key markets.”