Former Superior Court Judge Alberto Rivas is joining Chiesa Shahinian & Giantomasi PC as a member of its litigation group.

In a May 13 press release, the Roseland-based law firm announced the arrival of Rivas, who officially stepped down last month after 15 years on the bench.

Appointed in 2010 by Gov. Jon Corzine, Rivas presided over Vicinage 8 in Middlesex County. In his role as assignment judge, he was responsible for the operation of the court and the supervision of judges as well as more than 500 employees — while also maintaining a docket of cases.

Rivas has also sat on a variety of court committees, including the Lawyers Advisory Committees for the Third Circuit Court of Appeals and the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey. Additionally, he was appointed to the Third Circuit Court of Appeals Task Force on Equal Treatment in the Courts, Race and Ethnicity Commission and named as chairman of the District VA Fee Arbitration Committee.

Prior to becoming a judge, Rivas was a partner at Lite DePalma Greenberg & Rivas LLC in Newark. Before that, he served as an assistant U.S. attorney for the District of New Jersey from 1987–1996. Rivas’ background includes posts as law director for the City of Perth Amboy and as an adjunct professor at Rutgers Law School, too.

The next step

Rivas, who earned a law degree from Rutgers Law School and undergraduate degree from Princeton University, expressed excitement over his return to active practice.

“By taking this next step, I have the opportunity to couple my judicial experience with my passion for litigating complex civil matters at all stages,” he said.

Frank Giantomasi, co-chair of the firm’s executive committee, described Rivas as “an outstanding addition to the team both as a litigator and as a mentor.”

“His unique mix of public and private experience will blend seamlessly with CSG Law, and his insights will further expand the Litigation Group’s already unparalleled service to achieve clients’ goals,” he said.

Executive committee co-Chair Jeffrey Chiesa added, “Judge Rivas brings a tremendous wealth of knowledge and insight into the firm’s already outstanding Litigation Group. His decades of experience will prove invaluable in resolving high stakes and high-profile litigation matters.”