N.J. trial lawyers launch new boutique firm

The formation of the litigation boutique Tanenbaum Keale LLP was announced Wednesday by veteran trial lawyers Michael A Tanenbaum, James H. Keale and Thomas D. Robertson.The trio will be joined by their partners Chris Keale, Dennis Vega and Tiffany Alexander. The litigators said they are leaving Sedgwick LLP, along with 11 other lawyers plus additional staff, to launch the new firm, effective Feb. 1.

Tanenbaum Keale will focus its practice on pharmaceutical, medical device and environmental mass tort litigation, as well as product liability and catastrophic injury cases.

“Jim, Tom and I have practiced together for more than 25 years in large law firms and we wanted to do something that allows us to indulge our entrepreneurial spirits,” Tanenbaum said in a statement. “The market has changed and instead of seeking a larger platform, we wanted a smaller, more personal, platform that will enable us to adapt to those changes and react nimbly and quickly to client needs.”

Tanenbaum joined Sedgwick in 2001 and served as its firm chair from 2007 to 2015. Keale and Robertson joined Sedgwick in 2004. Keale most recently served as chair of its complex litigation division and was a member of the executive committee. Robertson served as managing partner at the firm’s Newark office.

The three said they first practiced law together at McCarter & English.

“We truly enjoy working together, and we look forward to providing outstanding legal counsel to our firm’s clients while fostering a collegial and collaborative atmosphere,” Keale said in a statement.

“Collaboration, teamwork and family will serve as the foundation for the culture of the new firm we have created,” Robertson said, Tanenbaum Keale’s new managing partner. “We are thrilled to have so many lawyers and staff join us on this new adventure — it is an honor to continue to practice with them.”