Legal Services & Lawyers

Mark has almost 30 years experience in personal injury and litigation. While a student, he was a paralegal in his father's law office. After law school, Mark worked on Wall Street at one of the oldest and most prestigious law firms, Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft. Later, he joined the family personal injury practice where he enjoys hands-on, close contact with his clients.
--Mark lives in North Jersey with his beautiful wife, their three wonderful sons, and their friendly dog, Atticus.

Brian Heller, a Partner with Schwartz & Perry LLP, has been with the firm since his graduation from Fordham Law School in 2001, where he served on the Fordham Urban Law Journal and as a mediator in the Bronx Small Claims Court. A Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Penn State University, Mr. Heller has an impressive background in all aspects of employment law, including discrimination, sexual harassment, fraudulent inducement, contractual disputes, stock options and benefits and workplace torts.

Mr. Heller is an experienced litigator, having Co-Chaired numerous trials, including jury and non-jury trials in both the Federal and state courts. Mr. Heller has also prosecuted and argued numerous appeals in various appellate courts in New York State. In addition to litigation, Mr. Heller negotiates severance agreements, employment contracts, non-compete and confidentiality agreements, and counsels employees who are subjected to discrimination in the workplace. With a strong emphasis on research and writing, Mr. Heller contributes to all aspects of Schwartz & Perry LLP's practice.

Mr. Heller is also active in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), successfully representing employees in mediations sponsored by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the courts, and a number of private dispute resolution entities. Mr. Heller has appeared on behalf of individuals in arbitrations before The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA, formerly the National Association of Securities Dealers) and the American Arbitration Association (AAA).

Mr. Heller lectures on employment discrimination, litigation, contracts, workplace torts and trial practice before attorneys of all experience levels and practices, contributing the skills and insights he has gained during his tenure Schwartz & Perry LLP.

Mr. McOmber is a third generation attorney and a lifelong resident of Monmouth County. He earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Tufts University in Medford, Massachusetts and a Juris Doctor from American University Washington College of Law, in Washington, D.C. In 1998, he was admitted to New Jersey and Federal District Court Bars and joined the firm of McOmber & McOmber, which was established by his parents, Richard and Adrienne McOmber, in 1974. He was promoted to partner in 2001. In 2004, Mr. McOmber moved to Red Bank with his wife, Dr. Nathalie Zenian McOmber, a general dentist who also practices in Monmouth County.

Mr. McOmber's primary areas of practice are civil litigation, land use and education law. He represents a number of municipal and regional boards of education and has handled extensive litigation and appeals on their behalf. He has successfully counseled many national corporations regarding complex development applications in New Jersey, including self-storage facilities and financial institutions. He has litigated favorably on behalf of corporations and public institutions regarding matters of public concern and attention. A number of his cases involving significant matters of law have been reported.

Mr. McOmber is a member of the St. Stepanos Armenian Apostolic Church in Elberon, New Jersey. He is an active participant in Armenian philanthropic organizations in the northeast. Amongst these activities, Mr. McOmber serves as master of ceremonies of an annual Armenian genocide remembrance program presented each April in New York City's Times Square. Regular speakers at this event include national senators and congressman. Mr. McOmber also serves as Secretary of the Kaboom Fireworks Committee, a non-profit organization, and helps organize the largest Fourth of July fireworks display in New Jersey.

Primary Practice Areas:

Business:
Formation and representation of business entities including corporations, limited liability companies, and partnerships.


Civil Litigation:
Collection actions, employment litigation, prosecution and defense litigation on behalf of individuals and corporations.


Education:
Civil litigation, charter school litigation, expulsion hearings, tenure charges, opinion letters, scope proceedings and hearings before the Public Employment Relations Commission, appeals to the Appellate Division, special education law including due process, emergent relief petitions, attendance at I.E.P. meetings, Section 504 actions and enforcement of administrative orders in Superior Court.


Landlord/Tenant:
Summary dispossession actions, lease negotiation and drafting, rent collection.


Non-Profit:
Representation of various non-profit organizations including civil education foundations and philanthropic associations.


Title Litigation:
Boundary line disputes, competing title interests, conflicting lien priorities.


Zoning, Planning and Land Use Development:
Counsel to land developers in connection with applications, including residential subdivisions and industrial and commercial projects; appearance before local Planning and Zoning Boards of Adjustment representing applicants, objectors and neighborhood associations; litigation on behalf of developers and objectors.

Mr. Salvaggio is the Senior Member of Salvaggio Garibian LLC, a law firm that is devoted exclusively to Divorce and Family Law matters.

Mr. Salvaggio truly embodies the philosophy: "Do one thing and do it well." He has handled thousands of cases, including difficult divorces involving high net worth individuals, protracted custody disputes and complicated equitable distribution issues. He is also a recognized expert in domestic violence cases, which often are the most difficult to solve and require immediate and expert attention.

In addition, Mr. Salvaggio has been instrumental in developing alternatives to the traditional litigation process as a means for resolving marital disputes. In furtherance of that goal, Mr. Salvaggio created and now heads Choice Divorce Mediation Services which, in appropriate cases, helps divorcing couples determine their own destiny, rather than suffer the trauma and expense of seemingly endless litigation.

Ever since he founded the Firm, Mr. Salvaggio's goal has always been to provide the highest level of legal representation to each of the Firm's clients in New Jersey Divorce and Family Law Matters. He understands that each and every client is special. No matter how big or how small the case, he provides personal attention, sensitivity, responsiveness and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

I practice throughout Fairfield County and the State; primarily in Danbury, Ridgefield, Bethel, Redding, Weston, Wilton, Westport, New Canaan, Westport, Norwalk, Stamford and Darien.

CHESTER COUNTY LITIGATOR, PROPERTY TAX APPEALS

Ms. Kovan has a decade of "big firm" litigation experience. Now she offers that level of expertise to her clients at a more cost effective rate. Ms. Kovan’s litigation experience includes representing companies and individuals in state and federal court actions throughout the United States as well as securities matters pending before the National Association of Securities Dealers, New York Stock Exchange (collectively now known as the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA“)) and the United States Securities Commission (“SEC”). Ms. Kovan has handled numerous securities related matters, including customer disputes, enforcement actions, SEC investigations and insider trading investigations/actions. Ms. Kovan has also represented clients in federal and state litigation and appeals.

Additionally, Ms. Kovan has represented clients in commercial and real estate disputes. Ms. Kovan has a long track record of successfully representing commercial and individual taxpayers in real estate tax assessment appeals throughout Pennsylvania. She has secured significant property tax savings for her clients, including representing a national telecommunications provider in state-wide tax appeals and a major international airport in its tax exemption appeals.

Ms. Kovan brings with her a unique understanding of business, as prior to law school, Ms. Kovan worked in the area of international trade finance in Vienna, Austria. In that capacity, she assisted large and small companies in the financing of import/export transactions (including letters of credit) throughout the world. She is fluent in German and proficient in French.

Ms. Kovan received her B.A. from Kenyon College. She is a magna cum laude, graduate of the Villanova University School of Law

Patrick W. Begos is a founding member of the firm and senior partner in the Westport office. He heads the firm's trial and appellate group. Pat brings 19 years of litigation, arbitration, mediation and negotiation experience to the firm.

Prior to forming Begos Horgan & Brown, Patrick was a partner in the New York City litigation firm Molton & Meekins (1995-1998), and he was previously associated with Weil, Gotshal & Manges (1990-1995); and Lane & Mittendorf (1988-1990).

He is a current member of the Trial Tactics and the Life, Health and Disability Sections of the Defense Research Institute, and a member of the Public Investors Arbitration Bar Association. He is also a member of the Alternative Dispute Resolution and Trial Evidence subcommittees of the American Bar Association. He is a past member of the Committee on Art Law of the Association of the Bar of the City of New York, and he is admitted to the bar in New York and Connecticut.

Patrick received his legal education from Columbia University School of Law (J.D) and did his undergraduate work at Johns Hopkins University (BA with honors).

Pat works primarily on cases involving business and personal disputes in a wide variety of commercial areas including:
- ERISA benefits
- insurance coverage
- securities transactions
- real estate development and property management
- employment
- copyright and trademark
- internet commerce
- secured lending
- fine art acquisitions and sales
- products liability
- real estate transactions
- bankruptcy
- corporate governance

His day-to-day practice includes:
- Defending ERISA claim administrators and disability insurers at trial and in appellate courts
- Pursuing lender liability and predatory lending claims on behalf of borrowers
- Representing real estate owners, buyers and sellers in disputes over sales, construction and land use
- Assisting business owners in solving problems with partners, shareholders, creditors and suppliers

The Law Offices of Cecilia Buck-Taylor, P.C. has been providing our clients with experienced legal services for many years. We provide all of our clients with personalized professionalism so that we successfully represent the needs of each of our clients.

Cecilia Buck-Taylor, J.D. has been practicing law for over 18 years in the areas of Domestic & Family Law, Real Estate, Probate, Corporate, Criminal, and Juvenile Matters. Attorney Buck-Taylor received her juris doctorate from the Fordham University School of Law where she graduated in 1991. Attorney Buck-Taylor also has dual majors in Psychology and Criminal Justice from the State University of New York at Albany from which she graduated with honors. Attorney Buck-Taylor also has many years of experience and training as a mediator, collaborator and an arbitrator and is committed to resolving disputes outside of the court system.

Attorney Buck-Taylor is a member of the CT Bar Association - ADR & Family Law Sections, American Bar Association - ADR & Family Law Sections, the Litchfield County Collaborative Divorce Group, the International Association of Collaborative Professionals as well as the Association for Conflict Resolution - International & New England Chapters. Most recently Attorney Buck-Taylor has been appointed to the CBA Standing Committee - Dispute Resolution in the Courts (2009-2010).

Attorney Buck-Taylor is also active in her community and serves on the Ethics Commission of the Town of New Milford and the New Milford Housing Partnership. Attorney Buck-Taylor is also a member of the Board of Directors for the Greater New Milford Chamber of Commerce.

Having many years of experience as a court appointed attorney for minor children and guardian ad litem and as a Family Masters, Attorney Buck-Taylor understands family and divorce issues, including custody issues, divorce, mediation, and collaborative work from many different perspectives.

Attorney Buck-Taylor's extensive experience and attention to the specific needs of her clients has been the cornerstone of her practice. This attention to detail allows Cecilia Buck-Taylor to provide each and every one of her clients with the personalized professionalism that can be hard to find at other law firms.

Mr. Sokol was admitted to the Bar in December of 1980, after having graduated from the Cumberland School of Law in May of 1980. In September of 1980, Mr. Sokol was employed with McOmber & McOmber, P.C. as a law clerk and upon passing the Bar in December of 1980, he became an Associate with the office, eventually being elevated to Partner in 1986.

In working at McOmber & McOmber, Mr. Sokol has been principally involved in commercial litigation and advising corporate and public clients on strategic approaches to commercial disputes. His commercial litigation emphasis has been focused on manufacturing issues, specifically, commercial code and warranty litigation, dealer agreements, termination and arbitration. Another portion of Mr. Sokol's practice involves both public and private employment litigation and arbitration. Mr. Sokol has represented public entities in employment litigation since 1980, both in the courts and through the various administrative processes in New Jersey. Mr. Sokol has defended both public and corporate clients against allegations of discrimination, whistle-blowing, workplace harassment and various other allegations. He also has experience in the field of education law in New Jersey, representing boards of education and an educational service commission in tenure proceedings, labor scope proceedings, labor arbitration, negotiations and other hearings before the Commissioner of Education.

Other areas of concentration include representation of contractors, architects and owners, both public and non-public, throughout the construction process, including the drafting of construction agreements, as well as construction litigation and arbitration, addressing issues such as change order disputes, scheduling disputes, delay damages, liquidated damages, latent and patent defects, contractor termination, professional malpractice and construction lien law.

Mr. Sokol has also developed expertise in the areas of real property litigation through his representation of title insurance companies. He advises and represents landlords in lease drafting and negotiation and in causes of action seeking possession and rent. Mr. Sokol has also represented zoning boards of adjustment and applicants for the development of gas stations, banks and other commercial projects. Finally, Mr. Sokol has experience in representing banking institutions in collection actions, including mortgage foreclosures, and has defended lenders against liability claims.

Mr. Sokol was born and raised in Monmouth County, specifically Freehold, its County seat, where his father was an attorney for approximately 30 years. He currently resides in Colts Neck, New Jersey. Mr. Sokol is a long time volunteer for Western Monmouth Habitat for Humanity as an attorney and also volunteers in representing the Colts Neck Reformed Church, where he is a member with his family.

Trial and Appellate Practice Areas:

Commercial Litigation and Arbitration, Prosecution and Defense
Primary Concentrations:

Construction:
Drafting and litigation of construction, architect and construction management contracts; litigation and arbitration addressing change orders, scheduling, delays, liquidated damages, latent/patent defects, termination, professional malpractice, liens.


Banking and Finance:
Note and personal guarantee defaults and collections; residential and commercial mortgage foreclosures; defense to lender liability claims.


Manufacturing:
Distributor/dealer agreements, dealer termination arbitration, warranty litigation, commercial code provisions applicable to purchase and sale of goods.


Title Litigation:
Boundary line disputes, competing title interests, conflicting lien priorities.


Employment Litigation and Arbitration:
Employment agreements, statutory protections, e.g. civil rights, conscientious employee, hours and wages, leave laws, workplace harassment.


Education:
Budget appeals, civil litigation, hearings before the Commissioner of Education, construction bidding, expulsion hearings, tenure charges, scope proceedings and hearings before the Public Employment Relations Commission, labor arbitration, appeals to the Appellate Division and Supreme Court of New Jersey.


Landlord/Tenant:
Summary dispossession actions, lease negotiation and drafting, rent collection.


Zoning, Planning and Land Use Development:
Counsel to land developers in connection with applications, including residential subdivisions and industrial and commercial projects; appearance before local Planning and Zoning Boards of Adjustment representing applicants, objectors and neighborhood associations; litigation on behalf of developers and objectors.


Non-Profit:
Representation of various non-profit organizations including religious institutions, civil education foundations, and philanthropic associations.

The Law Offices of Charles R. Gueli was founded on the basic premise that our clients' needs always come first. It is with that philosophy in mind that our firm stands committed to overall excellence in the legal profession and delivers the highest quality legal services to dispose of matters in a cost-effective and expeditious manner.

Our many years of experience, tenacious dedication, breadth of legal knowledge and responsiveness to our clients, define our practice at the Law Offices of Charles R. Gueli and is exemplified by the clients we represent.

Mr. Raff was admitted to the Bar in the State of New York in 1969. He serves as a federal court appointed Special Master in three complex employment and discrimination law cases. He is also an active labor arbitrator, mediator and fact finder on panels from the American Arbitration Association, National Mediation Board, New York State Mediation Board, New York City Office of Collective Bargaining and the New York State-CSEA Disciplinary Panel. He has served as a member of the New York State Human Rights Advisory Council and is presently a member of the American Arbitration Association's National Alternative Dispute Task Force.

As a full-time member of the faculty of New York University School of Law for ten years, Mr. Raff taught labor and employment law, arbitration, administrative law and trial practice. He has served as a consultant to New York City's Bureau of Labor Services, New York State's Financial Control Board and the New York State Deputy Comptroller for New York City Affairs. He has also served as the Chairman of the New York State Bar Association's Committee on Civil Rights from 1981 to 1985, and is currently a member of the American Bar Association, Labor and Employment Section, and New York State Bar Association, Labor and Employment Law Section, the Association of the Bar of the City of New York, and the Society for Professionals In Dispute Resolution. Mr. Raff is listed in Who's Who in American Law, Who's Who of Emerging Leaders in America, and Who's Who in The East. In 1996, Mr. Raff was honored by the New York City Chapter of the National Organization for Women, 1998, for his legal work supporting women's rights. In 1998, Mr. Raff was honored by being elected as a Fellow of the College of Labor and Employment Lawyers.