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Steven Backfisch


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908.233.6800

53 Cardinal Dr
Westfield, New Jersey 07090

Steve Backfisch specializes in the practice of civil litigation and appeals. With more than forty years of experience, he regularly handles all types of civil litigation including employment discrimination claims on behalf of employers, defense of civil rights claims, catastrophic personal injury claims, and product liability claims on behalf of defendants. He represents clients in civil litigation in the Superior Court of New Jersey, the United States District Courts in New Jersey and New York, and the appellate courts both state and federal.

He has extensive experience in defending employment discrimination claims brought under both Title VII and the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination. A significant number of cases have involved educational and health organizations and their employees. These cases frequently impact relationships beyond the traditional employer/employee and require enhanced sensitivity to the needs of students or patients. The excellent results Steve consistently achieves in these cases evidences his ability to see the big picture and obtain results consistent with the organizations' overall needs.

A commercial litigator is also required to see beyond the particular acute issue and steer a course that leads to a final, overall result that is both reasonable and cost effective. Many commercial cases are rife with personality issues and emotions, similar to the passions usually found in employment litigation. Unless dealt with sensibly, and with sensitivity, such issues will unduly complicate and prolong litigation. For four decades, Steve has successfully represented commercial clients, and their owners, through the most difficult times.

Education
  • J.D., Seton Hall University School of Law , 1980
    Cum Laude
  • B.A., St. Bernard College, 1977
    Summa Cum Laude
Admissions
  • New Jersey, 1980
  • United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, 1983
  • United States District Court District of New Jersey, 1980
  • Supreme Court of the United States, 1989
Awards
  • The Best Lawyers in America©, Litigation - Labor and Employment (2020-2024);
    (This award is conferred by Best Lawyers. A description of the selection methodology can be found at www.bestlawyers.com/methodology.  No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court of New Jersey.)
  • Martindale-Hubbell (AV)
    (This award is conferred by Martindale-Hubbell. A description of the selection methodology can be found at www.martindale.com/ratings-and-reviews/.  No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court of New Jersey.)
  • Super Lawyers©, General Litigation (2007, 2020)
    (This award is conferred by Thomson Reuters. A description of the selection methodology can be found at www.superlawyers.com/about/selection_process.html.  No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court of New Jersey.)
Representative Experience
  • Gilbert v Seton Hall University, 332 F.3d 105 (2d Cir. 2003)
  • Waldorf v. Shuta, 896 F.2d 723 (3d Cir. 1990) (he obtained a reversal of an $8.2 million dollar judgment)
  • PT&L Constr. Co. v. Madigan & Hyland, 245 N.J. Super. 201 (App. Div. 1990), certif. denied, 126 N.J. 330 (1991) (he obtained a reversal of a $1.5 million dollar judgment)
  • Welter v. Seton Hall Univ., 128 N.J. 279 (1992) (Appellate Division opinion reported at 243 N.J. Super. 263 (App. Div. 1990))
  • Paul v. Nat'l Educ. Assn, 195 N.J. Super. 427 (App. Div. 1984), affirming 189 N.J. Super. 265 (Law Div. 1983)
Professional & Bar Association Memberships
  • American Bar Association
  • New Jersey State Bar Association
  • Brennan-Vanderbilt Inn of Court
    Master, 1988-2013
    President, 1999-2000

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