Steven Backfisch
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.
J.D., Seton Hall University School of Law , 1980
Cum Laude
B.A., St. Bernard College, 1977
Summa Cum Laude
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
- The Best Lawyers in America©, Litigation - Labor and Employment (2020-2025);
(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.)
- 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)
American Bar Association
New Jersey State Bar Association
Brennan-Vanderbilt Inn of Court
Master, 1988-2013
President, 1999-2000