This attorney has been selected for the recognitions mentioned herein, which have been conferred by the corresponding publications and/or organizations noted. An overview of the award selection methodologies for these recognitions can be found at https://www.gibbonslaw.com/awards. Links to certain specific methodologies are embedded in individual entries. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances. No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court of New Jersey.
Mr. Elias’s broad-based commercial litigation practice provides problem solving, strategic advice, and counseling to some of the largest financial institutions and insurance companies involved in disputes and litigation in federal and states courts throughout the United States. As a true commercial litigator, Mr. Elias doesn’t limit himself to matters within a particular area of law and has had significant experience in complex tort, commercial litigation, insurance coverage, legal malpractice, and bankruptcy litigation. He possesses the ability to quickly develop in-depth understanding of the matters and legal issues in dispute – no matter what the issue or industry. Clients recognize his capacity to quickly synthesize complex issues and present them to a judge or jury in a clear, precise, and convincing manner, regardless of how convoluted the factual issues or complex the legal issues may be. Mr. Elias’s clients benefit from his years of experience on both sides of the courtroom, including his clerkships in both the federal and state court systems, as well as his deep-rooted commitment to his clients’ needs in each matter he handles.
Mr. Elias’s first priority is always to understand his client’s business inside and out, since the matter in dispute is part of the client’s business, and the outcome will shape its course. His keen understanding of his client’s business objectives drives his litigation strategy, always with the end goal in mind. His approach is to work closely with his client to thoroughly understand the issues and create a customized approach to the defense of the case, balancing the need for a vigorous defense with the practical considerations of cost and impact on his client’s business. Mr. Elias prides himself on aggressive representation without over-reliance on litigation, which can be expensive and time-consuming.
Areas of Focus
Complex Commercial Litigation
With experience encompassing litigation in state and federal courts throughout the country, Mr. Elias’s practice includes:
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- Representation of insurance companies in insurance coverage disputes
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- Contractual disputes
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- Securities litigation
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- Disputes between members of partnerships and closely held corporations
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- Uniform Commercial Code
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- Defense of professional liability claims
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- Enforcement of restrictive convents
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- Challenges to governmental takings and eminent domain
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- Affirmative claims and defense of claims under the civil Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, 18 U.S.C. § 1961 et seq. (“RICO”)
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- Representation of attorneys in ethics proceedings before the District Ethics Committee, Disciplinary Review Board, and Supreme Court of New Jersey
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- Class action defense in state and federal courts
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- Bankruptcy litigation
Credentials
Education
Seton Hall University School of Law (J.D.)
Union College (B.A., cum laude)
Professional Admissions
State of New Jersey
State of New York
State of Florida
United States District Court for the District of New Jersey
United States District Court for the Southern District of New York
United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York
United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit
United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
Professional Activities
American Bar Association
John C. Lifland American Inn of Court
Judicial Clerkship(s)
Law clerk to the Honorable Peter G. Sheridan, U.S.D.J., Newark, NJ
Law clerk to the Honorable John Pisansky, J.S.C., Superior Court of New Jersey