Joseph Michael Cerra

An appellate specialist, Joseph Cerra is a skilled brief writer with numerous reported decisions to his credit. Mr. Cerra is frequently retained by others attorneys and law firms to serve as special counsel either to provide appellate counsel and oversight as a case prepares for final motion practice and trial; or to review trial proceedings and draft appellate briefs; or both.

Mr. Cerra believes that a thoughtful written presentation to the court is a culmination of a carefully conceived litigation strategy. "A timely and well executed dispositive motion can be instrumental in getting the result that your client wants," Mr. Cerra says. "You should be planning that motion from the first day you have the case."

Mr. Cerra began his career at one of New Jersey's largest and most respected law firms, where he spent eight years as a commercial litigator. While an associate at that firm, Mr. Cerra handled day-to-day supervision of a major commercial litigation which ultimately resulted in the largest verdict ever in favor of a client of that firm.

Since 1997, Mr. Cerra has been an Adjunct Professor of Law at the Seton Hall University School of Law. He formerly served as a Master in the John J. Gibbons American Inn of Court, which specializes in the study of federal practice and intellectual property law.

Mr. Cerra served as a law clerk for the Honorable James H. Coleman, Jr., Presiding Judge of the Superior Court of the New Jersey Appellate Division during the 1988-89 Court Term. Justice Coleman was subsequently elevated to the New Jersey Supreme Court.