Rebekah E. Heilman

Rebekah E. Heilman is a New Jersey family law attorney at Petrelli Previtera, LLC, serving clients across New Jersey in divorce, custody, and complex family law matters. With nearly two decades of legal experience, she brings a deep understanding of the court system, informed by her work as an appellate attorney, public defender, Deputy Attorney General, and court administrator. Known for her meticulous attention to detail and strategic legal thinking, Rebekah helps clients navigate the complexities of family law with clarity and confidence.

With a career rooted in public service, Rebekah has dedicated her work to making the legal system more accessible and effective. She has represented clients in high-stakes family law cases, fought for parental rights in child welfare proceedings, and successfully overturned unjust rulings in appellate courts. With experience in trial and appellate litigation, as well as working within the court system, Rebekah brings a well-rounded perspective to family law cases. This background allows her to anticipate potential legal challenges, craft strong legal arguments, and develop strategic approaches that help clients navigate both litigation and settlement negotiations effectively.

How Rebekah Helps Clients
Rebekah believes that a well-informed client is an empowered client. She takes the time to explain legal processes in a way that makes sense, ensuring that clients understand not just what is happening in their case, but why it is happening. She provides practical guidance and strategic insights that help clients make informed decisions about their future.

Her years of experience in appellate litigation has shaped her approach to trial work, allowing her to anticipate legal missteps that could impact a case. She is known for her meticulous case preparation, persuasive legal writing, and ability to build strong arguments that stand up to scrutiny.

Rebekah is also an accomplished negotiator. As an adjunct professor at Kean University, she teaches Negotiation Strategies and Conflict Resolution, equipping future professionals with the tools to navigate high-stakes disputes. She applies these skills to her legal practice, helping clients achieve favorable settlements while ensuring their interests are protected. Her experience in mediation and strategic case positioning enables her to offer clients creative solutions tailored to their specific needs.

Community Involvement & Personal Background
Born and raised in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, Rebekah has lived in New Jersey since attending law school. She currently resides in Monmouth County, where she is active in her community.

Rebekah cares about the needs of families and their ability to maintain stability even in the most difficult of times. She works to serve the community in Monmouth County by serving on the Board of and volunteering for Freehold Area Open Door, non-profit with a food pantry that serves more than 5,000 families a month and provides rental and utility assistance; free tutoring and scholarships; and other advocacy services.

She has also played a key role in legal education initiatives, earning multiple national awards from the American Bar Association for her work in developing legal education programs for students.

Schedule a Consultation with Rebekah
Rebekah Heilman is currently accepting new clients across New Jersey. Whether you need guidance in a divorce, custody dispute, or complex family law matter, she is ready to provide strategic, solution-oriented representation. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward a resolution that works for you.

Awards & Recognition
Rebekah Heilman has been recognized for her contributions to legal education, public access to justice, and advocacy in family law matters. Below are some of her notable honors:

2025 Cornerstone Award for Transformative Justice, Chatham University – Presented annually by the Chatham University Alumni Association to graduates whose professional and personal achievements embody the mission and values of the University. Rebekah was recognized for her distinguished career and volunteer work in advocacy-centered roles and organizations, as well as her efforts to make the family courts more accessible to low income litigants and her family law litigation focusing on helping families maintain stability in the most difficult times.
American Bar Association Law Day Awards (4-time recipient) – Awarded by the American Bar Association for excellence in public legal education initiatives. These awards recognize outstanding programs that educate the public on legal principles, civic responsibilities, and the role of the judiciary. Selection is based on program impact, creativity, and effectiveness in engaging the community.
New Jersey State Bar Foundation Grant Recipient – Recognized for securing funding to support legal outreach and educational initiatives. Grants are awarded based on demonstrated need, the proposed program’s potential impact, and its alignment with the Foundation’s mission of expanding access to legal education and services.
Court Ombudsman Recognition – Awarded for her efforts in improving access to justice through self-help legal services and initiatives designed to make the legal system more navigable for self-represented litigants. This recognition is given to individuals who have demonstrated leadership in court accessibility programs.
Disclaimer: No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court of New Jersey. For more information on the selection processes for these awards, please visit the awarding organizations’ websites.