Sparta Attorneys to Speak at League of Municipalities Convention

Richard Clark To Discuss Zoning Rulings, Legislative Updates;
Michael Garofalo To Address Longtime Zoning Board Members

SPARTA, N.J.--Two land use and zoning law specialists from Laddey, Clark & Ryan have been named panelists at the prestigious New Jersey League of Municipalities Convention in Atlantic City this fall.

The firm, meanwhile, will host a reception for attendees of the League of Municipalities' annual meeting at Bally�s Atlantic City.

"Our municipal law, land use and zoning practices are so much a part of our firm that we decided to host a reception for the dedicated volunteers and professionals who handle the often-thankless tasks of zoning, planning and land use throughout the state,� said Thomas Ryan, managing partner of Laddey, Clark & Ryan. �Those practice areas are of such importance to our clients in northwestern New Jersey that we thought it would be appropriate."

Richard Clark, the Sparta-based law firm�s senior partner, will speak on two panels. On Nov. 14, he will participate in a panel discussion analyzing new court rulings and legislative updates in zoning, land use and municipal law, his areas of specialty. Later that night, from 8 until 10 p.m., the firm will host its reception at Bally's.

One day later, Clark will be on a panel examining planning and zoning questions and legal opinions.

"Land use, zoning, planning and municipal law are at the core of a lot of issues of importance not only to the municipalities, but also residents and businesses throughout the state," Clark said. "It's an honor to serve on a panel that will help dissect the crucial issues today. The annual convention is of great importance to a number of our constituents, and the level of discourse is always high. The audience knows its stuff, so you have to be on your game when the League convenes."

Garofalo, an instructor for and long-time member of the New Jersey Planning Officials (NJPO), which is the state�s association of planning boards and zoning boards of adjustment, will take part in a panel discussion entitled "Experienced Zoning Board Members." That session will be geared toward those belonging to zoning and planning boards for a number of years and are ready to go beyond the basic principles of zoning. Joining Garofalo on the panel will be engineers and other attorneys who, like Garofalo, will discuss the duties and responsibilities of zoning board members.

"This is my first time speaking, and it's quite an honor to be chosen for a panel," said Garofalo, who travels the state to teach a course that is mandatory for those wishing to serve on planning or zoning boards. "Besides that, the annual convention is a great time to exchange ideas on the issues of the day with people who are actively involved in the zoning, planning and municipal processes."

About Laddey, Clark & Ryan, LLP:
Laddey, Clark & Ryan , located in northwestern New Jersey, handles matters throughout the state. In addition to its corporate practice, which covers employment law, business law, finance, commercial litigation, real estate, environmental issues, lending, and land use, and its municipal practice, the firm has a specialty in representing individuals who are badly injured in auto accidents, product and premises liability matters, and personal injury. The firm also represents the families of victims of wrongful death.