Wells, Jaworski & Liebman, LLP

WJ&L is a sophisticated New Jersey commercial law firm with substantial expertise in the areas of land use, litigation, real estate, business, corporate & commercial law, and tax, trusts & estate planning. "Our attorneys enjoy strong working relationships with our clients. We are particularly proud of our problem-solving ability and unflappable approach to any challenge. We take our work very seriously but not necessarily ourselves." ~ Tom Wells

The law firm of Wells, Jaworski & Liebman, LLP was initially established in 1986 as a solo practice by Thomas M. Wells, but it rapidly grew and reached its present size within just 5 or 6 years. Administrative Partners Stuart Liebman (Managing Partner) joined in 1990, Darrell Felsenstein in 1998, and Mark S. Balian joined in 2013. Partners Jim Jaworski joined in 1987, Jim Delia joined the firm in 1993, and Andy Kohut in 2006. Administrative Partners are active in firm management and operations.

While we have become known for our in-depth experience in New Jersey land use and zoning, we have also developed an excellent reputation for our other areas of practice, all of which have been active since 1986: real estate; business & corporate law; litigation; and tax, trusts and estate planning.

Our client list is a virtual Who's Who of well-known names in New Jersey and New York. We process most of the biggest land use and zoning applications in Northern New Jersey. Businesses organizations of all sizes (although not companies that are publicly traded) non-profits, and private individuals approach us for legal assistance.

Our financial clients roster speaks volumes about our trustworthiness and diligence:

Hudson City Savings Bank (prior to M&T Bank merger)
Oritani Bank
TD Bank
Valley National Bank

We also represent local government entities:

Glen Rock Zoning Board of Adjustment & Planning Board
Hawthorne Board of Adjustment

We have long-term associations with a number of significant New Jersey non-profit organizations including:

ArtsPower, Verona, NJ
Beachview Dreams Foundation, Ocean City, NJ
Children's Aid & Family Services, Paramus, NJ
Fritz Behnke Historical Musuem, Paramus NJ
Life Opportunities, Ridgewood, NJ
Ridgewood Library Foundation, Ridgewood, NJ
Salamone Family Foundation, Bonita Springs, FL
YMCA of Ridgewood, New Jersey, Ridgewood, NJ

"For over twenty-one years Tom Wells and his associates at Wells, Jaworski & Liebman have represented our agency on a host of matters. Their responsiveness, caring and breadth of expertise is first rate as is their grasp of the unique dynamics of the non-profit sector. Whether the issue is estate and trusts, real estate matters, employment or general liability their guidance and counsel have been rock solid. The peace-of-mind provided by having a quality firm upon which to rely is priceless. That we are a non-profit and a relatively modest client and we have the level of service we receive is extraordinary and speaks volumes to this firm's commitment to the community and our sector. I am grateful to Tom and all the staff at WJ&L for their many years of counsel, their generous support of vulnerable children and families as donors, as partners in building a stronger community and also as friends."

Roberts Jones, PH.D., Former President and CEO of Children's Aid and Family Services, a $17 Million Dollar not-for-profit operation with 250 employees and 800 volunteers serving Bergen, Passaic, Essex, Hudson and Morris Counties with headquarters in Paramus, New Jersey

The attorneys at Wells, Jaworski & Liebman, LLP have a broad range of interests and substantial involvement in civic and non-profit matters in their communities, and Tom Wells, Jim Jaworski, and Stuart Liebman are all active Rotarians. The Rotarian's "4 way test" is illustrative of these three partners' philosophy towards business and life:

In addition, Tom Wells has substantial expertise in forming new non-profits, and in particular, foundations. He has, on many occasions, donated his services and the firm covered the costs of setting up a new 501(c)(3) and remained on the board in the organization's initial year.

Tom Wells has set up a foundation of his own with the help and support of friends and clients. It is called the Wells Mountain Foundation and it provides support in developing nations in the areas of literacy, the arts and community building. WMF currently has projects in five countries and scholarship students in more than 30 countries including Ghana, Senegal, Uganda, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Macedonia, and Haiti.

Locations	No. of Attorneys
Paramus, NJ	10

Practice Areas	No. of Attorneys
Corporate	7
Environmental and Land Use	7
IP	1
Litigation	2
Litigation - General (consumer)	3
Real Estate	7
Trusts and Estates	2