ROSELAND, N.J./September 9, 2011 -- “We are truly honored to have the retired Hon. Essex County Superior Court Civil Presiding Judge Eugene J. Codey, Jr., on our team,” stated Michael X. McBride, Connell Foley’s managing partner. “He exemplifies the qualities that make a true professional − integrity, respect, and humanity.”
Connell Foley announced that Judge Codey will join the firm on September 12, 2011. Codey is a 1974 graduate of Seton Hall Law School and, after serving as an Essex County assistant prosecutor from 1976 to 1981, he practiced as a partner with the law firm of Farley, Isles & Codey in West Orange, N.J., until 1991, when he joined the bench.
Codey received the highest ranking in overall competence in the New Jersey Law Journal’s most recent survey of lawyers’ evaluations of 350 New Jersey trial court judges; his selection marked the first time since the Law Journal began publishing judicial surveys in 1989 that a civil presiding judge led the statewide ranking of judges.
“I chose Connell Foley for many reasons − the firm’s reputation, the ingenuity of the firm’s talent, and the fellowship of its associates distinguishes Connell Foley in the legal community,” stated Codey. “Through my handling of numerous jury and non-jury cases where parties were represented by Connell Foley associates, I have always noted their exceptional professionalism and keen insight in advocacy, and their dedication to the principles of the legal profession.
“Simply put, Connell Foley is a handshake firm and a role model for the bench and the bar. It is the perfect place to continue my legal career.”
At the time of his retirement on Sept. 1, 2011, Codey will have been the longest-sitting New Jersey Superior Court Civil Presiding Judge, having served in that capacity since Feb. 1, 1998. He has conducted hundreds of trials − both jury and non-jury − and managed thousands of cases ranging from consumer fraud to insurance, environmental, corporate disputes, employment/labor, medical malpractice, and personal injury. During his tenure, he was instrumental in the classification and consolidation of all New Jersey cases related to the prescription medication Reglan.
“Through our extensive engagements in his court over the years, we have witnessed firsthand the fairness of his decisions and ethics, which is widely recognized throughout the state,” said McBride. “Judge Codey’s intellect, demeanor, and decades of experience as a distinguished jurist is an ideal addition to our already well respected and expanding Alternative Dispute Resolution practice headed by John W. Bissell, former Chief Judge, United States District Court of New Jersey.”
Throughout his career, Codey has lectured on behalf of the Essex County Bar Association and the New Jersey Institute for Continuing Legal Education. He has also taught at the New Jersey Judicial College and at training seminars for newly appointed civil Judges. He served on the New Jersey Judicial Council and was chair of the Conference of Civil Presiding Judges in New Jersey since July of 2005.
At the time of his retirement, Codey was a member of the Civil Practice Committee and the Supreme Court Committee on Fairness and Access.
For many years, Codey served as a master (1998-2002) of the Hechel Inn of Court, comprised of senior members of the bench and bar who are engaged in the trial practice of law and who have demonstrated superior character, ability, and competence.
Along with his professional commitments and achievements, the former judge has been honored as the 2005 recipient of the Saint Thomas More Medal from Seton Hall University’s Saint Thomas More Society. He has been actively involved in many community activities including the Interfaith Network for the Homeless, Habitat for Humanity, and Essex County Bar Association programs assisting underprivileged children.
About Connell Foley LLP
Established in 1938, Connell Foley LLP has achieved success in litigation, corporate law, and a broad range of specialty areas. Comprising more than 110 lawyers who are organized into 21 distinct practice areas, Connell Foley associates are proud of the firm’s continued ability to deliver the highest levels of legal representation and satisfaction for clients. Although Connell Foley has the resources of a large law firm, attorneys view the practice of law to be a personal service - whether the client is a multinational corporation or an entrepreneur embarking on a new venture. Connell Foley has locations in Roseland, New York, Philadelphia, Jersey City, Cherry Hill, and Spring Lake.