Honorable James J. DeLuca, J.S.C. (Ret.) brings 45 years of legal experience to the firm’s Alternate Dispute Resolution and Mediation Group. Judge DeLuca was appointed to the New Jersey Superior Court in 2015 and was initially assigned to the Law Division. In July 2018 Judge DeLuca was assigned to the Chancery Division. In the Chancery Division, Judge DeLuca oversaw probate cases, general equity cases involving business disputes, contract and real estate issues and foreclosure actions. While in the Chancery Division, Judge DeLuca was responsible for appointing receivers, special fiscal agents, guardians, executors, administrators and other fiduciaries. Judge DeLuca also presided over a contested guardianship action which was tried before a jury. Judge DeLuca actively case-managed all the actions assigned to him from inception of the action through settlement or trial.
In the Law Division, Judge DeLuca presided over jury and bench trials concerning commercial disputes, personal injury claims, employment disputes (including LAD and CEPA claims) and malpractice claims. Additionally, Judge DeLuca was designated to oversee and try mass tort multicounty litigation matters involving claims for alleged injuries suffered by individuals who used pelvic mesh products designed, manufactured, marketed, and sold by defendant corporation.
Before being appointed to the bench, Judge DeLuca was a member of Okin Hollander & DeLuca, LLP where he practiced for over 28 years. While in private practice, Judge DeLuca represented clients in commercial litigation, bankruptcy, arbitrations and mediations. He also handled commercial transactions involving real estate and business transactions. Judge DeLuca argued matters before federal and state courts in New Jersey and New York, including the New Jersey Supreme Court. Judge DeLuca previously served as general counsel to a finance company responsible for financing aircraft, boats (pleasure and commercial) and other consumer transactions. Judge DeLuca began his career as an associate at a boutique New York firm which handled securities litigation.
Judge DeLuca graduated from Queens College (City University of New York) in 1974 and Notre Dame Law School in 1977. Judge DeLuca served as a member of his church’s parish council for more than 25 years and served as chairperson of the Church’s Finance Committed for 20 years. Judge DeLuca is a frequent lecturer on various matters involving Chancery and Probate matters.
As Counsel at Harwood Lloyd, Judge DeLuca brings experience as a lawyer and judge to provide mediation and arbitration services. Judge DeLuca is also available to manage complex litigation, as appropriate, including acting as Special Discovery Master, Special Fiscal Agent and/or Receiver.
