Joseph J. Russell is a seasoned divorce and family law attorney with a strong focus on high-profile and high-net-worth divorce cases. His full-service family law practice represents clients from all walks of life including doctors and spouses of doctors. With his unwavering dedication, Joe ensures that every client is equipped with the knowledge, resources, and guidance to achieve their desired outcomes, whether it involves litigation in Family Court or a more cost-effective approach through mediation.
Joe's extensive experience in family law has honed his skills in handling various issues, such as divorce, high-asset divorce, alimony, child custody/parenting time, child support, asset/liability distribution, business valuations, exempt asset protection, family trusts, domestic violence, same-sex divorce, and pre and postnuptial agreements. His advocacy has made him a regular presence in the Family Part throughout New Jersey, and he is particularly active in Monmouth, Ocean, Middlesex, Morris, Somerset, Bergen, Essex, and Hudson Counties. He is also an appointed member of the Family Law Executive Committee of the New Jersey State Bar Association and serves on various committees in Ocean, Monmouth, and Middlesex Counties.
As a certified R. 1:40 Qualified Mediator, Joe is skilled in facilitating both private and court-appointed mediations for litigants throughout New Jersey. His experience in mediation allows him to provide a more collaborative and amicable approach to resolving disputes, which significantly minimizes the financial and emotional costs while achieving a favorable outcome.
Joe's passion for his work extends beyond his practice, where he dedicates his time to his local community in Monmouth County. He is a devoted advocate for the LADACIN Network, a non-profit agency that provides education, therapeutic, social, residential, and support services for people with cerebral palsy or other physical disabilities in Monmouth/Ocean Counties. Joe founded and organizes an annual Polar Bear Plunge for LADACIN, which has raised over $1,000,000 since 2009. He also serves on the Board of Trustees for the Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus, and in recognition of his dedication to community service, he has received numerous awards, including the Humanitarian of the Year Award from LADACIN and the Community Service Award from the Monmouth-Ocean Developmental Council.
Joe's achievements in family law have earned him a reputation as one of the top attorneys in New Jersey. He has been selected for inclusion in New Jersey Super Lawyers for Family Law since 2020 and its "Rising Stars" list from 2010-2019. He has also been selected for inclusion in Best Lawyers in America in the area of Family Law since 2019. In 2018, Joe served as the Editor for the award-winning New Jersey Lawyer Magazine Family Law Edition.
News
November 12, 2021
NJ Family Law Attorneys See Vaccine As 'Next Big Thing'
Law360 Pulse
Joseph J. Russell, Jr. shared his insights on the impact of the pandemic on family law in a recent Law360 Pulse article. He highlighted the challenges that have emerged with regards to custody and parenting time, and predicts that the next issue that divorced parents will face is the vaccination of children.
February 1, 2021
What Happens Next With Kellyanne and Claudia Conway’s Leaked Photo?
New York Magazine/Vulture
Joseph J. Russell, Jr. was recently interviewed by Vulture to provide his legal expertise on the ongoing family conflict involving Kellyanne Conway and her teenage daughter Claudia Conway. During the interview, he discussed the legal parameters of emancipation of a minor child in New Jersey.
June 4, 2023
State Court Filings Drop 20% as Judges, Lawyers Cope With COVID-19 Disruptions
New Jersey Law Journal
Joseph J. Russell, Jr. recently spoke to the New Jersey Law Journal about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the state court system, which has resulted in a decline in court filings. As a family law attorney, he also provided insights on how this has affected divorce filings in particular.
Speaking Engagements
November 11, 2020
As part of the NJICLE webcast titled "Hot Tips in Family Law: Strategic Considerations in Family Law Litigation," Joseph J. Russell, Jr. will be delivering a presentation titled "How to Optimize the Final ISC Before Trial."
January 27, 2017
Joseph Russell, Jr. to Present at NJICLE “2017 Family Law Symposium”
Joseph Russell, Jr. is slated to speak at the "2017 Family Law Symposium" hosted by NJICLE, which will specifically delve into the New Jersey alimony law, including its current status, pressing issues, and how it has evolved over time.
November 11, 2016
Joseph Russell, Jr. to Present at NJICLE on Equitable Distribution
NJICLE's upcoming seminar, "Hot Tips in Family Law The Top 40: New Spins on the Oldies but Goodies," will feature a presentation by Joseph Russell, Jr. that centers on the topic of equitable distribution. During his program, Mr. Russell will specifically cover the Randazzo v. Randazzo case and its implications.
Awards & Recognition
May 3, 2019
Joseph J. Russell, Jr. Receives Community Service Award from Monmouth-Ocean Development Council
On May 2, Joseph J. Russell, Jr. received the Community Service Award from the Monmouth-Ocean Development Council during their 54th Annual Silver Gull Awards Dinner. The honor was bestowed in recognition of Mr. Russell's noteworthy community involvement and service.
May 10, 2017
Wilentz Attorneys Initiated as Trustees of the Middlesex County Bar Association
Joseph Russell was initiated as a Trustee of the Middlesex County Bar Association.
April 30, 2017
Wilentz Attorneys Named New Leaders of the Bar by New Jersey Law Journal
Joseph Russell, Jr. has been named a New Leader of the Bar for 2017 by the New Jersey Law Journal.
March 22, 2017
Wilentz Attorneys to Receive Middlesex County Bar Association 2017 Awards
The Middlesex County Bar Association selected Joseph Russell, Jr. to receive the 2017 Young Lawyers Award.