Michael Farhi

Michael Farhi is a partner of the firm specializing in employment law, complex commercial litigation and family law. He received his undergraduate degree at Ramapo College and his law degree at Seton Hall University School of Law. Mike is a former contributing editor, The Bergen Barrister, Prosecutor, and has been municipal prosecutor for the Borough of Waldwick and the Borough of Rochelle Park, as well as special labor counsel for the County of Bergen and the Borough of Bogota. He is a member of the Bergen County Bar Association, New York State Bar Association, the American Trial Lawyers Association and the New Jersey Society of Human Rights Managers and is admitted to practice in:

• The Superior Court of New Jersey
• Municipal & Traffic Courts in New Jersey
• The Appellate Courts of New Jersey
• The Federal District Courts in New Jersey
• The Supreme Courts in New York
• Municipal & Traffic Courts in New York
• The Appellate Courts of New York
• The Southern and Eastern District Federal Courts

EMPLOYMENT LAW

He began helping small and medium sized businesses soon after graduating from law school over 25 years ago. Besides defending and prosecuting claims of discrimination (sexual, age, ancestry, racial, national origin, nationality, marital status and physical or mental disability), he negotiates with unions, drafts severance, employment and non-compete agreements and handles wage and hour, unemployment and other administrative claims. He also writes personnel policies advises his clients on employee relations.

Particular areas of interest are helping startup businesses comply with employment laws in the United States and handle problems. He practices both in New Jersey and New York state and federal courts and appears before governmental agencies such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the New Jersey Division on Civil Rights and the New York Division of Human Rights. On behalf of employees, he handles discrimination and disability claims against the United States Postal Service and other government agencies. In addition to his private clients, Mr. Farhi has represented the City of Hoboken, the County of Bergen and the Borough of Bogota in labor-management matters and has advised other attorneys representing public entities in handling those issues.

He also represents employees who find themselves victims of job discrimination or other violations of their rights including federal and state discrimination laws, wage and hour laws, whistleblower laws and rights under employment contracts. In addition to his private clients, he has represented Borough of Paramus Blue & White Collar employees, Township of Wayne Blue Collar employees and Leonia teachers in labor-management matters.

Mr. Farhi's employment law practice is in both New York and New Jersey State and Federal courts, as well as governmental agencies (EEOC, EEO and the Divisions on Civil and Human Rights). For small businesses, Mr. Farhi writes personnel policies and consults on employee relations.

BUSINESS LITIGATION

In the fast paced and competitive world of business, the pursuit of, profitability and growth is what drives the pursuit of success. But disputes will arise, with competitors, customers and vendors. When a problem can't be resolved, Mike Farhi can help, because he takes the time to understand your business and how to protect it. Over the course of 30 plus years, Mike has acquired the knowledge, experience and resources to explore options and strategies to resolve business disputes. Using those tools and his recognized reputation in the legal community, he regularly handles breach of contract claims, business transactions that have "gone bad," insurance coverage disputes and intellectual property and partnership disputes. Again, he is licensed to practice in both New York and New Jersey State and Federal courts, as well as before arbitrators in those states.

His advice will be based on both the details of the dispute, your resources, your time, your tolerance for risk and your personal goals. If necessary, he will pursue your case aggressively. But if he can satisfactorily resolve the dispute quickly and cost-effectively through negotiations, mediation or arbitration, Mike will do so.

FAMILY LAW

In Family Law, Mike Farhi is known for his knowledge, experience, understanding and compassion in assisting clients and aggressiveness in fighting for their rights and those of their children, if necessary. He has appeared before the New Jersey Supreme Court on an important divorce question and handles all types of disputes between spouses and/or partners, including:

• Contested and uncontested divorce
• Child custody and visitation
• Child support and ability to pay
• Spousal support / alimony
• Property division, including dividing complex assets and debt
• Domestic violence

Sometimes, a divorce settlement or award that includes child custody, visitation, child support, or spousal support needs to be enforced or changed. If a former spouse has Perhaps you have lost your job or become disabled, or your ex spouse has requested a change in visitation. Or perhaps you would like to relocate to a different state. Mr. Farhi can help.

MUNICIPAL & TRAFFIC COURT

New Jersey is home to an extensive highway system and miles and miles of local roads. Each are patrolled by local, county and state police. Getting a ticket for speeding or for any moving violation can be start of, or part of, other traffic tickets. Multiple moving violations can result in suspension or revocation of your license. You will also be assessed points that affect the amount of your auto insurance premiums. Whether you are cited for speeding or your traffic ticket relates to a more serious crime, you need help. As a former Municipal Court Prosecutor, Mike Farhi is well equipped to provide experienced and aggressive representation to defend the following charges:

• Careless Driving
• Driving on Suspended List
• Driving Without Insurance
• Driving Without a License
• Failure to Signal
• Failure to Yield
• Improper Lane Change
• Reckless Driving
• Speeding
• Stop Sign Violations

In addition to its highways, New Jersey is the "shopping mall" of the United States. That doesn’t even count the retail stores and outlets in the area. Each day at those malls and stores, people are detained by security guards or even arrested for shoplifting. Mike Farhi knows that store owners typically prosecute most offenders - having a criminal record is a serious risk of not having the right representation. Whether you choose Mike Farhi or another experienced attorney, you should at least consult with someone before going to Court yourself.