Attorney Spotlight – Arthur M. Neiss

Today we present another edition of our “Spotlight Series” which is designed to help you get to know the team behind Beattie Padovano, LLC.

We are pleased to highlight Arthur M. Neiss, Member of the firm, whose practice focuses on land use matters, including development and redevelopment, board representation, litigation and appeals as well as commercial litigation and construction litigation.

Arthur is a graduate of Fordham University School of Law, (J.D., 1985), The Graduate Faculty of Political and Social Science, New School for Social Research, (M.A., 1980), and the University of Bridgeport, (B.A., 1974). Arthur has long had primary or “first chair” responsibility in an extensive breadth of matters including litigation (trials, appeals to the Appellate Division and Supreme Court), arbitrations and mediations both in land use and prerogative writs appeals as well as commercial, contract and business disputes, construction, corporate real estate conveyancing matters, discrimination cases, estate and trust litigation, employment law, personal/property injury matters, matrimonial and administrative matters.

Arthur is admitted to and practices before the state, federal and bankruptcy courts of New Jersey and New York, as well as before the arbitration forums of the American Arbitration Association and JAMS.  Several decisions in which Arthur has been counsel have been published in the official reporters of both states, and in the federal reporters.

Also focused on land use, Arthur has served in a number of leadership positions, including as Chair of a panel of Condemnation Commissioners, and through his current roles as Planning Board Attorney for the Essex County Township of Montclair, the Morris County Borough of Lincoln Park and the Bergen County Borough of New Milford.  In addition to his routine duties on site plan and subdivision applications, Arthur assists boards as they address and develop their community’s master plans, responses to affordable housing requirements, formulations of areas in need of redevelopment and rehabilitation, PILOT’s, land-use ordinance creation and changes, and board operations. On the developer side, his experience ranges from representing a national shopping center company developing a 43-acre site with county and state developmental, environmental and transportation impacts, to small developers pursuing minor subdivisions. Arthur has served as the planning board attorney for the Boroughs of River Edge and Demarest, in Bergen County, and as special litigation counsel for land use boards of New Milford and Fort Lee.

We caught up with him recently to learn more:

Arthur, what inspired you to pursue a career as an attorney?

The real question is WHO inspired me and that was my aunt’s boyfriend, Mike. Afflicted with polio from birth and living to a “ripe old age,” he forced himself to walk and he participated fully in life despite the disability. Mike taught me that one’s mind can make it possible to overcome almost any obstacle. And for him, the “stuff of life” was embracing opportunities to engage in enjoyable, interesting and challenging endeavors. I feel that way about the practice of law.

What do you most enjoy about working with your team at Beattie Padovano, LLC?

It has been said that if you practice any skill with someone whose skills are more advanced than yours, you will get better. I have that experience every day with all of the attorneys of this law firm.

What types of cases are especially meaningful for you, and why?

These days, my practice is primarily focused on the areas of litigation and land use. I am very fortunate that I have the opportunity to develop new insights and skills whenever I start a new matter and handle it through resolution, making every case a rewarding experience.

What is your favorite part about living and working in Northern New Jersey?

My commute! Earlier in my career, I lived and worked in New York City. It is a completely different world in New Jersey.

Please share an interesting or fun fact about yourself: personal or professional!

During my career, I have had opportunities to teach. Early on, I was an instructor in the Fordham University School of Law Department of Continuing Legal Education. I have been a lecturer at the Bergen County Bar Association basic course in land use law.  Recently, I was elevated to Master of the Morris Pashman Inn of Court. I use teaching skills with clients and attorneys who are starting out to ensure they understand the process and the law of the matters they are involved in. To me, this is an essential part of being an attorney.

What advice would you give to an aspiring lawyer?

Hone your social skills to develop a strong network. Hone your legal skills to be an effective advocate.

To learn more about his areas of practice and to contact Arthur M. Neiss directly, visit Arthur M. Neiss – Beattie Padovano, LLC.