Cole Schotz Lawyers and Chief DEI Officer Recognized as New Leaders of the Bar by New Jersey Law Journal

Cole Schotz P.C. is pleased to announce that James Lewis, Marissa Mastroianni and Rachel Mongiello have been recognized as “New Leaders of the Bar” by the New Jersey Law Journal for their growing leadership in the legal sector. All three attorneys are based in the firm’s Hackensack, NJ office. The winners will be formally recognized at the New Jersey Legal Awards ceremony at Brooklake Country Club on September 29, 2022.

The “New Leaders of the Bar” award recognizes professionals under the age of 40 across law firms, corporate legal departments, or other organizations in the New Jersey legal community for their notable achievements and outstanding potential. They are selected based on their development of the law, advocacy and community contributions, service to the bar as well as peer and public recognition.

“Congratulations to James, Marissa, and Rachel for this well-deserved recognition,” said Warren Usatine, co-managing shareholder of Cole Schotz. “They have each demonstrated consistent excellence in their careers by taking on big challenges and achieving impactful results. I look forward to witnessing their future accomplishments as they continue to lead this profession forward.”

James Lewis, the firm’s first Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer, has deep experience developing and implementing DEI programs in the public, nonprofit and legal sectors. His volunteer work includes service on the Board of Trustees for the New Jersey State Bar Association as well as being Vice President of the Garden State Bar Association, the oldest and largest professional organization for African-American judges, lawyers, and law students. Mr. Lewis is a sought-after speaker as it relates to diversity-related topics and is a leader in the development of collaborative partnerships to further best practices in diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. Prior to joining Cole Schotz, Mr. Lewis’ served as the Executive Director of the NYC Bar Association’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion, which provides DEI services to a membership of more than 25,000.

Marissa Mastroianni, associate in the firm’s Employment, Litigation and Cannabis groups, is known for her expertise in employment law compliance and employment litigation matters. She defends her clients against claims and charges brought by current and former employees alleging discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wage and hour violations, and breach of contract, among others. Ms. Mastroianni has received various honors for exhibiting excellence in her practice area including recognition by Chambers USA Guide, the National Law Journal and New Jersey Super Lawyers.

Rachel Mongiello, member in the Litigation Department, focuses her practice on business and commercial litigation as well as arbitration and white-collar criminal defense. Ms. Mongiello is currently an active member of the Supreme Court of New Jersey District VI Ethics Committee, the Bergen County Bar Association, the New Jersey Women Lawyers Association, and Seton Hall University School of Law’s Alumni Council, where she serves as co-chair of the Special Events Committee. She has previously been recognized for her excellence in her selection as a “Rising Star” by New Jersey Super Lawyers.  

About Cole Schotz:

We are a coalition of over 170 attorneys – a curated collection of top legal talent that works together to create a gallery of experience that we lend to the benefit of our clients. We work with businesses, large and small, as well as select individuals, many of whom continue to work with the firm for decades. Our clients turn to us to execute on their business goals with our distinct confidence and legal dexterity. As an AmLaw 200 firm with nationwide representations and a global reach, we represent clients in connection with an array of legal matters.