Atty. Joseph M. DeCotiis

Atty. Joseph M. DeCotiis

Joseph M. DeCotiis is a Managing Partner of the firm.

Paramus Paramus 32 yrs experience 32 year
Call (201) 907-5203 Email Book Appointment

Profile Summary

About Joseph M. DeCotiis at a glance

Joseph M. DeCotiis is a Co-Managing Partner based in Paramus, New Jersey, practicing at DeCotiis, FitzPatrick, Cole & Giblin, LLP. They have 32+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1994. Admitted to practice in New Jersey (1994). Educated at Seton Hall University School of Law (J.D., 1994) and Johnson & Wales University (B.A., 1988). Recognitions include AV Preeminent. Active member of Professional Associations •New Jersey State Bar Association •American Bar Association. Serands clients in Paramus, NJ and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • Joseph M. DeCotiis is a Managing Partner of the firm
  • In his role as Managing Partner, Joseph leads the firm's executive committee and is responsible for building the firm's measurable success by delivering responsible and innovative growth strategies
  • He also plays an important role in the firm as Chair of the Government and Regulatory Affairs Practice Group
  • Joseph's practice primarily centers on governmental representation, specializing in public procurement, redevelopment law and authority representation in both general and special counsel roles
  • He has applied his legal skills to every level of government, including the State of New Jersey and its various public authorities
  • As such, he currently serves as General Counsel to the New Jersey Turnpike Authority, where he provides counsel on the consolidation of the New Jersey Highway Authority with the New Jersey Turnpike Authority and the refinancing of more than $2 billion of debt
  • Joseph also provides counsel regarding ongoing roadway projects related to the operation of the Garden State Parkway and the New Jersey Turnpike
  • As general counsel to Bergen Community College, he advises on procurement and governance issues, as well as counsels the board on disciplinary actions
  • In his work with public/private partnerships, he provided services in all areas of public procurement, including water and wastewater privatization and redevelopment of former industrial sites
  • Joseph has taken a leading role in promoting New Jersey's burgeoning cannabis industry
  • He has applied his knowledge gathered from his substantial involvement in highly regulated industries to guide clients through the legal, regulatory and business challenges of this promising new business
  • In addition to his firm responsibilities, Joseph co-founded Dearheart Charitable Foundation, Inc. that assists cancer patients undergoing treatment and recovery
  • Currently, he also sits on the Seton Hall Board of Visitors
  • In 2019, joined by his father M. Robert DeCotiis, he made a pledge to support the education of future Seton Hall Law graduates with a donation of the DeCotiis Law Moot Courtroom
  • Most recently, in 2020, Joseph joined presidential candidate Joe Biden's New Jersey Lawyers for Joe as a founding member to help promote policy initiatives driven by the national Lawyers for Biden team, including vetting, corporate due diligence, and legal research
  • Joseph M. DeCotiis has achieved the prestigious AV Preeminent Rating from Martindale-Hubbell, a leading global network of over one million lawyers
  • This recognition is highest possible rating in both legal ability & ethical standards
  • Joseph received his B.A. in 1988 from Johnson & Wales University
  • In 1994, he earned his J.D. from Seton Hall University School of Law in Newark, New Jersey

Jurisdictional Context

Why local counsel matters in New Jersey

Practicing law in New Jersey. Legal matters in New Jersey are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Paramus are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate New Jersey state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in New Jersey brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this andnue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in New Jersey courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.

Looking for additional New Jersey attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Paramus or all attorneys in New Jersey.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about Joseph M. DeCotiis

Where is Joseph M. DeCotiis's law office located?
Joseph M. DeCotiis's law practice is located in Paramus, New Jersey. The firm is DeCotiis, FitzPatrick, Cole & Giblin, LLP. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
How long has Joseph M. DeCotiis practiced law?
Joseph M. DeCotiis has 32+ years of legal experience and has been licensed since 1994.
Where did Joseph M. DeCotiis go to law school?
Joseph M. DeCotiis earned their education at (J.D., 1994); (B.A., 1988).
How can I contact Joseph M. DeCotiis for a consultation?
You can contact Joseph M. DeCotiis directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.
What awards or recognition has Joseph M. DeCotiis received?
Joseph M. DeCotiis's notable recognition includes: AV Preeminent.

Education

J.D.
Seton Hall University School of Law
- 1994
B.A.
Johnson & Wales University
- 1988

Awards

AV Preeminent

Bar Admissions

New Jersey
Admitted: 1994

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