Firm News
Kalavruzos, Mumola, Hartman, Lento & Duff, LLC
March, 2023
William R. Burns Facilitates Transfer of Command and Control Back to the Borough of Lavallette Chief of Police
Kalavruzos, Mumola, Hartman, Lento & Duff, LLC client the Borough of Lavallette resolved a major dispute over “full command and control” of its police department thanks in part to the efforts of KMHL&D attorney William R. Burns. Serving as the borough attorney for Lavallette, Burns played a crucial role in facilitating the transfer of command and control back to the Chief of Police. “Christian LaCicero, a Lavallette police officer and sergeant for 17 years, was duly appointed as police chief and is ready to lead his department now and into the future,” said Burns. The Borough of Lavallette is happy that his matter was resolved without the need for continued litigation. “The brave men and women of the Lavallette Police Department and the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office look forward to collaborating and working together to ensure the safety of our collective communities.”
At issue was the temporary full command and control of the Lavallette Police Department by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office following the retirement of the previous Chief of Police, Colin Grant in May of 2022. On March 24, 2023, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that control of the Lavallette Police Department is being returned to its current Chief of Police, Christian LaCicero, effectively immediately. Prosecutor Billhimer expressed optimism in Chief LaCicero’s ability to lead the department effectively and commended the officers for their commitment to meeting high standards.
A full news release on this transition from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s office can be read here.
October, 2021
Welcome New Attorneys!
KMHL&D is pleased to announce that a new attorney has joined our team: Joseph W. Eustace, Esq. joined the Firm in an Of Counsel capacity. Joe is excited to continue his municipal court, criminal law, and estate planning practice at the Firm.
Community Events
The attorneys and staff of the Firm were the Ride Share Sponsor at the Central Jersey Beerfest on October 9, 2021, where they provided educational information on New Jersey’s driving under the influence law, and provided numerous free Uber gift cards for attendees.
Notable Case Results
Partner, Brian J. Duff, secured a settlement of $785,000.00 for a client who slipped and fell on spilled liquid that accumulated on the floor of a national casual dining chain restaurant that required multiple hip surgeries.
Partner, Brian J. Duff, secured a settlement of $362,500.00 for a client who fell on deteriorated asphalt in the parking lot of a national big box store that required a neck surgery.
April, 2021
Brian J. Duff Participates in the First Personal Injury Trial via Zoom in Mercer County, NJ
Partner, Brian J. Duff, of the Firm’s Personal Injury Department was excited to be selected to participate in the first personal injury trial via Zoom in Mercer County during April 2021. The trial was conducted remotely, with even the jurors participating from their homes/offices. After acclimating to the various technologies required to broadcast from the Firm’s conference room, Brian was happy to be able to advocate on his client’s behalf after the courts were closed for trials throughout all of COVID.