tom@sidotilawfirm.com
Tom Sidoti is a tenacious advocate and an expert counselor. Widely considered one of New Jersey’s rising star litigators, Tom is a distinguished trial attorney whose instincts in the courtroom are hard to match, as is his passion for helping people navigate through challenging times.
Extremely proud of his “Jersey roots”, Tom earned his law degree from Seton Hall University School of Law and his Bachelor’s degree from Rutgers University. After law school, Tom had the opportunity to serve as law clerk to the Honorable Kenneth J. Slomienski, J.S.C., in the Family Division of Bergen County Superior Court. His experience working closely with Judge Slomienski afforded him a unique perspective from behind the bench as well as invaluable insights in to how the court system works and how judges make decisions.
Since entering private practice, Tom has focused on Family and Matrimonial Law, ably resolving complex divorce matters and highly contentious custody disputes. He has a no-nonsense and practical style that is respected by both judges and opposing counsel, yet also thinks outside-the-box to find creative solutions to his clients’ problems. Tom has experience guiding high-net-worth individuals through the divorce process and dealing with complicated asset division issues as well as alimony and child support issues. He has had success trying cases to conclusion, winning favorable custody, alimony, and child support terms for his clients, as well as significant counsel fee awards. Tom is also an experienced appellate lawyer; his successful arguments reversed an adverse trial court decision regarding emancipation and termination of child support in Kiely v. Kiely, N.J. Super. Unpub. LEXIS 2784 (App. Div. 2013) and has been successful in numerous other appellate matters including most recently an important case regarding equitable distribution. Tom’s work has earned him recognition from his peers, including being named as one New Jersey’s “10 Best Attorneys” by the American Institute of Family Law Attorneys and as one of New Jersey’s Top 40 under 40 Family Lawyers by the American Society of Legal Advocates.
Tom is also a New Jersey Supreme Court Certified Matrimonial Attorney, a distinction that is awarded to only about 2% of all attorneys in New Jersey and after a rigorous review process of attorneys’ experience (in particular trial experience), reviews by peers and judges, and a written examination. He is also a court-approved mediator, earning the qualification pursuant to New Jersey Court Rule 1:40. Tom believes strongly in mediation as an optimal method for resolving matrimonial disputes. If you have a need for mediation services, Tom’s wealth of knowledge and experience coupled with his practical approach can help you avoid contentious litigation.
Beyond Family Law, as a seasoned litigator Tom also has experience winning rights for immigrants before the USCIS and in Immigration Court, in civil litigation matters and defending individuals facing criminal charges.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Tom is a member of the Justice Virginia Long Family Law Inn of Court, an active member of the New Jersey State Bar Association, the Hudson County Bar Association Family Law Committee, and the Bergen County Bar Association. He also serves on the Hudson County Matrimonial Early Settlement Panel. Tom has traveled extensively in Europe (where he also studied in Italy) and South America, achieving fluency in Italian and proficiency in Spanish.
Tom understands that dealing with a legal issue can be an extremely trying time in your life from both an emotional and financial standpoint. He treats all clients with dignity, respect, and professionalism, and provides prescient and objective advice while zealously and ethically advocating for their interests.
Bar Admissions:
- New Jersey, 2007
- New York, 2008
Education:
- Juris Doctor, Seton Hall University School of Law, 2007
- Bachelor of Arts, Rutgers University, 2004
Certifications:
- New Jersey Supreme Court Certified Matrimonial Attorney
- Qualified Mediator pursuant to New Jersey Court Rule 1:40
Professional Associations:
- Justice Virginia Long Family Law American Inn of Court
- Hudson County Bar Association, Family Law Committee
- Bergen County Bar Association
- New Jersey State Bar Association
Languages:
- Fluent in Italian
- Conversant in Spanish