About The New Jersey Environmental Law Firm

Professional Recognition and Legal Leadership

Mr. Ashkinaze’s experience, reputation, and standing in the legal community earned him admission into the prestigious International Network of Boutique Law Firms (INBLF). As a respected New Jersey environmental lawyer, he currently serves as the President of the New Jersey chapter of the INBLF. Based on his extensive experience and knowledge of environmental law, Mr. Ashkinaze was admitted as a Master of the Justice Stewart G. Pollack Environmental American Inn at Court.

Public Service and Government Appointments

In December 2009, Mr. Ashkinaze served as one of 12 attorneys on Governor-Elect Christie’s Transition Committee.

Nominated by Governor Chris Christie in June 2011, Mr. Ashkinaze currently serves as a Commissioner of the North Jersey District Water Supply Commission (NJDWSC). His experience as an environmental attorney NJ businesses and public entities trust has provided valuable insight into complex environmental and infrastructure matters. The NJDWSC oversees the largest water supply system in the state, providing drinking water to more than 3.5 million people throughout northern New Jersey.

Environmental Counsel for Jersey City

Mr. Ashkinaze has extensive experience representing clients in both the public and private sectors. From 1993 through July 2001, he served as Assistant Corporation Counsel, Environmental Counsel, and Mayor’s Aide for the City of Jersey City. In these roles, he advised Mayor Bret Schundler and the City Council on environmental compliance and enforcement, public utilities, solid waste planning, Brownfields redevelopment, and environmental litigation, establishing the experience expected of a leading New Jersey environmental lawyer.

He played an instrumental role in drafting Jersey City’s ordinance regulating the use of municipal rights-of-way by telecommunications, fiber optic, and utility companies. He also helped secure a two-year Brownfields planning grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, assisted in forming the Municipal Utilities Authority, negotiated water purveyor agreements, and evaluated electricity and telecommunications aggregation initiatives. This work reflects the practical experience of an environmental permitting lawyer handling complex governmental and redevelopment matters.

Board Attorney and Industry Representation

In June 2001, Mr. Ashkinaze was appointed Board Attorney to the Jersey City Board of Adjustment.

Mr. Ashkinaze also works closely with the New Jersey Gasoline C-Store Automotive Association (NJGCA), serving on its Environmental Advisory Committee and representing several of its members. His article, Leasing Gasoline Stations: Avoiding the Environmental Trap, appeared in the December 2008 edition of On the Road and has since been republished by several other publications.

Private Practice and Corporate Environmental Law

Prior to opening his own law office, Mr. Ashkinaze practiced with the Roseland, New Jersey law firm of Hannoch Weisman. In addition to serving as one of the firm’s four registered lobbyists, he represented Fortune 500 companies and privately held businesses on a wide range of environmental and corporate issues. This background provides the perspective clients seek from both a business law attorney New Jersey companies rely on and an experienced environmental counsel.

Regulatory Advocacy and Trade Association Representation

Mr. Ashkinaze has represented trade associations seeking changes to administrative regulations affecting their industries. For example, he represented a committee of translation and interpreting companies and the American Translators Association (ATA) before the New Jersey Department of Labor, successfully negotiating eligibility and auditing guidelines for independent contractors. He also represented the New York Translation & Interpreting Group and the ATA before the New York Department of Labor and the New York State Legislature on similar issues, demonstrating the advocacy expected of a seasoned business law attorney New Jersey businesses can depend upon.

Leadership in Environmental Policy

On March 17, 1995, Governor Christine Todd Whitman designated Mr. Ashkinaze as Chairman of the New Jersey Advisory Council on Solid Waste Management, where he served until May 22, 1997.

Mr. Ashkinaze also served on the NJDEP Brownfields Working Group, an advisory committee of environmental attorneys, corporate officers, and public officials that helped develop state policy for the remediation and redevelopment of contaminated properties. His involvement in shaping environmental policy further distinguishes him as a respected environmental attorney NJ developers, businesses, and property owners can trust.

Land Use and Development Experience

Throughout his career, Mr. Ashkinaze has advised clients on development, redevelopment, zoning, permitting, and regulatory matters affecting commercial and industrial properties. His experience working with municipalities and government agencies provides the practical insight expected from a knowledgeable land use attorney New Jersey developers and property owners can rely upon.

Academic Experience

Mr. Ashkinaze also served as an adjunct professor of International Relations at Bergen Community College in Paramus, New Jersey.

Education

Mr. Ashkinaze received a B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania in 1982, a J.D. from Seton Hall School of Law in 1986, and an M.P.A. from Columbia University’s School of Public and International Affairs in 1987.

Bar Admissions

Mr. Ashkinaze is admitted to practice law in New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania.