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Edward J. O’Donnell, Esq.

A Certified Matrimonial lawyer, mediator, and attorney, Mr. O’Donnell has limited his practice to family law. He is a litigator known for his prowess in handling all types of divorce, custody, and domestic violence disputes. Mr. O’Donnell best distinguished himself in his handling of many landmark cases including Matter of Baby M., Boardman v. Boardman, and Maqsudi v. Maqsudi.

Mr. O’Donnell has long been highly regarded by his contemporaries, serving as a former chair of the Family Law Section of the New Jersey State Bar Association and Past President of the Essex County Bar Association. He is a recipient of the Saul Tishler award for his lifetime contributions to the advancement of Family Law and was recognized for his excellence in continuing legal education (training other lawyers) with his receipt of the Alfred C. Clapp Award from the New Jersey Institute of Continuing Legal Education.

Noteworthy Awards
  • Saul Tischler Award, 2014

  • Alfred C. Clapp Award by NJJCLE for excellence in continuing legal education, 2012

  • Legal Services of New Jersey, Equal Justice Medal, 2008

  • Essex County Bar Association Family Law Attorney Achievement Award, 1998

Peer Reviews
  • Martindale-Hubbell, AV rated (highest possible attainable) for Legal Ability and Ethical Standards (1988 – present)

  • New Jersey Monthly, selected for inclusion in New Jersey Super Lawyers (2005 -present), Top 100 Lawyers 2005-2006

New Jersey State Bar Association
  • Trustee, 2014-2020

  • Section of Family Law, Executive Committee, 1995 – 2022 (Chair, 2008-2009)

  • Section of Family Law, Nominating Committee (Chair, 2009)

  • Section of Family Law, Palimony Sub-Committee (Co-Chair, 2009, Chair 2010)

  • Section of Family Law, Equitable Distribution Sub-Committee (Chair, 2001-2002)

  • Section of Family Law, Legislative Committee, 2005-2008 (Chair, 2006-2008)

  • Motion Practice Sub-Committee, 2002-2003

Essex County Bar Association
  • President, 2008-2009

  • Board of Trustees, 2000-2008

  • Family Law Committee, 1992-present (Chair 1996-2001)

Morris County Bar Association
  • Family Law Committee, 2002 -present

American Inns of Court
  • President, Barry I. Croland Family Law Inns of Court (New Jersey), 2005-2007

  • Master, Barry I. Croland Family Law Inns of Court (New Jersey), 1993-2015

Publications
  • New Jersey Family Law Alternative Dispute Resolution Handbook, 2015 New Jersey Family Lawyer, 2008-2009

  • Essex County Bar Association, Chronicle, 2008-2009

  • New Jersey Family Law Practice, Domestic Violence Chapter, New Jersey Institute for Continuing Education (ICLE) 10th Ed., 2001 11th Ed., 2003, 12th Ed. 2006, 13th Ed. 2009

  • Traps for the Unwary, Family Law Chapter, Essex County Bar Foundation, 1997

  • Commentary, Baby M: A Disquieting Decision, Seton Hall Law Review, vol. 18 no. 4, 1988

  • Surrogacy: A Cure for Infertility?, The National Law Journal, November 2, 1987

Areas of Practice

Bar Admissions

New Jersey (1983)

U.S. District Court District of New Jersey (1983)

Education

Seton Hall University School of Law, Newark, New Jersey (J.D. – 1983)

Montclair State University, Upper Montclair, New Jersey (B.A. – 1978)