Genova Burns Announces Counsel Promotions

The four individuals: Matthew I.W. Baker, Avi D. Kelin, Young-Ji Park, and Gerard D. Pizzillo are well deserving of this recognition as each has contributed greatly to the Firm’s capabilities and strategic objectives.

“Beyond exhibiting a commitment to excellence in the practice of law, fundamental to the Firm’s mission, this group has gone above and beyond by developing new practice areas and by assuming leadership roles in and outside the Firm” says Angelo J. Genova, Chairman & Managing Partner of Genova Burns. “Their respective track records reflect what we hope for in all our colleagues and bodes well for the trajectory of our firm and its success,” continued Genova.

Matthew I. W. Baker, of Rivervale, New Jersey, has extensive experience in all phases of litigation in state and federal courts, and his practice focuses on litigating complex civil actions, including federal and state RICO actions, constitutional and civil rights matters, insurance and health care fraud cases, professional malpractice matters, employment and wrongful termination cases, federal and state election law cases, construction disputes, public contract bids and awards, and various business torts. Mr. Baker has been with the firm since 2013.

Avi D. Kelin, of Teaneck, New Jersey, focuses on the interaction between government and business. He advises businesses, trade associations and individuals on lobbying requirements, campaign-finance law, pay-to-play restrictions, government-ethics rules, and the government-procurement process. Mr. Kelin has built his extensive experience as a member of the firm since 2014.

Mr. Kelin is Chair of the Firm’s Autonomous Vehicle Law Practice and concentrates on the legal issues surrounding the emerging technology of autonomous vehicles. He provides innovative solutions in this fast-growing area to automakers, technology companies, insurance companies, real-estate developers, government entities, and other businesses that depend on transportation and mobility. “Genova Burns LLC has been the perfect place for me to grow my career. From my earliest days with the Firm, I have been encouraged and—more importantly—supported in developing my own legal interests, networks, and practice areas, all while working with top-notch lawyers and sophisticated clients,” says Kelin.

Young-Ji Park is the newest addition of the group to Genova Burns and focuses her practice of law in the Business Transaction and Non-Profit industries. Ms. Park’s accomplishments since joining the firm nearly two years ago have exceeded the firm’s high expectations and we are pleased to acknowledge her commitment and support her in this new phase of her career. Ms. Park previously served as Associate General Counsel at a not-for-profit corporation headquartered in New York, NY. There, she closed lender-side acquisition, predevelopment, mini-permanent, and permanent loan transactions. She was also responsible for reviewing, negotiating, and closing, and supporting and facilitating the deployment of awards provided under, federal, state, and local government contracts (including awards from the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund of the United States Department of Treasury and the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development). She has experience in conducting diligence for business entity formations (including trademark searches, business registrations and name reservations) and preparing state filings. She also has experience with nondisclosure/confidentiality agreements, consulting agreements, service and licensing agreements (including SaaS agreements), and hotel and events contracts.
“Tenacious and diligent, Young-Ji leaves no stone unturned and never misses an issue or a deadline,” says Keith A. Krauss, Chair of the Firm’s Corporate Law & Business Transactions and Intellectual Property Practice Groups.

Gerard D. Pizzillo, of Sayreville, New Jersey, has a wealth of experience in real estate development and redevelopment law as well as tax abatement, zoning and land use. He has drafted and reviewed documents in all areas of commercial and residential real estate transactions, including leasing and financing.

Mr. Pizzillo represents public housing authorities in Section 8 and Housing and Urban Development requirements as well as associated issues in education, business organization and civil and corporate law. Mr. Pizzillo is based out of the Firm’s Jersey City office and has been with Genova Burns since 2016. “I am excited and grateful for this opportunity, I would like to thank the GB Family and everyone who has helped make this a reality” says Pizzillo of his promotion.

Genova Burns is pleased to have such capable and diverse attorneys and wish them all continued success. To those paying attention to the evolution of Genova Burns, welcome to the future.