For the past two years, Michael J. Pappa has been honored as New Jersey Super Lawyer in criminal defense by New Jersey Monthly magazine, putting him in a small and select group of criminal attorneys.

Mr. Pappa began his career in 1978 as assistant Monmouth County prosecutor, starting in the juvenile division and working his way up the ranks handling all types of cases, including several murder prosecutions and other major crimes.

In 1982, Mr. Pappa entered private practice with the firm. His first noteworthy criminal case involved the successful defense of an ex-state trooper charged with murder. Since then, he has been represented clients charged with white-collar offenses, property crimes, violent crimes, drug offenses, and sex offenses. He has handled many high-profile cases in both state and federal court. He is a member of a select list of criminal lawyers in the Legal Protection Plan for police officers.

Mr. Pappa's experience in criminal defense also extends to juvenile matters with the specialized knowledge needed to understand and deal with the nuances of the juvenile justice system.

Over the years, Mr. Pappa's trial experience has provided him with the basis to successfully represent clients in personal injury and sexual harassment cases. His personal injury verdicts include million-dollar plus award in a motorcycle accident case.

Mr. Pappa also has an active municipal court practice locally and throughout the state defending clients charged with DWI, driving offenses, assaults, drug offenses and domestic violence.