William L'E. Wertheimer, ADR Attorney in Cranford, New Jersey

Mr. Wertheimer came to Dughi, Hewit & Domalewski in 2012 after serving into his 28th year as a superior court judge and reaching mandatory retirement.

He heads the firm’s alternative-dispute resolution/mediation department, where he has served as a mediator in matters related to class actions, patient-insurance coverage, legal and medical malpractice, contracts, personal injury, patent, and employment. In addition, Mr. Wertheimer is often appointed as a special master, monitor, and special fiscal agent as well as an arbitrator in a variety of other disputes. He has also taught trial techniques, tactics, and skills in CLE-related courses for both judges and attorneys.

At the time of his retirement, Mr. Wertheimer had been the senior judge in Union County and the third most senior judge in New Jersey. During his tenure in Superior Court, he served as the presiding judge of both the Civil and Criminal Divisions as well as on the Appellate Division. He gained a reputation for his keenly insightful approach and his ability to develop realistic resolutions to highly complex matters as well as for his sense of humor. As a judge and (prior to his time on the bench) as a trial attorney, Mr. Wertheimer demonstrated expertise in matters of professional negligence, products liability, construction, insurance coverage, toxic tort, and severe personal injury.

Prior to entering the legal profession, Mr. Wertheimer was commissioned as a lieutenant in the United States Army in 1964, and upon his graduation from law school, he served on active duty from 1967 to 1969. After his initial assignment in Europe, Mr. Wertheimer was detailed as chief trial counsel at Courts and Boards at Fort Dix, where he tried over 1,000 cases.

Upon discharge, Mr. Wertheimer joined Lum, Biunno & Tompkins, where he rose to partner in 1976. In 1984, at the suggestion of an Assignment Judge, Mr. Wertheimer came onto the bench, where he enjoyed a very successful career. An active contributor to the legal community, Mr. Wertheimer has been a member of the following organizations:

• American Arbitration Association

• National Association of Railroad Trial Counsel

• Essex Bar Association

• New Jersey Bar Association

• American Bar Association

In addition, he is a fellow of the International Society of Barristers, a life fellow of the American Bar Foundation, and a sustaining member of the Union County Bar Association. He was also a charter member and master of the Richard J. Hughes American Inn of Court. Mr. Wertheimer has been admitted to the practice of law in New Jersey and New York as well as the United States District Court and the Third Circuit Court of Appeals.

From “The Sidebar” of the Union County Bar Association by Hon. Thomas J. Walsh, J.S.C.: A Tribute to Judge Wertheimer