Firm News
Hartman Duff, LLC
June, 2024
Significant Six-Figure Verdict for Victim of Sexual Assault
Hartman Duff, LLC, is pleased to announce that Of Counsel, Larry E. Popp, Esq., and Partner, Brian J. Duff, Esq., were able to secure a victory at trial in Somerset County, on June 12, 2024. The trial started on June 3, 2024. Our attorneys obtained a significant six-figure verdict for our client who was a victim of a sexual assault. The Honorable John E. Bruder presided over the case.
Our client was a server at a country club. The defendant is a long-time member at the club. Our client was sexually assaulted by the defendant at his home after leaving the club on Labor Day 2017. At trial, our attorneys successfully proved that the defendant sexually assaulted her. They also proved that the sexual assault caused her to suffer post-traumatic stress disorder, for which she has continued to receive treatment through the present. The jury rejected the testimony of defendant, who testified that he has no recollection of the events of the evening and that our client was lying.
Co-Managing Partner, Brian J. Duff, said, “The jury sent a message that ‘No’ always means ‘No’, and no amount of wealth would exonerate the defendant from failing to respect our client’s decision. Hartman Duff, LLC extends its sincere appreciation to the jury for its service, to the Court and its staff for its professionalism, and to the witnesses who gave of their time to testify at the trial. Our client has struggled with the aftereffects of this sexual assault for nearly seven years. While no sum of money can undo the harm visited upon her, it is our sincere hope that the jury’s finding that a sexual assault occurred was therapeutic for our client, and that it aids her healing process.”
Hartman Duff, LLC’s personal injury attorneys represent many people who are the victims of sexual assault and seek justice for them. If you, a family member or friend has been the victim of a sexual assault, contact us to learn your rights.
December 1, 2023
Hartman Duff, LLC: A New Name, Same Trusted Legal Expertise
Kalavruzos, Mumola, Hartman, Lento & Duff, LLC (KMHL&D), a New Jersey law firm known for its exceptional legal services, is excited to announce its rebranding to Hartman Duff, LLC. This change reflects our commitment to streamlining our identity while maintaining the same team of experienced lawyers, and our long-standing tradition of excellence in providing legal counsel.
New Name, Same Commitment
With the introduction of our new name, Hartman Duff, LLC, we assure our clients and partners that our core values and our team of dedicated legal professionals remain unchanged. Our commitment to providing top-notch legal solutions is as strong as ever.
New Location for Hamilton Office
In line with our rebranding, we are also thrilled to announce the relocation of our Hamilton office to a state-of-the-art facility, which enhances our ability to serve our clients. Our new Hamilton address is:
3500 Quakerbridge Road, Suite 202,
Hamilton, New Jersey, 08619.
This new location facilitates better client interactions and provides a more conducive environment for our legal team to deliver outstanding services.
Toms River Office Continues to Serve
Our Toms River office remains at its current location, ready to assist clients with their legal needs:
29 Hadley Avenue,
Toms River, New Jersey 08753.
We are proud to continue our work at this established location, offering our clients in the Toms River area the same quality of service they have come to expect from us.
About Hartman Duff, LLC
Hartman Duff, LLC is dedicated to upholding the highest standards in legal practice, offering a wide range of legal services with a focus on client satisfaction. Our team of experienced attorneys is committed to delivering personalized and effective legal solutions.
March, 2023
William R. Burns Facilitates Transfer of Command and Control Back to the Borough of Lavallette Chief of Police
Hartman Duff, LLC client the Borough of Lavallette resolved a major dispute over “full command and control” of its police department thanks in part to the efforts of Hartman Duff, LLC attorney William R. Burns. Serving as the borough attorney for Lavallette, Burns played a crucial role in facilitating the transfer of command and control back to the Chief of Police. “Christian LaCicero, a Lavallette police officer and sergeant for 17 years, was duly appointed as police chief and is ready to lead his department now and into the future,” said Burns. The Borough of Lavallette is happy that his matter was resolved without the need for continued litigation. “The brave men and women of the Lavallette Police Department and the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office look forward to collaborating and working together to ensure the safety of our collective communities.”
At issue was the temporary full command and control of the Lavallette Police Department by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office following the retirement of the previous Chief of Police, Colin Grant in May of 2022. On March 24, 2023, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that control of the Lavallette Police Department is being returned to its current Chief of Police, Christian LaCicero, effectively immediately. Prosecutor Billhimer expressed optimism in Chief LaCicero’s ability to lead the department effectively and commended the officers for their commitment to meeting high standards.
A full news release on this transition from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s office can be read here.
October, 2021
Welcome New Attorneys!
Hartman Duff, LLC is pleased to announce that a new attorney has joined our team: Joseph W. Eustace, Esq. joined the Firm in an Of Counsel capacity. Joe is excited to continue his municipal court, criminal law, and estate planning practice at the Firm.
Community Events
The attorneys and staff of the Firm were the Ride Share Sponsor at the Central Jersey Beerfest on October 9, 2021, where they provided educational information on New Jersey’s driving under the influence law, and provided numerous free Uber gift cards for attendees.
Notable Case Results
Partner, Brian J. Duff, secured a settlement of $785,000.00 for a client who slipped and fell on spilled liquid that accumulated on the floor of a national casual dining chain restaurant that required multiple hip surgeries.
Partner, Brian J. Duff, secured a settlement of $362,500.00 for a client who fell on deteriorated asphalt in the parking lot of a national big box store that required a neck surgery.
April, 2021
Brian J. Duff Participates in the First Personal Injury Trial via Zoom in Mercer County, NJ
Partner, Brian J. Duff, of the Firm’s Personal Injury Department was excited to be selected to participate in the first personal injury trial via Zoom in Mercer County during April 2021. The trial was conducted remotely, with even the jurors participating from their homes/offices. After acclimating to the various technologies required to broadcast from the Firm’s conference room, Brian was happy to be able to advocate on his client’s behalf after the courts were closed for trials throughout all of COVID.