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The Lawyer With The Bowtie: 7 Shocking Facts About Brian Neary, NJ's New White-Collar Defense Powerhouse

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The legal landscape in New Jersey was dramatically reshaped in late July 2025 with the announcement that Brian J. Neary, one of the state's most revered and recognizable criminal defense attorneys, joined the prestigious firm of Connell Foley LLP. This pivotal move, effective August 1, 2025, sees the legendary "lawyer with the bowtie" stepping into a major new role, significantly bolstering Connell Foley's presence in Bergen County and its high-stakes White-Collar Criminal Defense and Investigations practice.

For decades, Brian Neary has been the "go-to" attorney for clients facing everything from complex white-collar indictments to critical DWI charges, establishing a reputation for tireless advocacy and an unparalleled mastery of trial strategy. His transition from Neary Law LLC to a leadership position at Connell Foley is not just a career milestone; it marks the consolidation of nearly 50 years of elite criminal defense experience into one of New Jersey's most formidable legal teams.

Brian J. Neary: A Complete Professional and Personal Profile

Brian J. Neary is a name synonymous with elite criminal defense in the New York metropolitan area, known for his distinctive style and profound legal acumen. His career has been marked by a dedication to rigorous defense and a commitment to legal education.

  • Full Name: Brian J. Neary
  • Nickname: "The Lawyer with the Bowtie"
  • Current Firm: Connell Foley LLP (Joined August 2025)
  • Current Role: Partner in the Commercial Litigation Practice Group and Co-Chair of the White Collar Criminal Defense and Investigations Group.
  • Former Firm: Neary Law LLC
  • Primary Location: Hackensack, New Jersey (Bergen County)
  • Areas of Specialization: Criminal Defense, DWI/DUI, White-Collar Crimes, Appellate Law.
  • Professional Certifications: Certified Criminal Trial Lawyer.
  • Education: University of Notre Dame (B.A., '73)
  • Notable Affiliations: Founding member of the National College for DUI Defense (NCDD).
  • Recognition: Listed in *New Jersey Super Lawyers* for multiple years (2005 – 2024).
  • Personal Life: Married to actress Lisa Brown for 25 years; they have three sons and one daughter.
  • Academic Role: Has taught a class in trial advocacy for over 37 years.

The 2025 Power Move: Neary Joins Connell Foley and Expands White-Collar Defense

The most significant and recent development in Brian Neary’s career is his highly publicized transition to Connell Foley LLP. This is not a simple lateral move; it is a strategic acquisition that immediately positions the firm as a major player in the high-stakes world of white-collar criminal defense across New Jersey and New York.

Neary’s role as Co-Chair of the White Collar Criminal Defense and Investigations Group is a testament to his expertise in handling complex financial crimes, public corruption, and regulatory matters. This practice area is increasingly critical as federal and state investigations intensify, making his nearly 50 years of experience invaluable to corporate executives, public officials, and other high-profile individuals under scrutiny.

The move also solidifies Connell Foley’s physical footprint in Northern New Jersey, with Neary and his team continuing to operate an office in Hackensack. This expansion into Bergen County allows the firm to better serve clients in one of the state's most active commercial and legal regions.

Why This Merger Matters for NJ Law:

  • Enhanced Expertise: Neary brings unmatched trial experience in both state and federal courts, particularly in complex jury trials.
  • Topical Authority: His reputation and network instantly elevate Connell Foley's standing in criminal defense and commercial litigation.
  • Regional Expansion: The Hackensack office provides a strategic hub for the firm’s growing practice in Bergen County and the greater New York metropolitan area.

Unraveling Neary’s Distinctive Defense Strategies and Expertise

Brian Neary’s success is built on a foundation of meticulous preparation, strategic thinking, and a commanding courtroom presence. While his signature bowtie makes him instantly recognizable, it is his legal prowess that truly defines him.

The Master of DWI/DUI Defense

Despite his work on high-profile white-collar cases, Neary remains one of the nation's foremost authorities on Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) and Driving Under the Influence (DUI) defense. His status as a founding member of the National College for DUI Defense (NCDD) speaks volumes about his expertise in challenging breathalyzer results, field sobriety tests, and procedural errors in municipal court cases. A DWI conviction in New Jersey carries severe penalties, and Neary’s deep understanding of the scientific and legal nuances of these cases has saved countless clients from devastating consequences.

White-Collar and High-Profile Criminal Defense

Neary’s practice extends far beyond traffic and municipal offenses. He is a certified criminal trial lawyer who has handled a wide spectrum of serious charges, including fraud, embezzlement, public corruption, and other complex white-collar crimes. His experience includes representing high-profile individuals and celebrities, where discretion and strategic media management are as crucial as courtroom advocacy.

In one notable instance involving a statewide corruption investigation, Neary’s defense strategy focused on undermining the credibility of a key cooperating witness. This approach—meticulously dissecting the informant’s background, motivations, and inconsistencies—is a hallmark of his aggressive and often successful trial tactics. This commitment to challenging the prosecution's narrative, no matter how daunting the odds, is why he is consistently ranked among the state's top criminal defense lawyers.

Brian Neary’s Enduring Impact as an Educator and Bar Leader

Brian Neary's contribution to the legal community extends beyond his client work. For over 37 years, he has taught trial advocacy, shaping the next generation of litigators with practical, real-world skills. This dual role as a practicing attorney and a dedicated educator ensures that his defense strategies are not only battle-tested but also grounded in the latest legal scholarship and procedural rules.

Furthermore, his involvement as a dedicated bar leader and legal commentator highlights his commitment to the integrity of the justice system. He is frequently sought out by media outlets for his insightful analysis on current legal issues, providing a voice of authority on matters of criminal procedure and constitutional rights. His legacy is one of unwavering professionalism, whether he is arguing a complex appellate case or advising a client on a municipal court matter.

The addition of the "lawyer with the bowtie" to Connell Foley LLP in 2025 is a clear signal that the firm is serious about dominating the New Jersey criminal defense market, particularly in the high-stakes arena of White-Collar Investigations. For anyone in New Jersey seeking a certified criminal trial lawyer with a proven track record, Brian Neary remains the benchmark for elite legal representation.

brian neary attorney nj
brian neary attorney nj

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