James A. Abate Esq. - Watchung, NJ
Attorney at Aiello Harris Abate Law Group, PC
Criminal Defense Lawyers in Watchung, NJ
501 Watchung Avenue Watchung, NJ 07069
- Free Consultation
- 1 Super Lawyers®
-
26
Years
Experience
Watchung Criminal Defense Lawyer
Updated: 03/10/2026
Areas of Practice
- Criminal Defense
- DUI
- Municipal Court
Attorney Information
Overview
Founding partner James A. Abate, Esq. chose to focus on criminal defense, DUI defense, and municipal court cases because, "Many people arrested for crimes have no previous experience with the law. They come from all walks of life, all ages, all professions, and are all genders. They need two things: They need to be educated, and they need a strong advocate." Mr. Abate's compassion for his clients is the driving force behind the firm. "Most importantly, what a client needs from me is knowing that everything is going to be okay. Bad decisions should not haunt you for the rest of your life." He supports his clients by giving them the information that they need to make hard decisions.
Mr. Abate says, "When you hire this firm, you get not just me, but an entire legal team dedicated to fighting for the best possible outcome in your case based on the facts and circumstances specific to your situation. Each member of our staff provides vital support for reaching successful resolutions."
He enjoys his Stanley Tucci-esq glasses and loves his sweet office puppy, Molly.
Awards and Honors
Honors
- Selected to Super Lawyers: 2020 - 2022
Other Sources of Feedback About James A. Abate Esq.
Included on the 2026 New Jersey Super Lawyers list
Past Lists
- 2025 New Jersey Super Lawyers list
- 2024 New Jersey Super Lawyers list
- 2023 New Jersey Super Lawyers list
- 2022 New Jersey Super Lawyers list
- 2021 New Jersey Super Lawyers list
- 2020 New Jersey Super Lawyers list
Education
-
Legal Education
-
Brooklyn Law School,
Brooklyn,
New York, 1999
J.D.
Honors: cum laude
Honors: Markhoff Scholar
Honors: Trial Team, Semifinalist, 1998
Honors: Dean's List
Honors: Cornelius T. Wickersham Award
-
Brooklyn Law School,
Brooklyn,
New York, 1999
-
Non Legal Education
-
Brooklyn College,
Brooklyn,
New York, 1996
B.F.A.
Honors: cum laude
Honors: With Honors
-
Brooklyn College,
Brooklyn,
New York, 1996
Current Employment Position(s)
-
Partner
Past Positions
- Eastern District of New York at the United States Attorney's Office, Law Intern
- United States District Judge David G. Trager
Bar Admissions
- New York
- New Jersey
- U.S. District Court Eastern District of New York
- U.S. District Court Northern District of New York
- U.S. District Court Southern District of New York
- U.S. District Court District of New Jersey
- U.S. Court of Appeals 2nd Circuit
- U.S. Court of Appeals 3rd Circuit
Specialties and Certifications
- Certified in the administration of the NHTSA Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs)
- Certified in the administration of the NHTSA Drug Recognition Evaluations (DRE)
Other Affiliations
- Somerset County Bar Association
- Union County Bar Association
- New Jersey Bar Association
- Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers of New Jersey
- New York Bar Association
- National Association of Subrogation Professionals
- American Trial Lawyers Association
- American Bar Association, Tort, Insurance, Business, Litigation and Property Section
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