SPRINGFIELD, N.J. (May 31, 2007) - Javerbaum Wurgaft is pleased to announce that workers' compensation attorney Dennis Baptista has been appointed to a three-year term as a judge in the Phillipsburg municipal court. He replaces Judge Robert Ellwood who is retiring after holding the position since 1990. Baptista will continue to remain an active attorney with the Javerbaum Wurgaft firm.

"We are all delighted with this appointment. Dennis is one of New Jersey's foremost petitioner's workers' compensation attorneys and has a well-deserved reputation among the compensation bar for being a respected practitioner of great integrity," said founding partner, Ken Javerbaum. "The Phillipsburg community will benefit from his appointment and he will bring distinction to the Municipal Bench."

Baptista is a long-time resident of Phillipsburg, NJ, and has served on the Board of Commissioners of the Phillipsburg Housing Authority since 1998. He began his career with Javerbaum Wurgaft in 1985 as an Associate handling primarily workers' compensation litigation. From 1987 to 2003, he practiced in Elizabeth, NJ, with Franz & Baptista, PC, where he developed a statewide, high-volume workers' compensation litigation practice. Baptista has successfully litigated numerous complicated workers' compensation cases, and obtained an Appellate Division decision in Medical Diagnostic Associates vs. Hawryluk that prevents medical providers from suing injured workers for the payment of medical bills while their workers' compensation claim is litigated. He rejoined the Javerbaum firm in 2003.

Baptista received his B.A. from Rutgers - Newark College of Arts & Sciences in 1982 and his JD from Rutgers - Newark Law School in 1985, and is a member of the New Jersey Bar. He is also a member of the Association of Trial Lawyers of America (ATLA).

Javerbaum Wurgaft Hicks Kahn Wikstrom & Sinins

Founded more than 25 years ago, Javerbaum Wurgaft (www.javerbaumwurgaft.com) is based in Springfield, NJ, with offices in Newark, Harrison and Freehold, and focuses its practice to civil trial law. In 2007, Javerbaum Wurgaft merged with Sinins & Bross extending its capabilities in Union and Essex counties. Its lawyers have distinguished themselves as leaders in the practice of law, and the firm has received the coveted distinction of being listed in Preeminent Lawyers in the United States. Representing victims in personal injury, workers' compensation, employment litigation, criminal defense and civil litigation, Javerbaum Wurgaft enjoys an excellent rate of success in jury verdicts and settlements. Its principals are members of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, and the firm is active in shaping progressive development and advances in personal injury law through its arguments and appearances at the highest level of the New Jersey Court system.  Five members of the firm were named New Jersey Super Lawyers® by Law & Politics and Kenneth S. Javerbaum was named as one of the top 10 Super Lawyers in New Jersey in 2005. Javerbaum was also named a Best Lawyer in America in 2007 and named to the Union County Voice "People of the Year" list. Also in 2007, four members of the firm were named to Lawdragon's "3000 Leading Plaintiffs' Lawyers in America" ranking.

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