5.21.2014
Wilentz, Goldman & Spitzer, P.A. is proud to celebrate its 95th anniversary in 2014. The New Jersey law firm is one of the state’s largest with over 100 attorneys and offices in Woodbridge, Philadelphia and New York City. To commemorate the anniversary, employees, clients and alumni celebrated at the firm’s Woodbridge headquarters on the evening of Tuesday, May 20, 2014.
Founded in 1919 by David T. Wilentz, the firm’s first offices were located above a Perth Amboy haberdashery. The son of Lithuanian immigrants, Wilentz worked for a local New Jersey newspaper while commuting in the evenings to Manhattan to attend law school. He joined the army during World War I as a private and was promoted to lieutenant. After the war, Wilentz established his law practice and became involved in New Jersey politics, eventually serving as Attorney General of New Jersey for ten years. In 1935, early in his tenure as Attorney General, he prosecuted Bruno Richard Hauptmann for the kidnapping and murder of Charles Lindbergh’s infant son.
“David Wilentz’s commitment to service and to the law had a profound and lasting influence on the community,” said John Hoffman, Shareholder. Both of Wilentz’ sons were servicemen who also pursued legal careers. Warren Wilentz earned two Purple Hearts, the Victory Medal and the Good Conduct Medal for distinguished military service in World War II. He joined his father’s firm in 1949 and later served as Middlesex County Prosecutor, County Counsel, and ran for U.S. Senate. Robert Wilentz, a navy veteran, joined the firm in 1952 and served as Chief Justice of the New Jersey Supreme Court for nearly two decades.
From its founding, the firm has represented both defendants and plaintiffs. “David Wilentz’s core mission was to work tirelessly to serve clients and the law. He saw no need to choose sides,” said Lisa Gorab, Shareholder. Firm alumni include four justices of the New Jersey Supreme Court, Superior Court judges, bar association presidents, prosecutors, and policy makers.
“We continue to pride ourselves on putting our clients and the law first,” said Managing Partner Brian J. Molloy. “This unwavering commitment to our mission has allowed the firm to grow and thrive for ninety-five years. It is a tremendous accomplishment.”