About Wells, Jaworski & Liebman, LLP, Attorneys at Law
Wells Law is a sophisticated New Jersey commercial law firm with substantial expertise in the areas of land use, litigation, real estate, business, corporate & commercial law, and tax, trusts & estate planning. ``Our attorneys enjoy strong working relationships with our clients. We are particularly proud of our problem-solving ability and unflappable approach to any challenge.`` - Tom Wells
About Us
The law firm of Wells, Jaworski & Liebman, LLP was initially established in 1986 as a solo practice by Thomas M. Wells, who now serves as of-counsel to the firm. Stuart D. Liebman, is managing partner and also serves as administrative partner along with Mark S. Balian. Administrative partners are active in firm management and operations.
Partners Stuart D. Liebman, joined the firm in 1990, Jim Jaworski joined the firm in 1987, Jim Delia in 1993, Andy Kohut in 2006, and Mark S. Balian, joined the practice in 2013.
While we have become known for our in-depth experience in New Jersey land use and zoning, we have also developed an excellent reputation for our other areas of practice, all of which have been active since 1986: real estate; business & corporate law; litigation; and tax, trusts and estate planning.
About Our Clients
Our client list is a virtual Who’s Who of well-known names in New Jersey and New York. We process most of the biggest land use and zoning applications in Northern New Jersey. Businesses organizations of all sizes (although not companies that are publicly traded) non-profits, and private individuals approach us for legal assistance.
Our financial clients roster speaks volumes about our trustworthiness and diligence:
- Hudson City Savings Bank (prior to M&T Bank merger)
- TD Bank
- Valley Bank
We also represent local government entities:
- Glen Rock Zoning Board of Adjustment & Planning Board
- Hawthorne Board of Adjustment
We have long-term associations with a number of significant New Jersey non-profit organizations including:
- ArtsPower, Verona, NJ
- Beachview Dreams Foundation, Ocean City, NJ
- Camp Acorn Inc, Mahwah, NJ
- Children’s Aid & Family Services, Paramus, NJ
- Fritz Behnke Historical Musuem, Paramus NJ
- Life Opportunities, Ridgewood, NJ
- Ridgewood Library Foundation, Ridgewood, NJ
- Salamone Family Foundation, Bonita Springs, FL
- YMCA of Ridgewood, New Jersey, Ridgewood, NJ
For over twenty-one years Tom Wells and his associates at Wells, Jaworski & Liebman have represented our agency on a host of matters. Their responsiveness, caring and breadth of expertise is first rate as is their grasp of the unique dynamics of the non-profit sector. Whether the issue is estate and trusts, real estate matters, employment or general liability their guidance and counsel have been rock solid. The peace-of-mind provided by having a quality firm upon which to rely is priceless. That we are a non-profit and a relatively modest client and we have the level of service we receive is extraordinary and speaks volumes to this firm's commitment to the community and our sector. I am grateful to Tom and all the staff at WJ&L for their many years of counsel, their generous support of vulnerable children and families as donors, as partners in building a stronger community and also as friends.
- Roberts Jones, PH.D., Former President and CEO of Children's Aid and Family Services, a $17 Million Dollar not-for-profit operation with 250 employees and 800 volunteers serving Bergen, Passaic, Essex, Hudson and Morris Counties with headquarters in Paramus, New Jersey
Our Philosophy
The attorneys at Wells, Jaworski & Liebman, LLP have a broad range of interests and substantial involvement in civic and non-profit matters in their communities, and Tom Wells, Jim Jaworski, and Stuart Liebman are all active Rotarians. The Rotarian’s “4 way test” is illustrative of the partners’ philosophy towards business and life:
In addition, Tom Wells has substantial expertise in forming new non-profits, and in particular, foundations. He has, on many occasions, donated his services and the firm covered the costs of setting up a new 501(c)(3) and remained on the board in the organization’s initial year.
Tom Wells has set up a foundation of his own with the help and support of friends and clients. It is called the Wells Mountain Foundation and it provides support in developing nations in the areas of literacy, the arts and community building. WMF currently has projects in five countries and scholarship students in more than 30 countries including Ghana, Senegal, Uganda, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Macedonia, and Haiti.