I have proudly counseled New Jersey residents for the past 38 years.  Before founding James H. Cleary, P.A. in 1978, I clerked for Judges Huot, Lester and Smith and was an associate in a boutique law firm in New Jersey.  Every case, large or small, I am dedicated to providing my clients with quality service. On multiple occasions, I have fought for my clients’ rights all the way up to the Supreme Court of New Jersey.

I have served the community of Rutherford since moving there over 30 years ago.  I was a firefighter with Rutherford’s Volunteer Firefighter Truck 1, President of the Rutherford Red Cross Chapter and was elected Rutherford’s councilman for two terms. For three years, I was Rutherford’s Municipal Court Judge. I am currently on the board of directors for the Kip Center, active in Rutherford’s Knights of Columbus Chapter and Rutherford’s Lion’s Club where I served as President.

I am a lifelong resident of New Jersey. My wife and I have raised 4 wonderful children, and have 7 grandchildren. My daughter, Patricia, has recently joined my law firm. In my spare time, you can find me with my family being chased by my grandchildren.