Riker Danzig Scherer Hyland & Perretti of Morristown brought on Wendi Opper Uzar as counsel in the intellectual property group. She is an experienced intellectual property attorney, covering prosecution, licensing and litigation of patents, trademarks, copyrights and trade secrets, the firm said, noting that she has handled numerous litigations before the federal courts, and opposition and cancellation proceedings before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Uzar is registered to practice before the PTO. Uzar previously was an associate at Gottlieb, Rackman & Reisman in New York. She received her J.D. in 2005 from Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, where she was patent chair of the Intellectual Property Society. She received her B.S. in mechanical engineering from Washington University in Saint Louis in 2002.

Wojcik Named New CEO of  Legal Services of Northwest Jersey

Wojcik Named New CEO of Legal Services of Northwest Jersey Michael L. Wojcik

The board of trustees of Legal Services of Northwest Jersey announced the appointment of Michael L. Wojcik as CEO. Wojcik previously was a partner at the Sussex County law firm Hollander, Strelzik, Pasculli, Hinkes, Wojcik, Gacquin, Vandenberg & Hontz. He worked at Essex-Newark Legal Services for 17 years before joining LSNWJ as a senior attorney from 2006-2013. Wojcik succeeds Diane K. Smith, the association’s executive director since the merger of four legacy programs in 2003. Wojcik was chosen after a national search conducted by a team of LSNWJ board and staff members with assistance from Management Information Exchange, according to a release. “I’m excited to rejoin LSNWJ to once again be part of a dedicated group of attorneys and staff who together provide high-quality, effective legal assistance to those who cannot afford an attorney,” said Wojcik in a statement. LSNWJ provides free legal services in civil matters affecting essential needs for people of limited economic means in the five counties of northwestern New Jersey. Smith will continue with the organization during the leadership transition in an of counsel role. Board President Diane S. Margolin said in a statement, “LSNWJ’s good reputation in the community for helping those who are financially disadvantaged with their legal needs is due to the strong leadership of Diane Smith and the hard work of the attorneys, staff, and volunteers of LSNWJ. The Board has full confidence in Mr. Wojcik’s ability to continue and enhance the good work of LSNWJ.”

Porzio Bromberg Promotes Curtin

Porzio, Bromberg & Newman Promotes Curtin to Principal Kelly D. Curtin