Michael L. Rich

Principal

Overview

Michael L. Rich represents clients in business and commercial disputes and litigation, with particular expertise handling Chancery litigation disputes. His practice includes shareholder and LLC member oppression actions and other shareholder and partnership break-ups, director and officer liability claims, restrictive covenant litigation, trade secret misappropriation, unfair competition, employment law/litigation, trust and estate litigation, and other contractual/business tort disputes. He also formerly chaired the firm's Real Estate practice group, and continues to handle real estate litigation, construction disputes, and commercial foreclosures and workouts. 

Michael has successfully litigated matters before federal and state courts (both trial and appellate), arbitration panels, and administrative tribunals. Clients, large and small, turn to him for his unique combination of experience, problem-solving abilities, thorough preparation, and deep commitment to serving his clients' interests.

Michael also has served with distinction as a mediator and arbitrator in corporate/commercial, employment and probate litigation matters, and is listed on the roster of Mediators for New Jersey's Statewide Mediation Program for Civil, General Equity, and Probate cases.

In addition, Michael presently serves as the firm's General Counsel.

Recognition

No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court of New Jersey. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. 

  • Recognized in Best Lawyers in America, Commercial Litigation (2010 - 2024), Litigation - Labor & Employment (2012 - 2023), Litigation - Real Estate (2012 - 2024).
    A description of the selection process can be found here.
  • Recognized in Who's Who Legal Litigation, 2020.
    A description of the selection process can be found here.
  • New Jersey Super Lawyers® (since 2005)
    • Top 100 (2018)

      A description of the selection process can be found here.
  • Recognized as a Marquis Who's Who Lifetime Award Winner, 2017; and Marquis Who's Who in American Law.
  • Recognized in National Register's Who's Who in Executives and Professionals.
  • 2021 Top Rated Lawyer by Martindale Hubbell; Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating, its highest rating.
    A description of the selection process can be found here.

Memberships

  • Morris County Bar Association, Trustee, 2005–2009; Chancery Practice Committee, Member 2001 - present, Chair 2003-2015.

  • New Jersey State Bar Association, Equity Jurisprudence Special Committee (appointed member); Civil Trial Bar Section; Labor & Employment Section.
  • American Bar Association
  • Morristown Field Club, Trustee, July 2020 – present.
  • Morris Educational Foundation, Trustee, 2012 - 2016.
  • Employment Horizons, Trustee, 2000–2008.
  • New Jersey Housing Authority, Commissioner, Morris County, 1991–1997 (Gubernatorial Appointment).

Speaking Engagements

  • "Cross-Examination and Redirect – Focus on Experts and Evidence", NBI Advanced Trial Tactics Seminar, 12/19/2018
  • "Voir Dire and Jury Selection Strategies" and "Cross-Examination and Redirect – Focus on Experts and Evidence", NBI Advanced Trial Tactics Seminar, 12/20/2016
  • "Top 5 in Business Torts," New Jersey Association of Justice Boardwalk Seminar® 2015, 4/30/2015
  • "Business Valuation Roundtable: The Business Divorce," New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants , 4/21/2015
  • "Business Divorce – The Issues, The Drama, The Tax" , November 17-18, 2014 and August 6, 2014
  • Moderator, "Small Business Breakups – Avoiding a Repeat of the French Revolution," NJSBA Mid-Year Meeting, Paris, France, 11/03/2014

​​​​​

Prior Relevant Experience

  • Dillon, Bitar & Luther, L.L.C., Morristown, New Jersey: Partner (1990-2006), Associate (1984-1989)