People › Thomas J. Reilly

Thomas J. Reilly

Counsel

Parsippany, NJ
(973) 889-4283
TJReilly@pbnlaw.com
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Overview

Tom Reilly helps employers, educational institutions, public entities, and nonprofit organizations navigate the legal and operational challenges that arise at the intersection of employment, labor, education, and public-sector law. Working closely with human resources professionals, in-house counsel, executives, school administrators, and governing bodies, he helps clients ranging from small businesses to Fortune 500 companies manage complex disputes, regulatory obligations, and day-to-day workplace issues while advancing their organizational objectives.

Tom counsels public- and private-sector clients on a broad range of labor and employment matters, including employee discipline and termination, disability accommodations, discrimination and harassment claims, leave and attendance management, wage and hour compliance, workplace investigations, restrictive covenants, employment agreements, and compliance with federal and state employment laws. He is known for providing practical, business-focused guidance that helps organizations assess risk, address challenges proactively, and make informed decisions in rapidly evolving legal environments.

A seasoned litigator and appellate advocate, Tom represents clients in state and federal courts, administrative proceedings, arbitrations, and appeals throughout New Jersey. He has successfully argued matters before the New Jersey Appellate Division, handled complex statutory and commercial disputes, and briefed numerous cases before both the Appellate Division and the New Jersey Supreme Court. His litigation and appellate experience spans employment disputes, public-sector labor matters, education law, tax controversies, complex statutory interpretation, and issues involving significant public policy considerations.

Tom has particular depth in education law and regularly represents school districts, educational institutions, and public entities in litigation, administrative proceedings, and day-to-day counseling matters. He appears before the Public Employment Relations Commission (PERC), the Office of Administrative Law, and the New Jersey Commissioner of Education, handling collective bargaining disputes, grievance and disciplinary matters, tenure-related issues, personnel matters, and the interpretation of New Jersey education statutes and regulations. He also advises boards of education and public entities on governance and compliance issues arising under the Open Public Meetings Act (OPMA) and Open Public Records Act (OPRA).

Leveraging both his litigation experience and Porzio's multidisciplinary resources, Tom helps clients evaluate not only the legal implications of a dispute, but also the broader regulatory, operational, and public policy considerations that may affect their organizations. He frequently works with educational institutions, trade associations, membership organizations, and public-sector clients on matters involving evolving laws, regulations, and industry developments, providing strategic guidance that accounts for both immediate legal needs and long-term organizational objectives.

Tom's clients include hospitals and healthcare organizations, energy companies, educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, public entities, and employers across a wide range of industries. Drawing on years of counseling, litigation, and appellate experience, he helps clients navigate the statutory and regulatory frameworks that shape today's workplace and public institutions, including the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), the New Jersey Family Leave Act (NJFLA), the New Jersey Earned Sick Leave Law, OPMA, OPRA, and other federal and state employment, labor, and education laws. 

In addition to his litigation and appellate practice, Tom is deeply committed to mentorship and legal education. He teaches Appellate Advocacy at Seton Hall University School of Law, helping law students develop the research, writing, and oral argument skills required to succeed before appellate courts. His experience teaching future advocates complements his own extensive appellate practice and reflects his dedication to developing thoughtful, effective legal strategies on behalf of clients.

Recognition

No aspect of this or any advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court of New Jersey. For ranking methodologies, please see here. 

  • Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America – Appellate Practice (2026); Labor and Employment – Management (2026); Litigation - Labor and Employment (2026)

Memberships

  • New Jersey State Bar Association - Member
  • Friends of South Amboy - Member

News

No aspect of this or any advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court of New Jersey. For ranking methodologies, please see here. 

Articles

Speaking Engagements

  • "All the Small Things (Your Handbook Needs): A Pop Punk Guide to Employment Policy Updates for 2025," 17th Annual Porzio Employment Law Forum, 10/07/2025
  • "Employment of Adults Under Guardianships: Legal Issues and Practical Tips," 42nd Annual Autism Conference, 10/25/2024
  • "WPBN Legal Update," 16th Annual Porzio Employment Law Forum, 10/01/2024
  • "Discipline & Termination While on Leave: End of (Vacation) Days," Presenter, Porzio Employment Law Forum, Morristown, NJ, 10/04/2023
  • "Recruitment and Retention: Lawful Methods and Potential Pitfalls Employers Should Know," Porzio Employment Law Forum, 11/02/2022
  • "Examining the Importance of Leave Laws in the Final Months of FFCRA and Beyond," Porzio Employment Law Forum, 10/20/2020
  • "The Old School and the New - Considerations for School Re-Opening," Porzio Webinar, 7/07/2020
  • "Ethical Issues Attorneys Face in Representing Cannabis Businesses," NBI's Marijuana Business Law in NJ, Princeton, NJ, 12/05/2019
  • "Ethical Issues Attorneys Face in Representing Cannabis Businesses," NBI's Marijuana Business Law in NJ, Newark, NJ, 12/04/2019
  • "Roundtable Discussion: The Opioid Crisis and Its Impact on the Workplace," Porzio Employment Law Forum, 10/03/2019

Media Mentions

Relevant Experience

Relevant Industry and Governmental Experience

  • Seton Hall University School of Law - Professor, Appellate Advocacy (Fall 2024-Present)

Opinions, Decisions and Cases

  • State v. Miles, __ N.J. __ (2026) (A-41-24)
  • Kratovil v. City of New Brunswick, 261 N.J. 1 (2025) 
  • I/M/O the Verified Petition for the Proposed Creation of a PK-12 All-Purpose Regional School District by the Borough of Sea Bright, et al., 262 N.J. 318 (2025)
  • American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey v. County Prosecutors Association of New Jersey, 257 N.J. 87 (2024)
  • State v. Olenowski, 255 N.J. 529 (2023)
  • Conforti v. County of Ocean, 255 N.J. 142 (2023)
  • Mack-Cali Realty Corp. v. State, et al., 250 N.J. 550 (2022)
  • In re Attorney General Law Enforcement Directive Nos. 2020-5 and 2020-6, 246 N.J. 462 (2021)
  • In re Ridgefield Park Bd. of Educ., 244 N.J. 1, (2020)
  • Spille v. South Hunterdon Reg’l Bd. of Educ., et al., No. A-2422-22 (App. Div. 2025)
  • Lipsky v. N.J. Ass’n of Health Plans, Inc., 474 N.J. Super. 447 (App. Div. 2023)
  • State v. Ruthnaswamy, No. A-219-19 (App. Div. Dec. 2, 2019)
  • Board of Education of Ridgefield Park v. Board of Education of Little Ferry, Agency Dkt. No. 165-8/20 (Commissioner of Education, April 22, 2021)