Joseph D. Rotella

Joseph D. Rotella, Esq., is a seasoned criminal defense attorney with more than 30 years of dedicated practice in New Jersey. Recognized as a Certified Criminal Trial Attorney by the New Jersey Supreme Court and a Board Certified Criminal Trial Specialist by the National Board of Trial Advocacy (NBTA), he has earned a reputation for excellence in the courtroom.

Joseph’s extensive experience spans state, federal, and municipal courts across Northern New Jersey, where he has successfully represented countless clients facing serious criminal charges.

Joseph earned his Juris Doctor cum laude from Whittier Law School in 1986, where he was consistently on the Dean’s List and achieved high honors in Trial Advocacy. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from Seton Hall University. Admitted to practice in New Jersey and the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey since 1986, he brings both academic distinction and decades of real-world trial experience to his work.

Beyond his courtroom work, Joseph is a recognized leader and educator in the criminal defense community. A former President of the Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers of New Jersey, he continues to serve as a Vice President and active committee member, helping shape the future of criminal defense practice in the state.

A lifetime member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Joseph also contributes as a lecturer at New Jersey Continuing Legal Education seminars and provides expert commentary to news organizations on criminal law matters. His involvement with the American Inns of Court, Essex County Bar Association, and the Association of the Federal Bar of New Jersey further reflects his standing in the legal community.

With a career defined by advocacy, professionalism, and leadership, Joseph D. Rotella continues to provide trusted representation for clients across Essex, Passaic, Hudson, Morris, Bergen, and Union counties. His knowledge, skill, and dedication make him one of New Jersey’s most respected criminal defense attorneys.

Law Office Affiliations

• Founder, Joseph D. Rotella, Esq
• Member, Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers of New Jersey
• Life Member, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
• Member, Essex County Bar Association
• Member, New Jersey State Bar Association
• Member, Association of the Federal Bar of New Jersey

Licensed State

• New Jersey

Education

• Whittier Law School
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Seton Hall University
  Bachelor of Science (BS)

Awards & Badges