Joseph J. DePalma

Joseph J. DePalma is the managing member and co-founder of Lite DePalma Greenberg Afanador, where he has led the firm since 1988. With decades of experience, he represents individuals, organizations, and government entities in national class actions and complex commercial disputes. His approach emphasizes not only favorable client outcomes but also shaping case law to provide a lasting impact.

Mr. DePalma earned his J.D., cum laude, and M.B.A. in a joint degree program from Seton Hall University School of Law, following his B.S. from Seton Hall University. He is admitted to practice in New Jersey, the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey, the Northern District of Illinois, the Third and Seventh Circuits, and the U.S. Supreme Court, among others.

Throughout his career, Mr. DePalm has secured some of the nation’s most significant settlements. He has negotiated two of the top 50 securities class action settlements in U.S. history, a top-five national accounting settlement, and multimillion-dollar resolutions in ERISA, antitrust, and product liability matters. His work includes representing athletes in concussion injury litigation, pursuing relief for consumers in foreclosure-related cases, and securing groundbreaking wage and hour recoveries.

Recognized as a New Jersey Super Lawyer every year since 2007, Mr. DePalma also holds an AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell and is listed among New Jersey’s Top Rated Lawyers. He frequently lectures at CLE programs, bar associations, and industry conferences, while serving as a FINRA-approved arbitrator. Beyond litigation, he has contributed as advisory counsel to the State of New Jersey in high-profile securities cases.

Equally dedicated to community service, Joseph J. DePalma serves on the Board of Visitors at Seton Hall Law and as general counsel to the Cancer Hope Network, furthering his commitment to mentorship and public service.

Law Office Affiliations

• Co-Founder & Managing Member, Lite DePalma Greenberg & Afanador
• Member, American Association for Justice (AAJ)
• Member, New Jersey Supreme Court’s District Ethics Committee

Licensed State

• New Jersey
• Wisconsin

Education

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

Awards & Badges