Category Archive: Firm News

The legal battle over whether Uber drivers are employees or independent contractors continues to wage, although a recent New York appeals court ruling places more responsibility on the jury to decide. In Bandele v. Rasier-NY, LLC, the New York Supreme Court, Appellate Division, ruled that a trial court should not have dismissed claims against Uber before trial, as questions remained regarding the driver’s independent contractor status. The decision marks the first appellate ruling in New York addressing whether a jury should decide if an Uber read more

By: Jeffrey W. Varcadipane When the U.S. Supreme Court on March 31 ruled 8-1 in Chiles v. Salazar, No. 24-539, that Colorado’s ban on conversion therapy likely discriminates against licensed counselors based on the views they express when speaking with clients, it did more than reframe a long-running First Amendment debate. The decision materially weakened the doctrinal basis for state restrictions on therapist speech and could lay the groundwork for a novel legal claim under New Jersey’s Consumer Fraud Act (CFA) brought by individuals who read more

Joseph Stimmel of Varcadipane & Pinnisi P.C. recently obtained a defense verdict before a retired federal court judge, following a four-day arbitration trial in New Jersey. Mr. Stimmel successfully defended his client in a complex, international business partnership dispute that sought over $6 million in damages against his client. The plaintiff business partner alleged diverse claims of breach of contract, fraud, breach of fiduciary duty and duty of loyalty, and generally alleged that the defendant client mismanaged the business and failed to read more

Varcadipane & Pinnisi, P.C. marks its 10th anniversary, celebrating a decade defined by strong results, strategic growth, and a reputation for handling complex, high-stakes litigation across New Jersey and New York. Guided by its principle, “Serious Attorneys for Serious Cases,” the firm has built a practice centered on disciplined advocacy and client-focused representation. Founded by Jeffrey W. Varcadipane, Esq. and Dawn M. Pinnisi, Esq., the firm draws on more than 40 years of combined legal experience. Mr. Varcadipane is also read more

By: Dawn M. Pinnisi When a personal injury attorney meets with a prospective client claiming to have an invisible injury that doesn’t seem to affect their ability to walk or talk, conventional wisdom would tell that attorney to proceed cautiously and likely decline representation. That wisdom, however, doesn’t apply when traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are involved. TBI cases are among the most consequential yet frequently mishandled matters in personal injury litigation. This isn’t because of a lack of care by personal injury attorneys. read more

Varcadipane & Pinnisi, P.C. is pleased to announce that Joseph C. Stimmel, Esq. has been selected to the 2026 New Jersey Super Lawyers Rising Stars list in recognition of his work in personal injury and civil litigation. Mr. Stimmel concentrates his practice on personal injury, employment law, and civil and commercial litigation in New Jersey and New York. He frequently represents clients who have suffered catastrophic injuries involving the brain, spine, back, burns, and other life-altering harm. Known for his thorough preparation and determined read more

Landmark verdict could have wide-reaching implications for ride share industry

HACKENSACK, N.J., Jan. 29, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A jury has awarded former New York Rangers player Brandon Crawley $19 million following a lawsuit against Uber Technologies, Inc. Crawley sued the ride share company after sustaining career-ending injuries when his Uber driver swerved off the road and crashed into a utility pole on Christmas Day 2018. “This verdict is not just a victory for Brandon, but a victory for everyone in New Jersey who relies on read more

Varcadipane & Pinnisi, P.C. Obtains $307,933.00 Recovery

As published in Verdict Search: Yafar vs Paramus BOE VS report A bus crash can be surprisingly serious, resulting in costly injuries and financial losses that affect your life in many ways. If you have been a victim of a bus crash in New Jersey, you need a bus accident lawyer who will take your accident and injuries seriously and fight for the full compensation you deserve. At Varcadipane & Pinnisi, P.C., our New Jersey bus accident attorneys have a track record of success read more