Law firm Kaufman Dolowich has added Matthew Pallay as partner in the firm’s Hackensack office. Pallay has spent nearly a decade defending clients in admiralty and maritime law matters, as well as general liability matters, focusing the bulk of his work within the maritime industry, and drawing on his past experience as a third-generation longshoreman.
“Matt is well known and highly respected nationally in the maritime field as someone who understands first-hand the intricacies of this very specialized sector,” Gino Zonghetti, co-managing partner of the Hackensack office and chair of the firm’s Maritime and Admiralty Law practice group, said. “The recent port strike and continuing supply chain concerns highlight the need for Matt’s unique insights and experience which translates to providing our clients the best possible counsel and support.”
Pallay joins Kaufman Dolowich after practicing the entirety of his legal career with a well-respected New York City firm focused on maritime, shipping and transportation matters. Prior to becoming an attorney, he worked as a lead foreman of unionized longshoring gangs in Port Newark for nearly ten years, having learned the trade from his dad and other family members.
Pallay previously served as a consultant for the International Longshoreman’s Association, advising its local leaders on various maritime and labor issues.
He received a Master of Laws with Distinction in Admiralty, from Tulane University School of Law, and his J.D. from Ohio Northern University, Petit College of Law. He received his B.A., magna cum laude, in Political Science, from Florida Southern College.
