Joseph Murray

Joseph Murray is a distinguished attorney in Plainfield, New Jersey, focusing on land use and zoning law. He adeptly represents applicants before planning boards, boards of adjustment, municipal sewerage authorities, boards of health, and county planning boards. His expertise encompasses site plans, subdivisions, use and bulk variances, zoning ordinance interpretations, and appeals related to denials or approvals.

Previously, Mr. Murray served as an attorney for the Cedar Grove Planning Board. His legal acumen has led to significant judicial decisions, such as Pheasant Bridge v. Township of Warren, which challenged large lot zoning, and Kaufman v. Planning Board of Warren Tp, which established the c(2) variance standard. Another notable case, Cameron v. Cameron, Inc., v. Warren Twp. Planning Board, involved a successful challenge to cost allocation for off-tract improvements.

Mr. Murray has also represented landowners in challenging exclusionary zoning regulations under the Mt. Laurel doctrine in towns like Westfield, Fanwood, and Warren. This includes the landmark case Hillsborough Development Co. v. Bernards Township, where the N.J. Supreme Court upheld the Fair Housing Act's constitutionality.

Additionally, Mr. Murray has handled New Jersey tort claim litigation against municipalities such as the Borough of Watchung and the Township of Berkeley Heights. His extensive practice includes prerogative writ suits, probate litigation, contract negotiation, real estate transactions, and estate planning. His estate planning services cover death tax guidance, preparation of wills and trusts, and estate tax returns.

Mr. Murray joined Schiller & Pittenger in 2005. Before this, he was the principal shareholder of a general practice firm for over twenty years. He also served as a law clerk for Union County Assignment Judges Hon. Walter Hetfield and Hon. Milton Feller, J.S.C. His reputation is further solidified by an AV rating among New Jersey lawyers.