If you’ve ever spent more than five minutes in a Bergen County or Hudson County courthouse, you’ve probably seen the bow tie. It’s usually bright, perfectly tied, and belongs to Brian J. Neary. In a world of cookie-cutter defense attorneys in charcoal suits, Neary sticks out. But honestly, the sartorial choice is just a distraction from the fact that he’s one of the most lethal trial lawyers New Jersey has ever produced.
Basically, if you're in deep trouble in the Garden State, he's the name that comes up.
He doesn't just "handle" cases. He lives them. From representing hip-hop icons like DMX and Juelz Santana to defending former NBA star Jayson Williams, Neary has been the guy standing between the state and some very high-profile defendants for nearly five decades. It's a long time.
Why Brian Neary Matters in 2026
Law moves fast, but reputation moves faster. As of 2026, Neary has transitioned into a new chapter of his career, but his footprint is everywhere. In late 2025, he made a massive move that shook up the North Jersey legal scene: he folded his boutique firm, Neary Law LLC, into the powerhouse Connell Foley LLP.
Why does that matter to you?
It’s a shift from the "lone wolf" defense model to a "powerhouse resources" model. By joining Connell Foley as a partner and co-chair of their White Collar Criminal Defense and Investigations Group, Neary basically gave himself a much bigger engine. He’s still in Hackensack. He’s still wearing the bow ties. But now he has a bench of 145 attorneys behind him.
The Jersey City Roots
Neary isn't some transplant who studied law and moved to the suburbs. He’s Jersey City through and through. He grew up playing basketball in the schoolyards of Bayonne and Jersey City—a point guard for Hudson Catholic. That "point guard" mentality—seeing the whole floor, anticipating the next move—is exactly how he approaches a courtroom.
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He’s a "street-wise scholar." He went to Notre Dame (Phi Beta Kappa, no less) and then NYU Law, but he never lost that Hudson County grit. He often talks about the "Jersey City of hope and promise," even when dealing with the darkest parts of the criminal justice system.
What Most People Get Wrong About Brian Neary
Most people see a "celebrity lawyer" and think it’s all about the cameras and the soundbites. That’s a mistake. Neary started in the trenches. He was an assistant prosecutor in both Hudson and Bergen Counties. He was the Chief Prosecutor for Sex Crimes and Child Abuse. He knows how the state builds a case because he used to build them himself.
When he switched sides in 1982, he didn't just become a defense attorney; he became a "trial addict."
He has argued over 15 cases before the New Jersey Supreme Court. Think about that. Most lawyers go their whole career without seeing the inside of that courtroom once. Neary has over 120 reported decisions. In the legal world, "reported decisions" are the ones that actually change the law for everyone else.
The Legend of the Bow Tie
It’s not just fashion. It’s branding, sure, but it’s also a signal. In a courtroom, every detail matters. Neary has been quoted saying that his role is to examine and enlighten, not just argue for the sake of arguing. The bow tie makes him approachable, but his cross-examination makes him dangerous.
There’s a famous story from the trial of former Jersey City Deputy Mayor Leona Beldini. Neary was facing off against Solomon Dwek, a key FBI informant. Before starting his opening remarks, Neary didn't just stand up. He crooked his neck like a boxer entering the ring. He took off his jacket. He took off his sweater. The prosecutor joked that he thought a silk robe was coming out next.
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Neary’s response? "Just getting the warm-ups off."
That’s the vibe. It’s theater, but it’s theater with a very sharp edge.
Complex Cases and High Stakes
You don't get to the "Top 10" list of New Jersey Super Lawyers every year since 2018 by being a one-trick pony. Neary's practice is a mix of high-stakes white-collar crime and "street crimes" that would break a lesser attorney.
- DWI Defense: He’s a founding member of the National College for DUI Defense. He literally teaches other lawyers how to defend these cases.
- White Collar Crime: Now that he's at Connell Foley, he’s doubling down on corporate investigations and federal white-collar defense.
- High Profile Names: Wilson Pickett, Fabolous, and even Anthony Comello (the man accused of killing Gambino boss Franky Boy Cali).
He’s also been a fixture on national TV as a legal commentator. But he doesn't do it for the fame. He’s actually a bit wistful about how TV commentary has changed—he prefers to explain the law rather than just scream about it.
The Mentor Role
At this stage in his career, Neary is obsessed with mentoring. He teaches trial techniques at Rutgers Law School and Notre Dame Law School. He’s the guy who instructs the judges. Think about that for a second. When a new judge needs to learn how to handle a criminal trial, they often listen to Brian Neary.
He holds certifications from both the National Board of Trial Advocacy and the Supreme Court of New Jersey as a Criminal Trial Attorney. These aren't just participation trophies. They are rigorous certifications that require peer reviews and proof of extensive trial experience.
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Actionable Insights: If You’re Looking for a Defense Attorney
If you're searching for "Brian Neary attorney NJ," you’re likely in a position where you need serious legal help. Here is what you need to know about the current landscape of criminal defense in New Jersey:
- Look for Board Certification: Don't just hire someone who says they do "criminal law." Look for a Certified Criminal Trial Attorney. It means they’ve actually been in front of a jury and passed the tests.
- The "Merger" Advantage: Now that Neary is with Connell Foley, you're getting a boutique expert with the resources of a massive firm. This is huge for white-collar cases where you need to sift through millions of pages of digital evidence.
- Appellate Record Matters: A trial is only the first half of the battle. You want a lawyer who understands how to preserve issues for appeal. Neary’s 15+ Supreme Court arguments are a rare asset.
- Local Knowledge: New Jersey law is quirky. Bergen County is different from Hudson County. You need someone who knows the "local-local" rules and the people who walk those halls every day.
What’s Next for Brian Neary?
The move to Connell Foley wasn't a retirement. Far from it. By merging his practice, Neary has positioned himself to handle the next wave of complex litigation, specifically in the realm of commercial litigation and white-collar investigations.
He’s still based out of the Court Plaza South office in Hackensack. If you walk by, you might see him. He'll probably be wearing a bow tie. He'll definitely be thinking about his next opening statement.
To find him today, you’re looking for him under the Connell Foley banner at 21 Main Street in Hackensack. He’s still the same "battler" he was when he was playing point guard in Jersey City, just with a bigger team behind him now.
If you are facing charges or need a consultation, the next step is reaching out to his team at the Hackensack office. Ensure you have your documentation ready—indictments, police reports, or summonses—as his approach is famously detail-oriented from the very first meeting.