Susanne Peticolas

Susanne Peticolas

Of Counsel, Environmental

This attorney has been selected for the recognitions mentioned herein, which have been conferred by the corresponding publications and/or organizations noted. An overview of the award selection methodologies for these recognitions can be found at https://www.gibbonslaw.com/awards. Links to certain specific methodologies are embedded in individual entries. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances. No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court of New Jersey.

Ms. Peticolas primarily represents clients in Superfund and Spill Act litigation, as well as in companion personal injury and property damage matters. Currently, she represents a number of companies in the massive Lower Passaic River Study, one of the largest contaminated sediment sites in the country.

In addition to litigating, she counsels clients on general regulatory compliance questions, including issues relating to the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976 (RCRA), Industrial Site Recovery Act (ISRA), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and New Jersey Site Remediation Reform Act. Matters she has handled include:

    • Representation of companies in the multi-party regulatory investigation of the Passaic River pursuant to an Administrative Order on Consent
    • Counsel to a paint company on a challenge to a National Priorities Listing on grounds of improper aggregation of sites
    • Counsel to potentially responsible parties in federal court CERCLA litigation
    • Counsel to a detinning company in private party CERCLA/RCRA litigation

Ms. Peticolas is included in the Chambers USA Guide to America’s Leading Lawyers for Business for Environmental Law and in Best Lawyers® for Environmental Law and Environmental Litigation, as well as in New Jersey Super Lawyers. Martindale-Hubbell has included her on its “Preeminent” list. A Master of the Justice Stewart G. Pollock Environmental American Inn of Court, she is a frequent writer and speaker on environmental topics, and she is an editor of the firm’s Gibbons Law Alert blog.

Credentials

Education

Rutgers School of Law - Newark (J.D., high honors)

  • Rutgers Law Review, Member 1978-1979 and Managing Editor 1979-1980

Barnard College (B.A., cum laude)

Professional Admissions

State of New Jersey

State of New York

District of Columbia

United States District Court for the District of New Jersey

United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit

United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit

Professional Activities

Justice Stewart G. Pollock Environmental American Inn of Court
President, 2020-2022
Master of the Inn, 2005-2006, 2010, 2021

New Jersey State Bar Association
Co-Chair, Superfund Committee of Environmental Section, 2005-2006

New Jersey Governor’s Trade Mission
Delegate to the Far East, May 2000

American Bar Association

Gibbons Law Alert blog (www.gibbonslawalert.com)
Editor

Judicial Clerkship(s)

Law Secretary to the Honorable Harold A. Ackerman, U.S. District Judge, District of New Jersey, 1980-1982

Civic/Charitable Activities

Court Appointed Special Advocates of Middlesex County,
Trustee, 2020-2022

Middlesex County Workforce Investment Board
Chair, Barriers to Work Committee, 2004-2007

Urban League of Essex County
Human Resources Advisory Committee, 2008
Trustee, 1996-2005

Borough of Highland Park Rent Leveling Board
Board Attorney, 1983-1985