Gibbons Director Susanne Peticolas Named One of New Jersey's Best 50 Women in Business

Susanne Peticolas, a Director in the Real Property & Environmental Department of Gibbons P.C. and active member of the firm’s Women’s Initiative, was recently named one of “New Jersey’s Best 50 Women in Business.” The award program is produced by NJBIZ, New Jersey’s premiere business news publication.

The “Best 50 Women in Business” awards program honors the state’s most dynamic women in business—decision-makers in for-profit companies who make headlines in their fields and help create jobs and build communities in New Jersey. The top 50 awardees were selected by an independent panel of judges, based on their dedication to business growth, professional and personal accomplishments, community involvement, and advocacy for women. “We are truly fortunate to have the opportunity to recognize this outstanding group of women,” said David A. Schankweiler, CEO of Journal Publications, parent company of NJBIZ. “As business and community leaders, they are constantly redefining success within and outside the business arena.” The awards ceremony took place on Monday, March 30, 2009.

Ms. Peticolas was selected on the basis of her exceptional legal practice, which focuses on environmental and immigration. She represents clients in Superfund cases, as well as in companion personal injury and property damage matters, and also has extensive regulatory experience before administrative boards and agencies on air, hazardous waste, water and noise pollution matters. She also represents companies and individuals in the range of business immigration issues. Ms. Peticolas achieves notable results for these clients, including a successful challenge to a Superfund designation and the vacating of a deportation order—both highly rare outcomes.

Ms. Peticolas’s community involvement and advocacy for women were also considered strong criteria for her honor. For ten years, she served as a trustee of Urban League of Essex County. She also donates her professional time and skills as an attorney, particularly in the immigration area attaining asylum for refugees. She has also served as Chair of the “Barriers to Work” Committee of the Middlesex County Workforce Investment Board since 2004, which examines the major obstacles that people face as they attempt to enter or remain in the workforce, obstacles that disproportionately impact women. Ms. Peticolas has been extremely active in the firm’s Women’s Initiative as well, since its inception in 1997.

“Susanne has long been a real asset to both Gibbons and to her clients, pro bono and otherwise,” says Patrick C. Dunican, Jr., Chairman and Managing Director of the firm. “This recognition from the broader New Jersey business community is highly appropriate and well-deserved, and the whole firm congratulates Susanne on the honor.”