Mr. Gifford focuses on the defense of all varieties of tort actions, including catastrophic injury cases, premises liability, construction accidents, products liability, and transportation liability, and currently heads up the firm’s defense practice in these areas for some of its largest carrier clients. Additionally, he represents school districts and community organizations, including youth sports leagues and YMCAs, in cases alleging sexual abuse, negligent hiring, retention, and supervision.
Mr. Gifford began to develop his trial and advocacy skills as an Assistant Bergen County Prosecutor, where he performed grand jury investigations, prosecuted hundreds of criminal matters, and tried multiple cases to verdict. This experience proved invaluable in his transition to civil practice more than twenty years ago, when clients frequently tasked him with preparing defense cases for trial. Over the years, carrier clients located in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Texas, and Arkansas have engaged Mr. Gifford. He has successfully handled myriad claims on behalf of insurance companies, construction companies, real estate owners, property managers, car dealerships, trucking and bus companies, and nursing home and assisted living facilities.
As a seasoned litigator, Mr. Gifford is also trusted to provide an honest and accurate case analysis. Clients have come to expect favorable and cost-efficient outcomes from him when appropriate. He is accustomed to managing large books of insurance defense work, typically comprised of hundreds of claims, and has successfully resolved tranches of pre-litigated matters.
Memberships & Affiliations
- Certified by the New Jersey Supreme Court as a Civil Trial Attorney
- Former Committee Chair, New Jersey Office of Attorney Ethics District 2 Fee Arbitration Committee
- New Jersey State Bar Association
- Brooklyn Women's Bar Association
Government Service
- Assistant Prosecutor, Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, 1995-1998
Clerkship
- Hon. Peter Ciolino, A.J.S.C.