Tom Chaves, Esq., has been a successful litigator and trial attorney since 1984. He received his law degree from Columbia University and is an Honor’s graduate of Amherst College (cum laude). Mr. Chaves gained his early trial experience as an Assistant Prosecutor in Union County from 1984 to 1988 and based on this experience became a Certified Criminal Trial Attorney. Mr. Chaves has gone on to defend many clients charged with offenses such as DUI/DWI, sexual assault, possession of child pornography, robbery, assault, and Municipal Court charges.

In addition to his extensive experience in criminal trial work, Mr. Chaves has been involved with personal injury trial work for over twenty-five years. He gained invaluable experience working for prominent insurance defense firms, where he learned the strategies and tactics used by insurance companies to both delay and obstruct plaintiffs with legitimate cases and serious injuries. Using the experience he gained defending insurance companies, Mr. Chaves switched sides to represent injured people, as he is more interested in helping people than assisting insurance companies in denying claims.

Mr. Chaves is admitted to practice law in New Jersey and New York, and in the federal courts in both states. He is a member of the New Jersey State Bar Association and the Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers of New Jersey and is fluent in Spanish. Mr. Chaves is a member of the Animal Law Committee of the State Bar Association and is of counsel *pro bono* to several animal rescue organizations.

Tom Chaves resides in Hillsborough and has three adult sons. He is active in community activities, such as coaching a youth basketball team.