Mason, Griffin & Pierson, P.C.

101 Poor Farm Road | Princeton, New Jersey 08540

609-921-6543

Attorneys that handle Local Government Law are:

Mason, Griffin & Pierson, P.C. has worked closely with numerous municipalities since its founding in 1955. The attorneys have in-depth knowledge of government issues and are capable of handling the wide range of diverse and complex legal issues that challenge local governmental entities.

Legal Services For Local Governmental Entities

Affordable Housing Compliance
Appellate & Supreme Court Representation
Aviation Matters
Compliance with New Jersey Department of Community Affairs Regulations
Condemnation/Eminent Domain Litigation
Defense of Tort Claims
Defense of Officers & Employees
Defense of Municipalities in Civil Rights Cases
Defense & Prosecution of Tax Appeals
Farmland & Open Space Preservation
Formulation of Personnel Policies & Related Training
Impact Fee Assessments & Capital Programs
In Rem Tax Foreclosures
Labor Negotiations
Local Lands & Buildings Law
Master Plan Review & Preparation
Monitor Election Law Compliance
Mt. Laurel Litigation
Municipal Tax Assessment & Revaluation
Municipal Finance
Municipal Court Prosecutor & Public Defender
Open Public Records Act Compliance
Ordinance Preparation, Revision & Codification
Oversight of Affordable Housing Compliance
Performance & Guarantee Litigation
Preparation of Cable TV Franchise Agreements
Prerogative Writ Litigation
Public Contracting Law
Public Procurement & Construction Contracts
Representation of Historic Preservation Commissions
Representation of Boards of Health
Representation of Municipal Utilities Authorities
Representation of Governing Bodies
Representation of Zoning & Planning Boards
Shared Services Agreements & Municipal Consolidation
Stormwater Management & Sanitary Sewer Issues
Training of Employees in Compliance with Labor Regulations
Uniform Construction Code Regulation & Litigation
Wastewater Management Plan Revision
Wildlife Management

Human Resources and Employee Relations

Legal Consultation and Guidance is Provided in the Following Areas for Governmental Entities:

Employment Agreements & Severance Packages
Restrictive Covenants & Confidentiality Agreements
Employment Policies, Handbooks & Forms
Compliance with Family Leave Requirements
Accommodation of Handicapped Employees
Sexual Harassment & Other Federal & State Discrimination Laws
Wage & Hour Compliance
Drug Testing Programs & Employee Assistance Plans
Training in Compliance with ADA

Topics in Local Government

Can a municipality donate public property?

Longstanding Service To The Profession

Members of the Local Government Law Practice Group are active in both national and state professional associations, including the International Municipal Lawyers Organization, the Local Government Law Section of the New Jersey State Bar Association, the New Jersey Institute of Local Government Attorneys, and the New Jersey Federation of Planning Officials. The attorneys also serve on task forces and committees of the New Jersey State League of Municipalities, and are frequent panelists and seminar faculty members for various programs, including the annual New Jersey State League of Municipalities Conference. The practice group members are also editors and/or contributors to professional publications such as New Jersey Municipalities, Municipal Law Review, Rutgers Law Journal, ABA Local Government Law Section Newsletter, and The Quill.

Local Government Clients

Ian Hammett- Estate Planning Article Series

Tips for College Students & Parents: Be Prepared
As families begin to plan for their child’s transition into college, there are many practical logistics to consider. One such item that should be on the top of the list is to ensure they are prepared to be on their own from a legal perspective. At Mason, Griffin & Pierson, we offer a program to counsel college students and their parents in such matters.
To find out more about preparing documents for your student, Click Here.

“Do I really need a Will?“ The answer for almost all adults in New Jersey, from those just starting out to those well into retirement years, is yes, you should have a Will.
At Mason, Griffin & Pierson, we can assist clients develop a comprehensive estate plan to express their wishes that incorporates, as appropriate, estate and gift tax planning strategies and prepare the documents. Documents include Last Wills and Testaments, Powers of Attorney, and Advance Directives for Health Care.
To find out more about estate planning, Click Here.
To schedule a no obligation consultation, Click Here.
New Reporting Requirements Corporate Transparency Act

On January 1, 2024, reporting requirements under the Corporate Transparency Act ("Act"), went into effect. All businesses subject to the Act will have to report specific information on the company and certain individuals that own and/or control the company. Mason, Griffin & Pierson is happy to guide you through this reporting process and answer any questions that you may have. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you would like our assistance.
Sharon A. Dragan receives the Michael A. Pane Ethics In Government Award

Congratulations to Sharon A. Dragan for receiving the Michael A. Pane Ethics In Government Award. The award was presented by the NJILGA at the New Jersey State League of Municipalities November convention. The Michael A. Pane Ethics In Government Award honors a municipal professional who exemplifies the highest standards of ethics and whose work has significantly enhanced the integrity of local government. November 2023 The Michael Pane Award, established by the Pane Family and the New Jersey State League of Municipalities, is given in honor of Michael A. Pane, Sr., who was the long-time editor of the Municipal Law Review, president and trustee of the New Jersey Institute of Municipal Attorneys, counsel to the New Jersey Association of Municipal Clerks, counsel to the League of Municipalities and author of the New Jersey Practice Series, Local Government Law volumes.
Liz Zuckerman appointed to the District VII Ethics Committee:

The Supreme Court of New Jersey appointed Elizabeth Zuckerman to serve on the District Ethics Committee for District VII (DEC VII) for a three-year term. The district includes Mercer County. August 23, 2023
Paul M. Bishop named Director

We are pleased to announce the election of Paul M. Bishop to the Board of Directors, Mason, Griffin & Pierson, PC. Paul, one of the firm’s senior litigators, practices business, commercial, and general litigation, and represents clients in complex disputes throughout New Jersey’s state and federal courts. July 2023