Judge Wertheimer Joins Dughi, Hewit & Domalewski, P.C.
Dughi, Hewit & Domalewski, P.C. of Cranford is pleased to announce that recently retired Superior Court Judge William L’E. Wertheimer has joined the firm as Of Counsel. Judge Wertheimer retires as the most senior judge in the Superior Court, Union County, and the third most senior judge statewide, having served the judiciary for more than 27 years. In addition to his responsibilities as a trial court judge, he served as Presiding Judge of both the Civil and Criminal Divisions in Union County and on the Appellate Division.
While on the bench, Judge Wertheimer earned a reputation as an excellent judge with a deep knowledge of the law and a keen insight into resolving complex legal disputes fairly. He managed, settled and tried many of the most difficult cases pending in Union County, involving commercial, construction, toxic tort, products liability, insurance, professional liability and serious personal injury matters. Senior partner John Dughi commented, “Judge Wertheimer was a superb trial judge and, before that, an outstanding lawyer. He brings to the firm invaluable knowledge, judgment and wisdom. Our lawyers and, more importantly, our clients will benefit greatly from his insight and advice.”
Judge Wertheimer will head the firm’s Alternative Dispute Resolution / Mediation department and serve as Special Master in complex litigation cases pending in the state and federal courts. In addition, he will counsel and advise clients on trial preparation, settlement and trial strategies with matters pending in state and federal court and represent clients in select matters in federal court. Judge Wertheimer noted, “I am not retiring, but starting a new career with new opportunities. I worked with the lawyers at Dughi, Hewit & Domalewski before I was a judge, and had the pleasure of them trying many cases before me as a judge. I am excited about my new career with the firm.”
Judge Wertheimer graduated from Lafayette College and George Washington University School of Law. He was commissioned in the United States Army (Infantry) in 1964 and served on active duty from 1967 – 1969. He was Chief Trial Counsel to Courts and Boards at Fort Dix. Upon discharge from the US Army, he entered the private practice of law and was a partner in a major Newark firm specializing in complex civil disputes and litigation before his appointment to the court.
He is a Fellow of the International Society of Barristers, a life fellow of the American Bar Foundation, a member of the American Arbitration Association as well as a sustaining member of the Union County Bar Association and is listed in Who’s Who in American Law.
