Attorney Profiles

Partner, Litigation Department and Insurance Coverage Group. Mr. Maneri concentrates his practice in all aspects of commercial litigation and focuses primarily on complex insurance coverage issues.  He currently serves as counsel for insurers in several major asbestos coverage cases as well as related bankruptcy proceedings.

In addition: Mr. Maneri has represented lenders in commercial foreclosures; bankruptcy proceedings; state court enforcement; proceedings; forbearance  and workout negotiations, and clients in Chancery Division and land use-related litigation.

REPRESENTATIVE MATTERS:

• Represented a commercial real estate broker seeking to establish an equitable lien upon the rents paid by tenants obtained by the broker. Although the New Jersey Supreme Court reversed the Appellate Division's decision in favor of the broker, this case clarified the circumstances under which a broker or other service provider is entitled to an equitable lien upon the fund created by his/her efforts. See VRG v. GKN Realty, 135 N.J. 539 (1994).
• Represented the New Jersey Economic Development Authority in an action to enforce a loan against a restaurant and its guarantors. The Appellate Division held in favor of the NJEDA and discussed the rights and obligations of lenders and borrowers. See NJEDA v. Pavonia Restaurant, 319 N.J. Super. 435 (App. Div. 1998).
• Defended a residential home builder in an action filed by adjacent property owners alleging that a new zoning ordinance prohibited the builder from continuing to build in accordance with the original approvals. The Trial Court held that the builder had the right to rely upon the building permits issued by the municipality.
• Represented a general contractor in a Sec. 1983 federal action against a utility authority for improper interference in a labor dispute. The matter settled after extensive discovery.
• Represented a bank in the enforcement of a construction loan and defense of a lender liability suit. The matter settled after a bench trial before Judge Berel in Philadelphia County.
• Represented an employer in the defense of a wrongful termination suit filed by its former president. The matter settled after extensive discovery
• Represented a widow in a dispute over life insurance proceeds and her interest in her husband's partnerships. Summary judgment was granted in favor of the widow awarding her the life insurance proceeds. The remainder of the case was successfully tried before Judge Davis in Camden County who held that the widow was entitled to her husband's interests in the partnerships.
• Represented a nursing home resident to invalidate a mortgage. The matter was successfully tried before Judge Gottlieb in Burlington County.