Richard Trenk

For over 30 years, Richard has litigated hundreds of bankruptcy and non-bankruptcy cases to successful conclusions.  He strategizes all issues to achieve the most economic and efficient outcome while vigorously representing the interests of his clients.  Specifically, Richard has recently tried to conclusion bid litigation involving over $100 million.  He has handled Chapter 11 real estate cases involving over $500 million in value.

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In 1982, following his admission to the bar of the State of New Jersey, Richard clerked for the Honorable Julius A. Feinberg, Judge of the Superior Court, Essex County. From 1986 through 1990, he was an associate, and from 1990 to 1997, a partner, with Ravin, Sarasohn, Cook, Baumgarten, Fisch & Rosen, P.C.

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Richard is a former President of the Essex County Bar Association, one of the largest legal professional organizations in the State of New Jersey. Also, he has actively served in numerous leadership positions with the New Jersey State Bar Association and American Bar Association.

Richard is a co-founder of the Bankruptcy Inn of Court for the District of New Jersey.

Richard has lectured for the Institute of Continuing Legal Education (ICLE), Association of Trial Lawyers of America, New Jersey Chapter (ATLA), Rutgers University School of Public Administration, the New Jersey Judicial College, the New Jersey State Bar Association Bankruptcy Law Section, the Essex County Bar Association, Bergen Community College, and the National Association of Women Judges. He has served also as an expert witness in bankruptcy-related matters.

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Richard has devoted many years of service to non-profit organizations, including the March of Dimes, Advocates for Children of New Jersey, Community Health Law Project, Legal Services Foundation of Essex County, Discovery Charter School, Community Food Bank and Habitat for Humanity. Also, Richard serves as a Professional Advisor to the Board of Directors of New Jersey Shares, a statewide non-profit organization dedicated to assisting New Jersey middle and fixed income households experiencing difficulty paying for utility services.

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Richard has served as the Township Attorney for the Township of West Orange since 1998 and as special counsel for numerous municipalities.

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Education

• Western New England College School of Law, J.D.

• American University, B.A.

Bar Admissions

• New Jersey

• US District Court

• US Court of Appeals, Third Circuit

• US Supreme Court

Honors

• The Best Lawyers in America®

  • ​Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law: 2008-2023

  • Municipal Law: 2009-2023

• Selected by American Lawyer Media and Martindale-Hubbell as a “Top Rated Lawyer” in the area of Commercial Bankruptcy Creditor-Debtor Rights in October 2012

• Selected to “New Jersey Super Lawyers” by New Jersey Monthly Magazine from 2005 through 2018

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* The Super Lawyers list is published by Thomson Reuters; its selection methodology is here. The Best Lawyers in America® list is published by Best Lawyers®; its selection methodology is here. The AV Preeminent ratings are published by Martindale-Hubbell; its selection methodology is here. No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court of New Jersey.