Joseph E. Lanzot

Joseph E. Lanzot

  • Partner
Practice Areas

Joseph E. Lanzot focuses his practice on employment litigation and complex commercial disputes, bringing a strategic edge to complex cases. He has successfully defended employers against claims of harassment, discrimination, and whistleblower retaliation, and has represented corporate officers and shareholders in breach of fiduciary duty disputes.

Before joining Shah Law Group, Mr. Lanzot served as a prosecutor in Hudson and Monmouth Counties, where he handled violent felony and corruption cases. His trial experience includes securing verdicts in serious matters such as homicide, armed robbery, gun possession, and official misconduct—giving him a commanding presence in the courtroom and a sharp instinct for strategy.

Fluent in Spanish, Mr. Lanzot effectively bridges cultural and language gaps, strengthening client relationships and broadening his advocacy.

  • Warnet v. Borough of Bergenfield: Obtained summary judgment in CEPA suit filed by a former police officer, who alleged he was terminated in retaliation for blowing the whistle on overtime pay and other work conditions.
  • Rencher v. Jersey City Board of Education, et al.: Obtained summary judgment in race and gender discrimination suit filed by a former secretary.
  • Deppeler v. Middletown Board of Education: represented school district in a petition filed by a former teacher who alleged the district violated the New Jersey Family Leave Act (NJFLA) and the Federal Family Leave Act (FMLA) by terminating his employment. After a week of administrative hearings and testimony, the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) found in favor of the school district and recommended dismissal of the petition. The Commissioner subsequently adopted the ALJ’s recommendation.

Clerkship

  • Hon. Joseph V. Isabella, Hudson County Superior Court (2010-11)

Education

  • Rutgers Law School, J.D. (2010) Editor, Rutgers Law Review
  • Lafayette College (2007)

Bar Admissions

  • New Jersey (2011)
  • New York (2011)
  • U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey (2020)
  • U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York (2020)