Paul H. Schneider
Paul focuses his practice in environmental, redevelopment, land use, regulatory, real estate and affordable housing law, and litigation. He also handles a wide variety of redevelopment matters as well as corporate and commercial litigation. In addition to handling major litigation before both the state and federal courts and the Office of Administrative Law, he has extensive experience before the New Jersey Supreme Court and the Appellate Division.
Paul represents real estate developers and other businesses in all types of environmental and land use matters, including permitting and compliance in the areas of water, wetlands, waste, and air; brownfields redevelopment; site remediation; and transactional. He also represents landowners in cost recovery actions, as well as in enforcement actions brought by government or environmental groups.
Practice Areas
- Litigation
- Environmental - Land Use and Permitting
- Environmental - Site Remediation and Brownfields
- Environmental - Litigation
- Real Estate
- Land Use & Development Law
- Affordable Housing
- Environmental - CERCLA/Superfund
Practice Focus
- Environmental Law and Litigation
- Real Estate and Land Use Law and Litigation
- Redevelopment Law and Litigation
- Affordable Housing Law and Litigation
- Litigation of Commercial and Business Disputes
Professional Activities
- Member of the New Jersey State Bar Association, Environmental and Land Use Sections
- Member of the National Association of Home Builders Legal Action Network for Development Strategies (LANDS)
- Member of the New Jersey Builders Association
- Member of the Shore Builders Association of Central New Jersey
Other Professional and Personal Information
Paul served as a Senior Deputy Attorney General of the State of New Jersey, where he was the Chief of the Tort Claims Litigation Section. During his tenure with the Attorney General's Office, he also represented the Department of Insurance, Department of Transportation, and Department of Environmental Protection.Paul has written for the New Jersey Lawyer, and is a frequent lecturer before various business and legal organizations.
Admissions
- New Jersey
Education
- Rutgers University School of Law, J.D., with honors (1978)
- Rutgers University, B.A. (1975)
Honors/Awards
- Named the Best Lawyers® 2024 Litigation - Environmental Law "Lawyer of the Year" for the Woodbridge Area
- Named the Best Lawyers® 2022 Litigation - Environmental Law "Lawyer of the Year" for the Woodbridge Area
- Voted a 2021 Monmouth County Top Lawyer,* Monmouth Health & Life, October 2021
- Voted a 2020 Monmouth County Top Lawyer,* Monmouth Health & Life, October 2020
- Named The Best Lawyers' 2021 Woodbridge Area Litigation - Construction Law "Lawyer of the Year"*
- Named The Best Lawyers' 2019 Woodbridge Area Litigation - Environmental Law "Lawyer of the Year"*
- Voted a 2019 Monmouth County Top Lawyer,* Monmouth Health & Life, November 2019
- Voted a 2018 Monmouth County Top Lawyer,* Monmouth Health & Life, November 2018
- Named the Woodbridge Area Best Lawyers® Real Estate Litigation "Lawyer of the Year"* in 2017 and 2020
- Named the "Woodbridge Area Best Lawyers Environmental Lawyer of the Year"* in 2013, 2016
- Named the "Woodbridge Area Best Lawyers Lawyer of the Year, Environmental Litigation"* in 2012 and 2014
- Recipient of NJBA's Chairman's Award for 2014
- Named as a New Jersey Super Lawyer®* for 2008-2024 and noted in the Top 100 attorneys in New Jersey
- AV® Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell*
- Ranked in Chambers USA* under Environmental Law
- Selected for inclusion in Best Lawyers* since 2009
- Recognized by Department of Environmental Protection for Outstanding Service on Behalf of New Jersey's Environment (1991)
News
- 21 Giordano, Halleran & Ciesla, P.C. Attorneys Recognized as 2025 Best Lawyers® Award Recipients
- Ten Attorneys from Giordano, Halleran & Ciesla Ranked in Chambers USA Guide 2024
- Giordano, Halleran & Ciesla Attorneys Selected as 2024 New Jersey Super Lawyers and Rising Stars
- Giordano, Halleran & Ciesla is Proud to Have Three Lawyers Recognized as "Lawyers of the Year" by The Best Lawyers in America® (2024 Edition)
- Twenty-Two GH&C Attorneys Recognized in the 2024 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America®
- Ten Attorneys from Giordano, Halleran & Ciesla Ranked in Chambers USA Guide 2023
- Giordano, Halleran & Ciesla Attorneys Selected as 2023 New Jersey Super Lawyers and Rising Stars
- Giordano, Halleran & Ciesla Named a 2022 Go-To Thought Leader by the National Law Review
- 24 Lawyers from Giordano, Halleran & Ciesla, P.C. Were Recognized in the 2023 Edition of the Best Lawyers in America®
- Eleven Attorneys from Giordano, Halleran & Ciesla Ranked in Chambers USA Guide 2022
- Giordano, Halleran & Ciesla Attorneys Selected as 2022 New Jersey Super Lawyers and Rising Stars
- Several GH&C Attorneys Named "Monmouth County's Top Lawyers 2021"
- 24 Lawyers from Giordano, Halleran & Ciesla, P. C. Were Recognized in the 2022 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America®
- Four Attorneys from Giordano, Halleran & Ciesla Named 2022 Best Lawyers® "Lawyer of the Year" in Woodbridge Area
- In Unusual Move, Developer Is Awarded Attorneys' Fees and Costs Over Town's Settlement Breach
- Eleven Attorneys from Giordano, Halleran & Ciesla Ranked in Chambers USA Guide 2021
- Giordano, Halleran & Ciesla Attorneys Selected as 2021 New Jersey Super Lawyers and Rising Stars
- National Publication Honors 6 at Giordano, Halleran & Ciesla For Articles on Environmental and Land Use Law
- Three Attorneys from Giordano, Halleran & Ciesla Named 2021 Best Lawyers® "Lawyer of the Year" in the Woodbridge Area
- 23 Giordano, Halleran & Ciesla, P.C. Lawyers Named to 2021 Best Lawyers® List
- Ten Attorneys from Giordano, Halleran & Ciesla Ranked in Chambers USA Guide 2020
- Giordano, Halleran & Ciesla Attorneys Selected as 2020 New Jersey Super Lawyers and Rising Stars
- 23 Attorneys from Giordano, Halleran & Ciesla Named to 2020 Best Lawyers® List
- Three Attorneys from Giordano, Halleran & Ciesla Named 2020 Best Lawyers® "Lawyer of the Year" in Woodbridge Area
- Twelve Attorneys from Giordano, Halleran & Ciesla Ranked in Chambers USA Guide 2019
- Giordano, Halleran & Ciesla Attorneys Selected as 2019 New Jersey Super Lawyers and Rising Stars
- Seaside Park Is Handed a Legal Victory Over Riparian Swath
- Five Attorneys from Giordano, Halleran & Ciesla Named 2019 Best Lawyers® "Lawyer of the Year" in Woodbridge Area
- 22 Attorneys from Giordano, Halleran & Ciesla Named to 2019 Best Lawyers® List
- Giordano, Halleran & Ciesla Attorneys Selected as 2018 New Jersey Super Lawyers and Rising Stars
- 22 Attorneys from Giordano, Halleran & Ciesla Named to 2018 Best Lawyers® List
- Ten Giordano Attorneys Ranked in 2017 Chambers USA
- Giordano, Halleran & Ciesla Attorneys Selected as 2017 New Jersey Super Lawyers and Rising Stars
- Court Defines Time of Application Trigger
- Twenty One Lawyers From Giordano, Halleran & Ciesla Selected For Inclusion In Best Lawyers in America 2014 List
- Sixteen Giordano Attorneys Ranked in 2013 Chambers USA
- GH&C Attorneys To Speak At The 2013 Atlantic Builders Convention
- Paul H. Schneider Quoted in Atlanticville Article, "Towns Challenge Contract With Two Rivers Authority"
- "Towns Challenge Contract With Two Rivers Authority"
- DEP Begins Implementation of "Waiver Rule"
- 22 Lawyers from Giordano, Halleran & Ciesla Selected For Inclusion In The Best Lawyers in America
- "Stop to DEP waivers and workers comp pay hike advance, despite business opposition"
- Sixteen Giordano Attorneys Ranked in Chambers USA
- Giordano, Halleran & Ciesla Attorneys Selected As 2012 New Jersey Super Lawyers And Rising Stars
- GHC Alert: Governor Signs Water Quality Management Plan Legislation
- GHC Alert: Legislature Takes Final Action On Water Quality Management Plan Legislation
- Michael J. Gross and Paul H. Schneider Present At NJBA's Stormwater Seminar
- John A. Aiello, John A. Giunco & Paul H. Schneider Named The Woodbridge Best Lawyers of the Year For 2012
- 20 Lawyers from Giordano, Halleran & Ciesla Selected for Inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America
- Fifteen Giordano Attorneys Ranked in Chambers USA
- Giordano, Halleran & Ciesla Attorneys Selected As 2011 New Jersey Super Lawyers And Rising Stars
- "Can DEP Be Transformed?"
- GH&C Attorneys Win Builder's Remedy Case Against Livingston Township
- Appeals Court Closes OPRA Loophole
- 18 Lawyers from Giordano, Halleran & Ciesla selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America ®
- Eleven Giordano Attorneys Ranked in Chambers USA
- COAH's 3rd Round Regulations-Navigating the COAH Objection Process
- Recording Act Takes Precedence Over CAFRA
Articles/Publications
- "Court Tightens Screws on Redevelopment Condemnation," NJ Redevelopment Blog, January 8, 2019
- "Court Defines Time of Application Trigger," NJ Environmental Law Blog, February 15, 2017
- "Court Rejects Automatic Application of "Time of Filing" Rule in Builder's Remedy Litigation," NJ Environmental Law Blog, December 15, 2016
- "Appellate Division Sends Pipeline Case Back to Pinelands Commission for Further Review," NJ Environmental Law Blog, November 7, 2016
- "Court Does About-Face, Sides with Landowner in Preserved Farm Dispute," NJ Environmental Law Blog, October 19, 2016
- "GHC Lawyers Prevail in Trinity Hall Middletown School Dispute," NJ Environmental Law Blog, April 20, 2016
- "DEP Needs Court Order to Seize Control of Private Property," NJ Environmental Law Blog, November 19, 2014
- "Safe Dam Act Casts Broad Net," NJ Environmental Law Blog, January 6, 2015
- "Municipal Engineer Is A "Public Employee" Entitled With Tort Claims Act Protections," Litigation Landscape, October 21, 2014
- "Supreme Court Clarifies Timing of Spill Act Claims," NJ Environmental Law Blog, July 30, 2014
- "Failure To Record A Wetlands Conversation Restriction Comes Back To Haunt Years Later," NJ Environmental Law Blog, June 23, 2014
- "Open Public Records Act Request Must Be In Writing," Litigation Landscape, January 14, 2014
- "Extension of 2012 Water Quality Planning Act Sent to Governor," NJ Environmental Law Blog January 14, 2014
- "Homeowners May Still Get Compensation For Loss Of Ocean View," NJ Environmental Law Blog, November 6, 2013
- "Supreme Court Upholds Relaxed Standard For Grant Of A Conditional Use Variance," Cutting Edge, October 21, 2013
- "Supreme Court Refuses to Hear DEP Waiver Rule Appeal," NJ Environmental Law Blog, October 11, 2013
- "Spill Act Claim Subject To Statute Of Limitations," NJ Environmental Law Blog, August 29, 2013
- "Governor Signs Automatic Variance Bill For Sandy Rebuilding", NJ Environmental Law Blog, August 8, 2013
- "US Supreme Court Sides with Private Property Owner on Regulatory Taking Claim," NJ Environmental Law Blog, July 1, 2013
- "Legislature Passes Automatic Variance Bill for Sandy Rebuilding," NJ Environmental Law Blog, June 25, 2013
- "Signing A Deed Of Dedication And Perpetual Storm Damage Reduction Easement. Is It Right For You?," NJ Environmental Law Blog, May 23, 2013
- "Court Clips Highlands Council's Wings, Upholds Exemption," NJ Environmental Law Blog, May 15, 2013
- "Arbitration Act Fills Gaps In Agreements To Arbitrate," The Litigation Landscape Blog, May 14, 2013
- "Appellate Court Upholds DEP Waiver Rule," NJ Environmental Law Blog, March 21, 2013
- "GH&C's Paul Schneider Prevails Before New Jersey Supreme Court," NJ Environmental Law Blog, March 7, 2013
- "Courts Are Open For Developer Seeking Release of Performance Bonds," The Litigation Landscape Blog, February 20, 2013
- "Appellate Division Narrowly Construes Highlands Act Exemption," NJ Environmental Law Blog, February 20, 2013
- "Supreme Court Reinforces Right to Jury Trial in Civil Cases," The Litigation Landscape Blog, January 24, 2013
- "DEP Denies Initial Waiver Requests," NJ Environmental Law Blog, January 9, 2013
- "EPA Backpedals on Stormwater Rule," NJ Environmental Law Blog, January 9, 2013
- "Court Reaffirms 'Reasonable Use Rule,'" NJ Environmental Law Blog, January 9, 2013
- "DEP Begins Implementation of 'Waiver Rule'"
- "COAH 3rd Round Regulations Overturned," January 2007
- "Appeals Court Closes OPRA Loophole"
- "COAH's 3rd Round Regulations- Navigating the COAH Objection Process," October 2006
- "Smart Growth: Dagger Through Affordable Housing's Heart" New Jersey Lawyer
- "Legal & Legislative Update November/December 2005" SBACNJ Bulletin Board
- "Recording Act Takes Precedence Over CAFRA," New Jersey Law Journal
Press Mentions
- "GH&C Attorneys Prevail On Continuing Jurisdiction Of Zoning Board Of Adjustment," June 23, 2014
- "GH&C Attorneys Prevail In Wetlands Permit Appeal," May 21, 2014
- "Developer Appeals Denial of Zoning Amendment," The Hub, January 9, 2014
- "Towns Challenge Contract With Two Rivers Authority," Atlanticville, March 7, 2013
- "John A. Aiello, John A. Giunco & Paul H. Schneider Named The "Woodbridge Best Lawyers of the Year" For 2012"
- "Supreme Court Throws Out Recreation and Open Space Fees" June 25, 2009
Seminars/Presentations
- Panelist, "Legal Trends II - Environmental Law," Atlantic Builders Convention 2013, April 2013
- "Legal Trends-Part II, Environmental Law," Atlantic Builders Convention, sponsored by the New Jersey Builders Association, 2012
- "Legal Trends-Part II, Environmental Law," Atlantic Builders Convention, sponsored by the New Jersey Builders Association, 2011
- "Stormwater Seminar," NJBA, December 8, 2011
- "Legal Trends-Part II, Environmental Law," Atlantic Builders Convention, sponsored by the New Jersey Builders Association, 2010