Edward Wacks |

The Wacks Law Group

Edward Wacks | The Wacks Law Group

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Firm Summary

Edward Wacks was admitted to the Bar of New Jersey in April 1968 and holds additional admissions to the United States District Court for New Jersey and the Third Circuit Court of Appeals. In 1981, he achieved the esteemed status of practicing before the United States Supreme Court.

His academic journey commenced at Rutgers College, where he earned a BA Degree in Economics in 1964, alongside a minor in Art History. Subsequently, he graduated from Rutgers School of Law, Newark, New Jersey in 1967. During law school, he gained valuable experience by delving into land title searches and assisting Professor Norman Williams in writing the treatise “Williams – American Land Planning Law.” Together with Professor Williams, he authored an article titled “Segregation of Residential Areas Along Economic Lines; Lionshead Lake Revisited,” which was published in the Wisconsin Law Review in 1969. Following his active duty with the New Jersey National Guard, he established a successful law practice in Morris County, New Jersey, where he has served as an attorney since his bar admission.

Over his illustrious career, Edward Wacks has primarily focused his practice on various aspects of Estate Planning and Taxation of Estates. His expertise extends to Real Property Transactions, Trusts for Persons with Disabilities, Elder Law, Estate Administration, and legal matters involving Closely Held Businesses, Family Businesses, and Real Property Ownership by Businesses. He has accumulated more than 45 years of experience in these fields and extends his legal services to clients in New Jersey, as well as, with the assistance of colleagues, in New York, Florida, and Pennsylvania. Throughout his professional journey, he has assisted over 1000 families in estate planning, business succession, and tax-saving strategies. His counsel has saved families millions of dollars in estate taxes and steered them away from litigation tied to business succession. Supported by a team of specialists in accounting and tax law, he ensures comprehensive and adept assistance to his clients.

Beyond his primary areas of practice, Mr. Wacks has authored over 75 legal opinions pertaining to the responsibilities of attorneys concerning clients and non-clients alike. As Chair of the District X Ethics Committee, he played a crucial role in transitioning from the original Canons of Ethics to the Rules of Professional Responsibility.

Notably, Mr. Wacks garnered significant experience in Municipal Law since his appointment as Rockaway Borough Attorney in 1971. He continued to serve as the Allamuchy Township Attorney and Frelinghuysen Township Attorney for decades. Representing these communities, he handled diverse aspects of municipal law, from court-imposed sewer moratorium hearings to drafting bond ordinances, general ordinances, and resolutions. He also represented them in municipal tax appeals and planned unit developments, playing a vital role in the purchase and representation of their water and sewer utilities. Moreover, Mr. Wacks has regularly appeared before various municipal bodies and Planning and Zoning Boards throughout New Jersey on behalf of private clients, including homeowners’ and condominium associations.

Within his practice, he has overseen more than 8,000 real estate transactions for buyers, sellers, developers, and mortgagees. His expertise extends to supervising the review of all Bank-related transactions for the firm, including real estate loans and loan workout matters. As an accomplished real estate expert, he has represented numerous developer clients in obtaining project approvals and securing financing. Additionally, he has personally undertaken real estate development projects, such as office building condominiums and medical office building condominiums, and offers guidance on general corporate and business matters.

Edward Wacks has received numerous honors throughout his career. He served as the Chair of the Real Property, Probate, and Trust Section of the New Jersey State Bar Association and remains a valued Consultor for the section, actively contributing to the presentation of legislation affecting Real Property and Probate Law in New Jersey. Moreover, he played a pivotal role in preparing the Construction Lien Law for the state and has been a sought-after lecturer on this subject.

His commitment to charitable service is commendable, having served as General Counsel to the United Way of Morris County and earned recognition for 15 years of continuous service to the organization. His impressive legal abilities and ethical standards have earned him an “AV Rating” from Martindale Hubbell for over 30 years.

Acknowledged as a “2011 Five Star Wealth Manager” by high net worth households’ survey, Mr. Wacks was among the top 7% of Wealth Managers in New Jersey to receive this honor. He was also named one of New Jersey’s “Super Lawyers” in 2011 and recognized as one of America’s Most Honored Professionals in the top 1% in 2016. Furthermore, he received a client satisfaction award from the Elder Law Division of the American Institute of Legal Counsel in 2016 and was listed among New Jersey’s Legal Leaders by the Wall Street Journal in 2015. His law firm, along with him, holds membership in the Better Business Bureau of New Jersey.

A dedicated member of the legal community, Mr. Wacks belongs to the Estate Planning Council of Northern New Jersey and is associated with the American Bar Association’s Center for Professional Responsibility, advocating for ethical and professional standards among legal practitioners. His vast knowledge and experience have earned him recognition as an expert in several legal areas by various courts and organizations.

In conclusion, Edward Wacks’ extensive legal career, spanning over 50 years, reflects a remarkable commitment to his clients and his community. Through his specialization in Estate Planning, Taxation of Estates, and other legal matters, he has provided invaluable guidance to countless families and businesses in New Jersey and beyond. His contributions to the legal profession and his dedication to charitable service are testaments to his character and unwavering commitment to excellence in the practice of law.