Thomas, Thomas & Hafer Welcomes James A. Cardenas and Elizabeth M. O’Connell to its Hampton, NJ Office

Thomas, Thomas & Hafer is pleased to announce that James A. Cardenas and Elizabeth M. O’Connell have joined the firm and will practice in the Hampton, NJ office.

James A. Cardenas, a versatile and seasoned trial attorney, joins the firm as a partner.  Jim has handled an extensive list of cases involving architectural and engineering design professionals, construction managers, big-box retailers, product manufacturers, general contractors, trucking companies, homeowners, and others.  His experience includes construction disputes, building collapses, wall collapses, mechanical system performance issues, parking garage failures, sewer systems, road construction, building settlement, workplace accidents, negligence cases, premises liability matters, product liability actions, and employment discrimination disputes.  Jim is a graduate of Arizona State University and received his law degree from Rutgers Law School.

TT&H Attorney Mike Bishop, who leads the firm’s Hampton, NJ office, welcomed Jim, stating: “Jim brings with him a wealth of experience and expertise from years of practicing general liability law throughout New Jersey, and that experience will help serve our clients here at TT&H.  We are excited about Jim’s future and we are confident that our clients will benefit from his tireless efforts.”

Outside the office, Jim is a dedicated father to his identical twin daughters, a member of his local church, and a friend to his community.  Jim can be contacted at (908) 574-0514 or jcardenas@tthlaw.com.

Elizabeth M. O’Connell is an associate in the Hampton, NJ office, where she is a member of the general liability practice group.  Her practice concentrates on the defense of large retailers in premises liability actions, as well as the defense of automotive insurance carriers.

Prior to joining TT&H, Elizabeth practiced complex civil litigation for a mid-sized national plaintiff’s firm, with a focus on the Federal Employer’s Liability Act.  Elizabeth also served as a Judicial Law Clerk for three years to the Honorable Mark J. Moore in the Major Trials Division of the Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas.  Elizabeth completed her undergraduate studies at West Chester University of Pennsylvania and received her law degree from Temple University Beasley School of Law.

Mike Bishop welcomed Elizabeth to the Hampton office, stating: “We are very excited to have Elizabeth join our team at TT&H.  Elizabeth is a thorough practitioner with a history of impeccable writing, as well as strong research and analytical skills.  Her addition to the firm will be key as we strive to continue providing exceptional service to our clients, especially here in New Jersey.”

In her free time, Elizabeth volunteers as an alumnae mentor at Gwynedd Mercy Academy.  She also enjoys traveling, yoga and cooking.  Elizabeth can be reached at (908) 574-0513 or eoconnell@tthlaw.com.