Co-chair of the firm’s Hospitality Law Services Practice, Damian serves as outside general counsel to closely-held companies, with a particular emphasis on the hospitality sector.  He advises owners of hotels, food and beverage cooperatives, restaurants, and other leisure activity businesses on a variety of operational and legal issues, including labor and employment matters, premises liability claims, landlord tenant disputes, financing and refinancing agreements, purchase and sale agreements, and other corporate governance issues.

A seasoned trial attorney who relishes fighting for clients engaged in high-stakes litigation, Damian is also co-chair of the firm’s White Collar and Criminal Defense Practice and a member of its Litigation Practice.  Relying on skills he developed as a prosecutor and public defender at the federal, state and municipal levels, he has tried to conclusion the most complex commercial, white collar criminal, and personal injury matters, including claims of professional misconduct, director and officer malfeasance, financial crimes, healthcare fraud, minority shareholder oppression, employment discrimination, tax fraud, and land use disputes.

Damian has been consistently named to the Best Lawyers in America list and New Jersey Super Lawyers list in litigation.

*No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court of New Jersey or the American Bar Association. A description of the standard or methodology used by Super Lawyers and Best Lawyers can be found on their respective websites.

Damian P. Conforti Google Reviews

  • New York City Hospitality Alliance
  • New York City Bar Association, Hospitality Law Committee
  • New Jersey State Bar Association
  • Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers of New Jersey
  • Former Co-Chair, Essex County Bar Association, Criminal Law Committee
  • Former Barrister, Willard Heckel Inn of Court, Rutgers Law School

Best Lawyers in America list

New Jersey Super Lawyers list in litigation

These stories are successful case results from our attorneys. Please note that results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.

  • Secured $19.5 Million Loan Negotiation for Office/Hotel Center in Edison, New Jersey
  • Negotiated Deed for Seller of Vacant Land in Edison, NJ
  • Served as lead defense counsel for a municipality and its commissioners accused of constitutional and civil rights violations in a federal district court trial.
  • Secured a FINRA no-action letter for a broker-dealer accused of improper solicitation and unauthorized investment activity.
  • Achieved the withdrawal of tax evasion and federal program fraud charges against the founder of a non-profit agency.
  • Obtained a dismissal of behalf of a client accused of accounting malpractice and ethical violations by New Jersey’s State Board of Accountancy.
  • Successfully defended a chiropractor and proprietor of a pain management practice investigated by the New Jersey State Board of Chiropractic Examiners.
  • Led a team of former law enforcement officers in the internal investigation resulting in the removal of a corporate officer from a closely-held textile distribution company for misappropriation of company funds and materials.
  • Successfully defended an executive of a closely-held company from federal allegations of kickbacks, bribery and honest services fraud in connection with the executive’s procurement of IT staffing contracts with a publicly-traded company.
  • Negotiated the dismissal of federal criminal complaint alleging health care claims fraud and honest services fraud against physician and health care practice.
  • Obtained dismissal of all insurance fraud charges referred to Office of Insurance Fraud Prosecutor on behalf of a pain management physician.

  • State of New Jersey
  • State of New York
  • United States District Court, District of New Jersey
  • United States District Courts for the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York
  • United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit

  • Seton Hall University School of Law, J.D.
  • Boston College, B.A.

Deal Alert: Mandelbaum Barrett PC Facilitates $6.2 Million Loan for Edison, NJ Hotel and Conference Center Owner

July 16, 2024

Mandelbaum Barrett PC Partners Joshua Gorsky, Esq. and Damian Conforti, Esq. recently represented the owner of a 169-room hotel and conference center in Edison, New Jersey, in the negotiation of a $6,200,000 loan with a regional bank. This successful collaboration underscores Mandelbaum Barrett PC’s commitment to delivering exceptional results for their clients in complex financial […]

Deal Alert: Negotiating an $8.4 Million Loan: Mandelbaum Barrett PC Represents Owner of 95,000 Sq. Ft. Office Building in New Jersey

May 13, 2024

Mandelbaum Barrett PC Partners Joshua Gorsky, Esq. and Damian Conforti, Esq. and Associate Ann Lee, Esq. skillfully represented the owner of a prominent 95,000 square foot office building center located in Edison, New Jersey. Their expertise shone as they navigated the negotiation process for a substantial $8,400,000 loan with an esteemed international bank. This successful […]

Transaction Spotlight: Mandelbaum Barrett PC Secures $19.5 Million Loan Negotiation for Office/Hotel Center in Edison, New Jersey

April 10, 2024

Mandelbaum Barrett PC Partners Joshua Gorsky and Damian Conforti represented the owner of a 300,000 square foot, Class A, hotel/office center in Edison, New Jersey in the negotiation of $19,500,000 loan with a national bank. Despite the optimism for improved hotel performance in 2024, many owners and operators continue to face challenges securing financing for […]

Deal Alert: Real Estate and Hospitality Practice Groups Negotiate Deed for Seller of Vacant Land in Edison, NJ

October 10, 2022

Mandelbaum Barrett PC Real Estate Partner Joshua Gorsky, Esq., along with Hospitality Law Partners Damian Conforti, Esq. and Robert C. Scrivo, Esq. recently represented the seller of vacant land just under 1.5 acres in Edison, NJ. As our client kept ownership of various surrounding properties, we negotiated a deed restriction into the transaction that prevents the buyer (or […]

New Jersey Mandates Gender-Neutral Dress Codes for Businesses

July 15, 2024

In a significant update to business practices in New Jersey, the Office of the Attorney General has mandated that businesses, especially within the hospitality sector, adopt gender-neutral dress codes for both patrons and employees. Damian Conforti and Brent Pohlman from the Hospitality Services Practice Group explain.

Navigating Regulatory Challenges: The Impact on Hemp Businesses in the Tri-State Area

June 10, 2024

Law enforcement in the tri-state area, particularly New York's Office of Cannabis Management, is intensifying efforts against illicit cannabis. This has led to increased scrutiny of hemp retailers, resulting in closures, product seizures, and potential criminal charges. Legal guidance is crucial for hemp entrepreneurs to navigate the complex regulatory landscape.

NJBiz Magazine: Damian Conforti’s Insights on New Jersey’s Food Labeling Litigation

April 30, 2024

Damian Conforti, a partner at Mandelbaum Barrett PC, discusses the complexities of food labeling litigation in New Jersey. He emphasizes the need for balance in protecting consumer rights while ensuring fair business practices, highlighting the importance of informed consumers in navigating product claims.

Personal Injury Newsletter — April 2024 Issue

April 25, 2024

Check out our April Personal Injury Newsletter. In recognition of Distracted Driving Awareness Month, this issue focuses on road safety, and everything involved in distracted driving. Learn about the dangers of distracted driving, how to spot risky behaviors, and what to do if you're involved in an incident, as well as understanding and overcoming driving distractions. We’re also shedding light on important topics like pre-existing conditions in injury cases and explaining the statute of limitations in New Jersey. Stay informed and stay safe with our newsletter!

Guide to NYC’s Permanent Outdoor Dining Program

February 9, 2024

Launching in March 2024, New York City's permanent outdoor dining program is designed to allow restaurants to expand their dining areas onto sidewalks and roadways, aiming to adapt urban spaces for broader use. This initiative, developed in response to the pandemic, sets out comprehensive guidelines to ensure safety, accessibility, and integration with the urban environment. It involves a structured process for obtaining necessary permissions, with a focus on operational standards and compliance. The program seeks to balance business needs with public space utilization, reflecting an effort to modify city landscapes in response to changing urban dynamics.

Personal Injury Newsletter – August 2023 Edition

August 25, 2023

We’re excited to share this month’s Personal Injury Newsletter. With back-to-school approaching, this edition is dedicated to prioritizing safety and preventing common injuries, so we’ve got you covered with essential tips for a worry-free school year. You will also find additional valuable content, such as insurance and safety concerns with electric scooters, insights into some […]

Navigating Back-to-School Safety: Preventing the Most Common Injuries

August 13, 2023

As the school season kicks into gear, safety should be at the forefront of everyone's minds. At Mandelbaum Barrett PC, we are committed to ensuring your children have a safe and joyful academic year. While schools are expected to provide a secure learning environment, the reality is that unintentional injuries can occur on school grounds, around buses, and even in the neighborhood. It's a collective responsibility of parents, students, school staff, and the community to take proactive measures to safeguard our children.

NYC’s Move to Keep Outdoor Dining, With Winter Rules

August 10, 2023

Partner in the Commercial Litigation & White Collar and Criminal Defense Group, Chris Zona, and Co-Chair of the Hospitality Services Practice Group, Damian Conforti, discuss NYC's recent decision to continue outdoor dining, complying with winter rules.

The Subpoena Process for a Personal Injury Case

July 10, 2023

Dealing with a personal injury case can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially when you encounter complex aspects like the subpoena process. By gaining a clear understanding of the role and function of subpoenas, you can feel more confident as you progress through each stage of your case. In this article, we’re going to take a closer […]

How to Prove Negligence in a Personal Injury Case

June 21, 2023

Personal injury claims can arise from a variety of situations, from motor vehicle accidents to medical malpractice. In these cases, it’s essential to determine who is legally responsible for the harm caused to the victim. This is where determining and, ultimately, proving negligence becomes important.  What is Negligence? Negligence is a legal term that refers […]

Debunking Common Myths About Personal Injury Lawsuits

June 7, 2023

Personal injury cases can be complex and there are many misconceptions surrounding the process. As a New Jersey personal injury law firm, we want to educate potential clients about common myths and misconceptions regarding personal injury lawsuits. With a better understanding of the facts, you’ll be better equipped to make informed decisions about your legal […]

Golf Cart Accidents: More Dangerous Than You Think

February 3, 2023

The Dangers of Golf Carts Golf carts may seem like a harmless mode of transportation, but they can be quite dangerous. Recently, our Personal Injury team assisted a client who was a victim of a golf cart accident in reaching a settlement of $500,000. The client was run over by the golf cart and suffered […]

Deal Alert: Mandelbaum Barrett PC represented a major real estate developer in the consolidation and refinancing of 7 separate loans secured by 7 shopping malls

May 19, 2022

Deal Alert: Mandelbaum Barrett PC represented a major real estate developer in the consolidation and refinancing of 7 separate loans secured by 7 shopping malls into a $75,000,000 loan that allowed the borrowers to reduce its other obligations and provide it with additional funds for future acquisitions and renovations for its ongoing projects. The team […]

New Jersey Order Releasing Inmates

March 23, 2020

March 23, 2020 Damian P. Conforti In consideration of the need to reduce the county jail population to mitigate risks posed by COVID-19, the Supreme Court of New Jersey issued a Consent Order yesterday commuting or suspending jail sentences for certain inmates currently serving county jail sentences. However, the prospect of release is not guaranteed […]

Beyond the Charge: New York’s Guide to Credit Card Surcharge Compliance

August 1, 2024

New York’s updated law aims to balance the need for businesses to cover their costs with consumers' rights to transparency and fairness. By following these guidelines, businesses can ensure they remain compliant while maintaining trust and transparency with their customers. For more detailed guidance and examples of compliant practices, businesses can refer to the official notice from the New York State Division of Consumer Protection. For additional information about Mandelbaum Barrett’s Hospitality Practice Group, please visit our website.

18 of our attorneys have been selected for the 2024 New Jersey Super Lawyers® list, and 5 were named to the 2024 New Jersey Rising Stars® list.

March 25, 2024

Mandelbaum Barrett PC is delighted to share that 18 of our attorneys have been selected for the 2024 New Jersey Super Lawyers® list, and 5 were named to the 2024 New Jersey Rising Stars® list. We are proud to work alongside such an exceptional team. Special shout out to Andy R. Bronsnick for making the Top […]

22 Attorneys Named to 2024 Best Lawyers List

August 17, 2023

Mandelbaum Barrett PC is proud to announce that 22 lawyers were recognized to the 2024 Best Lawyers list. At Mandelbaum Barrett PC, we have always strived for excellence and have consistently sought to uphold the highest standards of legal practice. This recognition serves as a reminder of our ongoing mission to provide unparalleled legal representation […]

21 Mandelbaum Barrett PC Attorneys Named to 2023 New Jersey Super Lawyers Lists

May 11, 2023

Congratulations to the Mandelbaum Barrett PC attorneys selected to the New Jersey Super Lawyers & Rising Stars lists that were just announced today. We think our team is pretty super too! Learn more about this award and the methodology used by Thomson Reuters here. No aspect of this award or advertisement has been approved by […]

Mandelbaum Barrett PC is proud to announce 17 of our attorneys have been named to the Best Lawyers in America 2023 list.

August 18, 2022

15 years of recognition: Barry R. Mandelbaum, Steven Adler, Jeffrey M Rosenthal and Michael Saffer 10 years of recognition: Jeffrey Cappola, Gordon C. Duus, Arthur D. Grossman, Owen T. Hughes and Barry Schwartz William Barrett, David Carton, Damian Conforti, Rebecca Frino, Raj Gadhok, Martin D. Hauptman, Esq., Steven Holt and Lynne Strober *No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court of New Jersey or the American […]

Partner Damian Conforti, Esq. shares his experience representing a client in the hospitality industry in this month’s issue of The Commerce and Industry Association of NJ’s “Commerce.”

May 11, 2022

In May’s edition, focused on hospitality and tourism in New Jersey, Editor Miles Epstein compiles examples of how accounting, banking and law firms help hospitality clients achieve long-term success. “On behalf of a franchisee, Mandelbaum Barrett PC successfully ejected a hotel guest who was not paying for his room and refused to leave the hotel. The firm commenced […]

Mandelbaum Barrett PC is pleased to announce that fourteen of our attorneys have been selected by their peers to the New Jersey Super Lawyers List* for 2022. 

March 17, 2022

Steven Adler, Michael Bevacqua, Andrew Bronsnick (**10th year as Super Lawyer and on the Top 100 list), Arla D. Cahill, David Carton, Damian Conforti, Doug Eilender, Raj Gadhok, Arthur Grossman, Barry Mandelbaum, Richard Miller, Michael Saffer, Robert C. Scrivo, Lynne Strober. In addition, the Firm is excited to announce that four of our attorneys were named to the Rising Stars list for 2022, which recognizes the top up-and-coming […]