Joseph J. Discenza

Joseph J. Discenza

Senior Counsel

Joseph Discenza has been with Mandelbaum Barrett PC for over 50 years and is currently Senior Counsel at the firm. He focuses his practice on plaintiff’s personal injury litigation, workers’ compensation, and criminal defense. Joseph has previously been recognized by the NJ Supreme Court as a Certified Civil Trial Attorney — a certification awarded to attorneys who demonstrate exceptional trial experience and skill in civil litigation.

With over 40 years of experience, Joseph has successfully represented thousands of clients in motor vehicle accidents, slip-and-fall cases, and workplace injury claims throughout New Jersey. His deep knowledge of personal injury law and unwavering commitment to his clients have led to numerous settlements exceeding one million dollars.

In addition to his civil litigation practice, Joseph is a seasoned criminal defense attorney with extensive experience handling cases in both state and municipal courts. He provides aggressive, strategic representation for individuals accused of crimes, including DWI/DUI offenses, drug charges, and other serious criminal matters.

Joseph is also an active member of the firm’s Domestic Violence Practice Group, where he has spent more than 15 years prosecuting and defending domestic violence cases. His decades of experience in criminal law give him a unique perspective in handling matters that often involve both criminal and civil components.

Known for his meticulous preparation, courtroom skill, and client-first approach, Joseph Discenza has built a reputation as a trusted advocate for those facing life-changing legal challenges — whether from injury, workplace accidents, or criminal allegations.

Joseph was recognized on the New Jersey Super Lawyers list for Personal Injury from 2010 – 2019.*

*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 can be found here.

New Jersey Super Lawyers list for Personal Injury, 2010 – 2019.*

 

*No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court of New Jersey. For the awards and honors methodology, visit – Attorney FAQ – Super Lawyers

  • Essex County Bar Association Member
  • Middlesex County Bar Association Member
  • New Jersey State Bar Association Member
  • American Bar Association Member
  • Association of Trial Lawyers of America Member

  • State of New Jersey 1975
  • U.S. District Court of NJ 1975
  • U.S. Court of Appeals 3rd Circuit

  • Seton Hall University School of Law, J.D., 1975
  • Rutgers The State University of New Jersey, B.A., 1967

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!

Senior Counsel Joseph Dicenza Celebrating his 50th Anniversary with Law Firm

February 29, 2024

Join us in commemorating a milestone moment as we celebrate Senior Counsel Joseph J. Discenza’s remarkable 50-year journey with Mandelbaum Barrett PC! Explore the rich history of our firm as we sit down with Joseph to reminisce about the early days of our partnership and witness the transformative growth that has propelled us to become […]

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.

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 […]