Barry R. Mandelbaum, the Chairman of Mandelbaum Barrett PC, reflects on his beginnings as a defense attorney in an era where public defenders were scarce. Assigned to a murder case just months into his career, Barry found himself thrust into the complexities of the courtroom without prior experience. With guidance from the assignment judge, Alex Law, and a stack of law books borrowed from Rutgers Law Library, Barry embarked on a crash course in defending the accused.
The case he faced was a grim narrative of familial strife, resulting in tragedy over a trivial bet. Witnesses testified to a fatal altercation between cousins in a bar, leading to the accused fleeing the scene, only to be apprehended two years later. However, Barry’s scrutiny of medical reports revealed a pivotal detail – the fatal wound was not the cause of death. With this revelation, the trial transformed into a medical malpractice battle, with Barry’s friend, a young internist, providing crucial testimony.
Barry’s clarity and conviction in the courtroom guided the jury to a verdict of not guilty, marking a significant triumph in his burgeoning career. Word of his success soon spread, catching the attention of the Monmouth County Division of the Gambino family. Immersed in the world of organized crime, Barry navigated its intricacies, earning the respect of figures like Big Russo and Little Russo.
However, life took an unexpected turn when Barry’s father fell ill, compelling him to shift his focus to divorce law. Thus concluded the chapter of Barry’s early years, characterized by resilience, resourcefulness, and an unwavering commitment to justice in the face of adversity.