The law firm of Hankin Palladino Weintrob Bell & Labov was founded over a half-century ago and has since grown to deliver unique areas of focus by what presently are 11 seasoned contract draftsmen and tenacious litigators who collectively provide collaborative problem-solving. The firm’s strength lies in its versatility and diverse expertise in corporate business, and real estate, including land use and environmental law, construction documentation, public bidding and construction litigation, and family practice, all with expertise in related appellate practice. This is no 9-to-5 or “remote” law firm. Mainly housed in what years ago was an Atlantic County Courthouse, with additional offices in Avalon and Manhattan, the firm’s attorneys can regularly be found in their offices working nights and weekends.
The firm’s founding partner, Steve Hankin, following his graduation as a Salutatorian from American University’s Washington College of Law, began his career employed by two lawyers who soon became Superior Court judges. After a year in Cumberland County, Steve relocated to Atlantic City, initially serving as a part-time public defender where he handled several successful first-degree homicide trials. Over time, Steve’s focus shifted to civil litigation, including complex commercial real estate law, partnership and corporate disputes, general land use and zoning, including waterfront development in addition to a good amount of appellate work. Steve has practiced not only in New Jersey but has conducted trials as well in North Carolina and Florida where he co-counseled a prolonged trial with the infamous F. Lee Bailey. He has authored 18 articles published in the New Jersey Law Journal and represented boat manufacturers, automobile dealers, Mercedes Benz, and several casinos. As if these accomplishments were somehow insufficient, Steve has been counsel of record in over twenty (20) published decisions, acted as a defense expert in legal malpractice cases, and has been honored by Atlantic City with a street in his name.
Managing partner, John Palladino, joined the firm in 1989 after graduating with a Juris Doctorate from Villanova University. Over the past three decades, John has skillfully led the firm’s construction practice group, navigating the intricate landscape of complex business litigation, public bidding disputes, and contractual claims.
John’s clientele includes some of the most prominent contractors in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York, highlighting his strong reputation within the industry. Building from that foundation, his practice has grown from a small segment of law within the firm, focusing on southern New Jersey to a significant regional presence along the entire East Coast. John’s talents, although focused on construction, expand beyond. For example, he has represented one of Philadelphia’s largest and most prominent law firms in a legal malpractice case and has been significantly successful in a number of appellate matters. John, in short, is recognized by his co-professionals as a leading figure throughout the legal community.
Partner Amy R. Weintrob joined the firm in 2007 and has since established herself as a prominent leader in family law throughout southern New Jersey, boasting an impressive 28 years of experience in the field. Although her initial ambition was not focused on family law, Amy quickly found her niche and excelled in this area. She reflected on her professional journey, stating, “When I first relocated back to New Jersey, I was told I was going to do some family law work, and the next thing I knew, I was almost exclusively handling it.” Through her dedication and expertise, she gained recognition in the legal community and became an authority in family law. A significant milestone in her career was serving as counsel of record in *Silver v. Silver*,387 N.J.Super. 112 (App. Div. 2006), the most cited domestic violence case in New Jersey, which underscored her expertise and commitment to advocating for families in crisis.
Under Amy’s leadership, the family practice has experienced remarkable growth and expansion. She welcomed talented attorneys Kevin J. Balistreri, Esquire, and Shelby B. Scheffler, Esquire, into the team. Their hard work, dedication, and fresh perspectives have significantly enriched the family’s legal services offered by the firm, allowing it to flourish even further.
Beyond her legal practice, Amy plays a vital role in her community. She is deeply committed to charitable work and serves as a Board Member for both the Alcove Center for Grieving Children and Their Families and Hope Exists. Through these organizations, Amy actively supports children and families in need, demonstrating her compassion and commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of others. Her multifaceted involvement showcases her dedication not only to her clients but also to the broader community, embodying the values of the HP Attorneys team.
Partner, Colin Bell, joined the firm in 2008 after graduating Cum Laude from American University College of Law. Colin launched his legal career as a prosecutor with the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office, where he worked on Grand Jury proceedings and trial selections. He has also served as a legal advisor for police and as an instructor at the police academy and received advanced training at the Justice Department’s Trial Advocacy Center.
In addition to his legal work, he served as a State Senator from 2017 to 2018 and held a three-year elected position on the Atlantic County Board of Chosen Freeholders. At HP Attorneys, Colin focuses on construction law, commercial litigation, employment litigation, appellate advocacy, election law, and local government law.
Last but clearly not least, is Partner Evan Labov. After graduating Cum Laude with a Juris Doctor from George Mason University School of Law, with three generations of mechanical contractors in his family, Evan credits his grandfather and father for sparking his passion for construction law. Having observed their work on significant projects in New Jersey and neighboring states, he has developed a deep understanding of the values of hard work, dedication, and integrity—principles that contractors and all businesses need not just to survive but thrive.
Evan’s practice, like John’s and Colin’s, focuses on construction law, public contract law, commercial litigation, and transactional work, including the preparation and review of construction contracts, business asset, and stock sale agreements, as well as related documents such as notes, mortgages, employment agreements, and leases.
The firm also owes its success to other exceptional associate lawyers, including Josh Givner and Kevin Balistreri as well as its newest team members, Alyssa E. Kriegler, Emma Kate McMurtry, and Alex Hamilton. Their talent and work ethic greatly contribute to the firm’s reputation.
Fortunately, multi-talented Rachel Levitz stepped into the shoes of Fran McNellis, who sadly passed in February after 36 years as the firm’s administrator. As Ms. Weintrob has aptly said, “Fran experienced the growth and took care of all the attorneys in the office. She was our den mother. She took care of all of us. She raised all of us from baby lawyers to the success that we've all come into.” Rachel, like the firm’s lawyers, also works without limitation, administering all personnel and handling all aspects of the firm’s practice.
In today's complex legal landscape, choosing the right law firm requires careful consideration. This law firm, a staple in New Jersey, boasts dedicated partners, associates, paralegals, legal assistants, and staff who genuinely care about their clients. This firm’s reputation for excellence speaks for itself.
