The Law Offices of Joel Silberman, LLC

New Jersey Civil Rights Lawyer

Protecting your constitutional rights

When police or government violate your rights, Joel Silberman fights for you and your family - in federal and New Jersey courts.

  • Former prosecutor
  • Available 24/7
  • Super Lawyers 2023
Joel Silberman, New Jersey civil rights lawyer
Joel Silberman, New Jersey civil rights lawyer

Why Joel Silberman

A Former Prosecutor Holding Law Enforcement Accountable

Joel Silberman spent nearly four years as a Hudson County Assistant Prosecutor. He knows how police and prosecutors build cases - and he uses that knowledge to expose misconduct and win compensation for the people it harms.

  • 20+ years serving New Jersey
  • Civil rights suits in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey (42 U.S.C. 1983) and New Jersey’s state courts (NJ Civil Rights Act)
  • Super Lawyers 2023 · Lead Counsel Rated
  • A dedicated 24/7 line once you retain the firm

Results

Recent Results

$925,000
Excessive force · Jersey City · 2022

Jersey City agreed to pay $925,000 to Jonathan Sanders, who was punched by police. He had sued the city in federal court alleging his civil rights were violated.

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$132,500
Excessive force · Paterson · 2023

Paterson agreed to pay $132,500 to settle claims that officers used excessive force during an arrest and pepper-sprayed people watching. Joel Silberman represented Jerel Wilkins and the women who were pepper-sprayed.

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Notice of claim
Police shooting · Bayonne · 2023

Joel Silberman filed a notice of claim with Bayonne for Kelvin Ortiz, who was shot in the face by Bayonne police officers.

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Tort claim
Student threatened with a gun · Bayonne · 2018

Joel Silberman filed a notice of tort claim for a Bayonne High School student whose varsity hockey coach allegedly pointed a gun at him.

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Results depend on the facts of each case. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

The Process

How a Civil Rights Case Works

  1. Free consultation

    Tell us what happened. It’s free and confidential.

  2. Investigation & evidence

    We gather video, medical records, police reports and witnesses.

  3. Notice of claim

    Claims against a New Jersey town or agency generally need a written notice within 90 days.

  4. Lawsuit

    We file in federal or New Jersey court under 42 U.S.C. 1983 and the NJ Civil Rights Act.

  5. Settlement or trial

    Many cases settle. We prepare every case as if it will be tried.

Client Reviews

What Our Clients Say

“I was maliciously dragged into a civil case by a complainant who was trying to extort money in the guise of settlement by concocting stories which have no factual basis. With Joel Silberman’s skillful legal strategies, the complainant and his lawyers eventually dropped me from the case which was approved by the court.”

Lincoln Tan Jr

“Joel Silberman is there for you 24/7. He is knowledgeable, well prepared and you are in good hands with his representation. From your initial consultation you are guided through the legal process in a way that is easy to understand.”

Gary Rubinstein

“I totally recommend Joel Silberman. He was clear about my situation. Very professional yet personable at the same time. He provided very quick response at all time.”

Yanthony Novas

Know Your Rights & News

Guides and Updates

What to Do After Police Misconduct

A nine-step checklist to protect your claim, including the deadlines.

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Police Accountability Tracker

Investigations, charges and grand jury decisions involving New Jersey police.

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Latest: $132,500 Paterson settlement

Paterson agreed to settle the firm’s excessive force and pepper-spray case.

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Free Case Review

Free, Confidential Case Review

Tell us what happened. We will call you back promptly - and urgent matters are answered 24/7.

  • 201-420-1913
    Available 24/7
  • Jersey City: 26 Journal Square, Suite 300
  • Newark: 744 Broad Street, 16th Floor
  • New York City: 1370 Broadway, 5th Floor

Confidential. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship.