Commercial / Probate / Real Estate / Employment Construction / Personal Injury 

Harriet Derman, J.S. C., is a retired judge. She is a member of the prestigious American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, as well as the National Academy of Distinguished Neutrals. Retired Judge Derman has a LLM in Taxation from New York University. Indeed, as an Assembly Woman, Judge Derman sponsored the S corporation and limited liability company legislation in New Jersey.

Judge Derman was a judge for eleven years before she retired from the Bench. Judge Derman served as the Presiding Judge of the Civil Division and as Chancery Judge for three counties: Somerset; Hunterdon; and Warren. A Chancery Judge in New Jersey presides over a Court of Equity, similar to Delaware’s Chancery Court. Judge Derman  was also the Probate Judge in Somerset County.

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Judge Derman’s mediation work has been focused on commercial issues: business and succession disputes;  Will and Trust disputes, often for high asset families; and  employment discrimination. Judge Derman has conducted private arbitrations, including a multi-million-dollar contract  dispute, and American Arbitration Association assigned cases, also involving commercial and employment disputes.

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Judge Derman has served as a Special Discovery  and Fee Master for both federal and state courts. She has been appointed by courts to terminate Employee Benefit Plans and distribute the proceeds and to auction a disputed ambulatory care center. 

Judge Derman is an approved New Jersey Federal District Court Mediator.

Judge Derman's areas of experience are listed below.