About Douglas M. Standriff, Esq.

My practice is devoted to litigation in both the Superior Courts and Tax Courts of New Jersey.  My office is closer to the Courts in Northern New Jersey (Bergen, Passaic, Essex, Hudson counties), however I am licensed in New York, Ohio and Texas and at times, will accept matters in those venues, or in Southern New Jersey.  In my tax practice, I focus upon reducing property owners’ tax assessments, thus lowering the amount of property taxes they pay each year.

My career has always been focused on trial work.  Most of my time is spent IN THE COURTROOM, not in my office.  The hours spent in the courtroom allowed me to become Certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as a Civil Trial Attorney.  Beginning in Texas when I served as an Assistant District Attorney handling serious felony trials, through today, my clients hire me to take their matter to the Courthouse.  I have been admitted to the Bar in four States: Texas, Ohio, New York, and New Jersey, and have been admitted to practice in the Federal Courts in Texas and New Jersey.  I have successfully handled over 1,000 civil matters on behalf of my clients.  Some of those matters were settled through negotiation, and some were prosecuted to a conclusion in trial.

douglas standriff's briefcase

This is the briefcase I carry into the Courthouse to appear for case management conferences, arbitrations, and jury trials. It’s a bit scuffed, a little beaten up. Some people say that I should get a stylish new briefcase to replace it. I disagree. I like this weathered briefcase, because it shows anyone who sees it that the owner is a lawyer who works in the trenches – one who uses his briefcase every day. This is not an accessory that sits untouched in the corner of my office – it’s a veteran with war wounds, proudly displayed. For the first twenty years of my practice, this briefcase has been next to me and my client at counsel’s table through many trials. With a bit of refurbishing from time to time, I expect it will be with me for the next twenty years too.

As a Certified Civil Trial Attorney, I regularly accept cases New Jersey Supreme Court Certified Attorneyreferred to me by attorneys who believe they need the assistance of a more experienced litigator.  I have successfully handled a wide range of cases including:

Tax Appeals

Numerous successful tax appeals on behalf of property owners in Northern New Jersey, including saving a particular Bergen County homeowner over $4,500.00 per year in property taxes.

Accident Cases

  • Prosecuted a civil wrongful death case on behalf of two daughters whose mother was killed in a car accident in Paterson, New Jersey.
  • Fought to force a large New Jersey insurance company to continue to pay for a client’s pain management treatments after spinal surgery failed to reduce his pain caused by a herniated disc.
  • Represented the estate of a local police officer who was killed by a drunk driver.

Commercial Litigation

  • Malpractice claim against an accountant for improperly handling a small business owner’s taxes.
  • Successful repossession of trucking equipment for an Ohio truck leasing firm.
  • Defended a Bergen County landlord from an accusation of wrongfully withholding a security deposit.
  • Collection matters for small business owners.

Do you have a case that requires the skill of an experienced trial attorney? Please call me or send an email for a free consultation.

I concentrate my practice in two areas: CIVIL LITIGATION and TAX APPEALS, particularly in Bergen County.

I have been certified as a New Jersey Civil Trial Attorney, by the Supreme Court of New Jersey. Only a small percentage of all attorneys licensed in New Jersey are certified as Civil Trial Attorneys. This certification is given to attorneys whose qualifications and experience have been reviewed by senior Certified Civil Trial attorneys to ensure the applicant has a sufficient amount of courtroom experience, and who have passed a lengthy written examination. Only Civil Trial Attorneys can advertise their specialized experience in handling jury trials.

I have successfully handled over one thousand civil claims and Bergen County, New Jersey tax appeals on behalf of clients. Most of these were lawsuits in either the Superior Courts of New Jersey, New Jersey Tax Court, and local county tax boards.

If I accept your case, I will perform the legal work personally. Your matter will NOT be given to an associate who lacks experience in the courtroom. I will work together with you to choose the best legal strategy to win your court case.