Henry P. Zerella

Unlike some, I didn’t always want to be a lawyer. I envisioned a career in business or maybe on Wall Street. I attended college at Mount Saint Mary's College to study accounting and then Business and Finance. While there, a business law class sparked my curiosity regarding the study of law. I found it fascinating and decided that a career in law may be my calling. After graduating from the Mount with a B.S. Degree in Business and Finance, I attended the Delaware Law School of Widener College. It was there that the professors began to instill in me the desire to help those in need. I was named to the Law Review, a distinction reserved for the top of the class and I graduated with honors in 1977.

I began my career focusing primarily on criminal defense, appearing before the Superior Court and various municipal courts.  I represented clients charged with serious criminal offenses including murder, aggravated assault, sexual assault and robbery. In the municipal court, I assisted clients regarding charges of driving while intoxicated, reckless driving, speeding and minor drug offenses. My years of trial experience entitled me to be Certified by the Supreme Court as a Criminal Trial Attorney.

During this time, I found a number of people were also contacting me regarding work related accidents. Thus began my work representing injured and ill workers. Over the years, I not only represented the injured and ill workers, but I also had experience representing some employers as well. This was an important step in my development. It gave me insight into how "the other side thinks," provided me with the ability to better address their arguments and concerns, enabling me to better serve my clients. I think that my experience as a criminal trial lawyer combined with my 45 plus years representing people before the workers’ compensation courts, makes me better able to serve the injured than most.

I have been practicing law in New Jersey since 1977, representing individuals, businesses, government entities, and insurance companies. However, I am now able to focus on handling workers' compensation cases.

I previously served for approximately 16 years as the solicitor for the Weymouth Township Municipal Utilities Authority, for 4 years as the Solicitor for the Vineland Downtown Improvement District and for over 15 years as the Associate Solicitor of the City of Vineland.

Over the years, I have been Member of the Cumberland County Bar Association serving as both an Officer and trustee, a Member of the Trial Attorneys of New Jersey serving as a Trustee and a member of the New Jersey State Bar Association.

In addition to my practice, I have been an active member of the community. I served as a member and past president of the Pastoral Council of St. Isidore's Church, attorney for the Cumberland County Women's Center and the Vineland Ice Hockey Club and a board member of the Vineland In-Line Hockey League. I also coached several local youth sports teams.

But I’d be remiss if I failed to mention my family. As important as the practice of law is, nothing can ever come before family. I am lucky to be married to my wife since 1977. We have two children, four grandchildren and another on the way. The best of times is time spent with them.  If there is any time left in my busy schedule, I enjoy golf, biking, skiing, traveling and sitting/napping on the beach.