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Integrity, Loyalty & Tenacity

Our firm has provided exceptional legal representation for over 100 years.

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Our attorneys pride themselves in assisting clients every step of the way.

Helping Clients Plan For The Future

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Summit Estate Planning, Land Use, and Real Estate Lawyers

Founded in 1929, Dempsey, Dempsey & Sheehan has grown up alongside Summit as the city itself has grown, building a reputation as a solid, trustworthy law firm serving individuals, families and businesses in the cities, townships, and boroughs of Union, Essex, and Morris counties, and throughout Northern New Jersey. We’ve proudly served Summit and surrounding areas for over 90 years, providing trusted and personalized legal services in a variety of vital legal areas, including Estate Planning; Land Use, Zoning & Development, Real Estate Law, Litigation, Business Organization, and Municipal Law. Our commitment to Summit’s families, businesses, and communities has been the foundation of our practice since our firm’s founding. Today, we’re honored to carry forward this legacy of dedication and integrity in every case we handle.

Your Local Advocates for Estate Planning and Real Estate Matters

At the heart of our practice is our desire to help the people of Summit plan for their futures and navigate complex legal matters with clarity and confidence. Whether you’re a young family in need of a solid estate plan or looking to ensure a smooth transition of assets, or if you’re ready to make that long-awaited home improvement and need a zoning variance, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. We know that life in Summit has its unique aspects, from our vibrant neighborhoods to our historic homes, and our services are tailored to meet the needs of our diverse community.

Our attorneys work closely with each client, offering the personalized attention you deserve. Unlike larger firms where your case may be passed from one person to another, at Dempsey, Dempsey & Sheehan, you’ll generally work directly with the same attorney from start to finish. We believe that this one-on-one relationship builds trust, ensures understanding, and leads to the best outcomes for you and your family.

Estate Planning: Plan Today for Peace of Mind Tomorrow

Planning for the future can seem overwhelming, but we’re here to make it straightforward and approachable. Estate planning isn’t just for retirees or the wealthy – it’s for anyone who wants to protect their family and ensure their wishes are respected. We’ll walk you through every option, from drafting a will to establishing a trust, and work with you to create an estate plan that suits your unique needs and goals.

For clients who may need probate services, we handle all aspects of estate administration, ensuring that each detail is taken care of with compassion and respect. Our experience with Summit’s probate courts allows us to efficiently manage probate matters, easing the burden during difficult times.

Real Estate Law and Land Use Services

Whether you’re buying a first home, selling property, or developing a commercial space, our experienced real estate attorneys are here to make sure your transaction goes smoothly. We understand the importance of securing your investment and can help you avoid costly issues down the line.

Our knowledge of local Summit zoning laws and regulations is invaluable to clients seeking approval for new projects, expansions, or modifications. If you’re looking to build an addition or make updates to your home, we can help you understand Summit’s zoning requirements and represent you through the entire process of obtaining any necessary permits or variances.

Business Organization and Municipal Law

For local businesses, we provide guidance on everything from business formation and organization to contract review and litigation support. Summit’s thriving small business community deserves tailored legal services, and we’re here to support your growth and success.

Our municipal law practice is also deeply rooted in Summit’s community affairs, representing individuals, businesses, and organizations that need counsel in navigating local ordinances, land use matters, or zoning challenges. Our attorneys additionally have a long history of representing land use boards, municipal zoning boards, and planning boards in all aspects of municipal land use law, open public meetings act, ordinance drafting and review, master plan review, land development application review, completeness determinations, and more. We proudly serve as the board attorney for Land Use Boards, Planning Boards, and Zoning Boards of Adjustment throughout Union, Morris and Essex counties.

A Trusted Legal Partner in Summit

Dempsey, Dempsey & Sheehan has built its reputation on the strength of our relationships and the quality of our work. We’ve had the privilege of helping generations of Summit families and businesses achieve their goals. As a local firm with deep ties to our community, we bring a unique understanding of Summit’s needs and values, and we’re committed to providing the highest level of service to each client we serve.

Contact Dempsey, Dempsey & Sheehan – Your Local Summit Law Firm

If you’re ready to discuss your legal needs, reach out to us today at 908-277-0388 or contact us online to schedule a free, initial consultation. We will take the time to understand your needs and let you know how we can help so that you can make an informed decision about the best way to proceed with your legal matter. For help with estate planning and probate, land use issues, real estate transactions and tax appeals, business organization, municipal law or litigation, the attorneys at Dempsey, Dempsey & Sheehan are here to serve you.

We look forward to learning how we can assist you and to building a partnership that protects and advances your interests.

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Proudly serving generations of families in your local community
Your Dedicated Team
 
Hilary P. Ulz
Hilary P. UlzSenior Associate

Hilary Ulz joined the firm in 2005 and concentrates her practice in the areas of zoning, planning, land use and development matters and related litigation. As part of her practice, she assists homeowners, developers, clubs and institutions in connection with site plan, subdivision, variance relief and all other aspects of the land use and development process, as well as with all other related governmental approvals. She has been involved in many complex land use and zoning projects. She has also been an active volunteer in the revitalization of Summit’s downtown and currently resides in Chatham.

Mark J. Scancarella
Mark J. ScancarellaSenior Associate

Mark Scancarella joined the firm in 2023 and focuses his practice on estate planning, estate administration, residential real estate transactions and guardianship matters. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Rutgers University-New Brunswick, graduating Cum Laude in 2008, and earned his Juris Doctor law degree from New York Law School in 2013. Mark is a member of the New Jersey State Bar Association, Summit Bar Association and Bar Foundation, and the Union County Bar Association. As a member of the New Jersey State Bar, he is admitted to practice in all courts throughout the state of New Jersey.

Amanda C. Wolfe, Esq.
Amanda C. Wolfe, Esq.Of Counsel

Ms. Wolfe is an experienced land use attorney with years of experience representing land use boards. She has significant experience representing municipal zoning and planning boards throughout Somerset, Union, Hunterdon and Morris Counties. Ms. Wolfe has provided advice and guidance to her municipal land use boards on a wide range of issues involving the Municipal Land Use Law and the Open Public Meetings Act. Ms. Wolfe also assists her municipal land use boards with matters such as ordinance drafting and review, master plan review, land development application review, and completeness determinations.

Robert W. Dempsey
Robert W. DempseyPartner

Upon graduating from law school Mr. Dempsey served as a law clerk to the Honorable Walter L. Hatfield, III, in the New Jersey Superior Court. Thereafter he was a Deputy Attorney General in the Office of the Attorney General of the State of New Jersey were he served for four years. In this service he gave advice to the New Jersey Transfer and Inheritance Tax Bureau and was in charge of the Bureau of Escheats. In 1974, Robert Dempsey joined his brother, Jerry Dempsey, and brother-in-law, Bartholomew Sheehan, in the firm established by his father, Wilfred Dempsey, which dates back to 1929. He has resided in Summit since 1963.

Bartholomew A. Sheehan, Jr.
Bartholomew A. Sheehan, Jr.Partner

Bart Sheehan’s practice has an emphasis on land use and zoning, real estate development and civil and estate litigation. Prior to joining Dempsey, Dempsey & Sheehan in 1969, he served as a judicial clerk to the Honorable Gerald T. Foley in the New Jersey Superior Court and was associated with the firm of Hyland, Davis and Rebberkenny in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. Mr. Sheehan has authored a book on landlord and tenant law and was a co-editor of the New Jersey Rules of Evidence as commissioned by the New Jersey Legislature in 1967. A Summit resident since 1969, he has served in a number of regional, community, volunteer and religious...

Jerry R. Dempsey
Jerry R. DempseyRetired Partner

Upon graduating from law school, Jerry Dempsey served as a law clerk to the Honorable Kenneth C. Hand in the New Jersey Superior Court, Law Division. He joined the firm in 1967 and has lived and worked in Summit for over 40 years. The firm was established by his late father, Wilfred L. Dempsey, which has evolved from the law firm of Williams & Dempsey which dates back to 1929. Now retired, Mr. Dempsey consulted with clients who sought counseling and advice on general family issues, with a practice focused on real estate closings, estate planning and administration, wills and probate, and trust formation & administration.

  • Hilary P. Ulz
  • Mark J. Scancarella
  • Amanda C. Wolfe, Esq.
  • Robert W. Dempsey
  • Bartholomew A. Sheehan, Jr.
  • Jerry R. Dempsey
Summit Bar Association
New Jersey State Bar Association
Union County Bar Association
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