Millstone resident named New Jersey Super Lawyer

Mason MILLSTONE - Gary L. Mason is the only western Monmouth County attorney who specializes in business to earn recognition as a New Jersey Super Lawyer.

The Manalapan-based firm Klafter & Mason LLC announced in a June 12 press release that Mason, one of its managing members, has been selected as a 2006 New Jersey Super Lawyer.

To be considered for the 2006 New Jersey Super Lawyers list, attorneys must receive nominations from their peers. After receiving all of the nominations, the research department of Law and Politics interviews law firm personnel throughout the state and assesses the expertise of each lawyer nominated for the honor, according to the press release.

"I am honored to be among this elite group that is recognized by their peers," Mason said in the press release. "Peer recognition is, without a doubt, a gratifying testament to one's success and reputation."

Mason limits his practice to complex business transactions and litigation, business counseling and strategic positioning, business disaster recovery, employment litigation, and bankruptcy, according to the press release.

Mason's business-related services are geared toward the small and mid-size business, from mom-and-pop enterprises to companies generating revenue in excess of $100 million annually.

David Strumeier, one of Mason's longtime clients and founder of marketing and merchandising for Pro Player, spoke about Mason's qualifications for Super Lawyer status in the press release.

He said, "Gary is a creative and innovative problem solver who thrives on a challenge, excels under pressure and gets the job done."

Strumeier continued, "He served as my personal legal and business adviser in negotiations to change the name of Joe Robbie Stadium in Florida to Pro Player Stadium, and he proved himself to be a compassionate counselor and tough negotiator. Since then, Gary has continued to represent me and my national and global business interests in a variety of capacities."

Mason also serves as general counsel to Global Licensing & Marketing LLC, a national firm engaged in various licensing and franchising business ventures, as well as Global Healthcare Alliances LLC, a national health-care consulting firm, according to the press release.

In 2006, Mason was selected by the Madison Who's Who Among Executives and Professionals and the United Who's Who Among Executives and Professionals, the press release said.

Mason has served on the board of directors for the New Jersey Institute for Continuing Legal Education and on the American Bar Association's Labor and Employment Law Committee Planning Board. He is also an active member of the New Jersey State Bar Association and the American Bar Association's Labor and Employment, Litigation and Business Law committees, as well as the Monmouth County Bar Association Professionalism Committee and Commercial Litigation and Banking Committee, according to the press release.

Mason earned his bachelor's degree from Dickinson College in Carlisle, Pa., in 1987, and his juris doctor degree with honors in 1990 from the New England School of Law in Boston. He is admitted to practice law in New Jersey, the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey, U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, and the U.S. Supreme Court, according to the press release.

In addition to practicing law, Mason volunteers his time to the Make-A-Wish Foundation and is the regional director for Comfort Zone Camp Inc., a nonprofit bereavement camp based in Virginia for children who have lost a sibling, parent or primary caregiver, according to the press release.

"I believe that every attorney has a duty to give back to his or her community," Mason said. "Having lost a sister at a very young age, Comfort Zone is the ideal place for me to serve my community and help these kids succeed in their grieving where I may have stumbled."

Mason also recently completed a book titled "Living With Death: A Beginner's Manual" and is on the search for an appropriate publisher, the press release said.

The complete list of New Jersey Super Lawyers appears in New Jersey Monthly magazine and at www.superlawyers.com.

There are more than 85,000 practicing attorneys in 55 specialty categories in New Jersey and only 5 percent were chosen as Super Lawyers, according to the press release.