Attorney Biography
Rich is an attorney with Petro Cohen, P.C. with nearly 20 years of litigation and trial experience. As part of the Personal Injury team, Rich handles all matters on behalf of those injured as a result of the fault of another including automobile accidents, bicycle and motorcycle accidents, slip/trip and fall accidents, dog bites and animal attacks, dangerous property conditions, construction accidents, product liability and industrial accidents, claims against public entities, and wrongful death.
A graduate of St. Peter’s College in Jersey City, Rich attended New York Law School where he achieved the honor of becoming a Law Review Articles Editor. While studying in law school, Rich worked as a Teaching Assistant and Research Assistant for various professors during his tenure. During that time, Rich also volunteered for the New York Bar Foundation, representing tenants in landlord/tenant and eviction disputes, and worked for a non-profit legal assistance agency helping employees in receiving challenged unemployment benefits.
After law school, Rich entered private practice with a specific concentration in construction law. He served as the Co-Chair of the Construction Section of the New Jersey Bar Association and was a frequent lecturer at Rutgers University School of Engineering. Rich has been certified as a LEED Accredited Professional, a certification held by only a handful of attorneys across the country, exhibiting a specific knowledge in sustainable and environmentally responsible design and construction. In utilizing this skill, Rich volunteered his efforts and represented homeowners affected by Hurricane Sandy, pro bono, in the Rebuilding Union Beach Project. Rich has argued before administrative boards on behalf of his clients and has successfully petitioned changes to administrative regulations. He has had the privilege to present testimony to the New Jersey State Senate on proposed legislation. Rich was named by the New Jersey Law Journal as a New Leader of the Bar early in his career and has received recognition by New Jersey Super Lawyers.
Rich is an experienced and skilled litigator and trial attorney having tried numerous cases to verdict. He has lectured nationally and has authored a number of publications. In enhancing his trial skills, Rich became a Fellow of the American Board of Trial Advocates after attending a course of study at the ABOTA National Trial College at Harvard Law School. In addition, Rich is experienced in appellate advocacy having been credited in a number of representative and published decisions.
Rich has received an AV Rating by Martindale-Hubbell exemplifying the highest standards of ethical and profession conduct. In his practice, Rich holds true to this honor always engaging his clients, adversaries and the Court with respect and professionalism in seeking the ultimate goal of achieving a resolution to any dispute. He embraces the oft quoted dictate: “The practice of law is first and foremost a profession.”
Rich is a native of South Jersey, having grown-up in Cape May County. He currently lives in Galloway with his wife and children. He is a dedicated (and often frustrated) Cleveland Browns fan, enjoys spending time with his family, “Football Sunday”, playing soccer and hiking with his kids, and photography.
For more information on personal injury, or to set up a free consultation, contact Mr. Gaeckle at (888) 675-7607.
