Emerson, NJ

Jay Bhatt

Attorney Jay Bhatt is the founder and managing attorney at Bhatt Law Group and has focused his practice on handling complex personal injury cases. Over the years, Jay has aggressively fought to obtain millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for his clients and has published numerous articles on personal injury law. He values that his work allows him to make a direct, positive impact on the lives of people who have experienced stressful or traumatic events, such as a serious injury in an accident. He has a genuine compassion for helping clients. Over the course of two decades, Jay has expanded the law firm into a talented team of experienced New Jersey attorneys and paralegals in order to better serve the diverse legal needs of people in New Jersey. Jay’s dedication to helping the New Jersey community extends beyond the law firm. He serves on the board of directors of 001 DebtorCC Inc, a non-profit credit counseling agency that helps individuals that are facing financial difficulty. To help keep the roadways safe and save lives, Jay has dedicated himself to teaching defensive driving courses and has authored a DMV-Approved defensive driving curriculum in many states. Jay received a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance, Summa Cum Laude, from Rutgers University and received his Juris Doctor degree at Seton Hall University School of Law with honors. During his free time, Jay enjoys golfing, working out, and spending time with his wife and 2 daughters.

Jalessa Lenise Almonacy

Jalessa Lenise Almonacy is a passionate and multifaceted attorney licensed in both New York and New Jersey, with a solid foundation in personal injury and general liability law. With years of diverse legal experience, she is committed to standing up for individuals who have been injured due to negligence, relentlessly pursuing justice and fair compensation as a Personal Injury attorney at Bhatt Law Group. Before joining the firm, Jalessa developed a robust litigation background. Her practice has spanned Title 59 claims, workers’ compensation, insurance defense, and personal injury litigation. She brings a strategic and detail-driven approach to discovery, motion practice, negotiation, and legal writing. Jalessa earned her Juris Doctor from the University of Massachusetts School of Law - Dartmouth, where she served as President of the Black Law Students Association, Associate Editor of the UMass Law Review, and was awarded the Judge Reginald Lindsay Public Service Award. She completed over 650 hours of pro bono work, earning her a Pro Bono Award-underscoring her deep commitment to advocacy and justice. Jalessa is known for blending legal acumen with creativity, compassion, and cultural awareness. Her multidisciplinary background informs her client-first approach, empowering her to be both a fierce advocate and an empathetic voice for those she represents.

Devin Baer

Attorney Devin Baer has two decades of legal experience and handles personal injury and criminal matters for Bhatt Law Group. Devin has spent most of his legal career deeply involved in all aspects of auto accidents and slip and falls. He has specialized in making certain that clients receive full financial reimbursement for all pain and suffering endured as a result of their injuries. His work includes all aspects of case investigation, drafting and overseeing pleadings, researching and writing motions, preparing and defending plaintiffs’ examinations before trial, court appearances, and trial preparation. His hard work and aggressive approach has resulted in millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for his clients. As a criminal defense attorney, he is also dedicated to protecting the rights of people charged with crimes and ensuring they aren’t trampled by the system or the criminal process. He is passionate about defending the constitutional rights of his clients and fighting to get them the best possible outcome for their cases. Devin believes in treating every person he represents with respect and understanding for what they’re experiencing. His goal is for each client to walk away from their case able to move forward in their lives and feeling positive about the outcome they received. He loves being able to help people navigate the complexities of the legal system while holding himself to high standards of legal practice and ethics. He is a native of Union County who attended law school in Washington, D.C., and then returned home to help people in the community where he grew up with their legal issues. Outside of work, Devin enjoys hockey, football, 90s rock including bands like Pearl Jam, and spending time with his wife and 2 daughters.

Karlene Rawle-Walters

Karlene Rawle-Walters is a powerhouse personal injury attorney with over 30 years of legal experience. At Bhatt Law Group, she fights for people and families whose lives have been turned upside down by car crashes, truck accidents, falls, and other serious injuries - and she does it with urgency. She’s known for her aggressive litigation style, relentless case workup, and no-excuses approach to insurance companies. Karlene’s courtroom presence is commanding, and her preparation is surgical. She understands how to build leverage fast: securing evidence, protecting clients’ rights, and pushing for maximum value. Her mission is simple - make sure injured clients get treated with respect, paid what they’re owed, and never bullied by an insurance company. Karlene views the law as service - rooted in faith, purpose, and compassion. Clients consistently say the same thing about her: she fights like it’s personal, and she treats you with dignity while she does it. Outside of work, Karlene loves spending time with her family and church community, and she’ll never turn down a quiet moment on the beach with Gospel Reggae.

Celestino Labombarda

Attorney Celestino Labombarda brings years of knowledge and legal experience in his representation of various medical providers against PIP insurance carriers in arbitration. As an ardent and dedicated advocate, he actively seeks reimbursement on behalf of providers for unpaid or underpaid treatment to patients injured in motor vehicle accidents. After earning his law degree, he served as a judicial law clerk for the Hon. Brian R. Martinotti, J.S.C. in Bergen County Superior Court, Family Division. Prior to focusing on his New Jersey no-fault/PIP insurance practice, his diversified experience included general litigation. Celestino is a former member of the Justice Morris Pashman American Inn of Court, an association of lawyers, judges and other legal professionals which was created for the purpose of teaching and mentoring young lawyers in the skills of trial advocacy, civility, professionalism and ethics. Additionally, he is proficient in Italian and Spanish.

Richard Alexander

Richard E. Alexander is a relentless and highly experienced defense attorney with a law degree from Rutgers University. Known as a bulldog in the courtroom, Richard has spent years fiercely defending the rights of individuals facing criminal, DUI, and traffic-related charges across New Jersey. He’s a commanding presence in court-strategic, unyielding, and unapologetically client-focused. A master of Traffic Law, including DWI/DUI, Richard has built a reputation for beating the odds-getting charges dismissed, penalties reduced, and licenses restored. His knowledge of procedural nuances and case law is matched only by his speed and precision in preparing motions, drafting legal documents, and executing aggressive legal strategies. Clients turn to Richard not just for his legal acumen, but for his unwavering commitment to clear, responsive communication and respect for their time. His high satisfaction ratings reflect a deep trust earned through results-driven representation and a no-nonsense approach. In addition to criminal and traffic matters, Richard also provides representation in family law (domestic violence) cases-bringing the same level of intensity and dedication to every legal battle he takes on.

Christopher Marucci

Christopher Marucci is a highly accomplished attorney with over two decades of experience in law enforcement and years of legal experience in the areas of criminal and family law. He has an impressive background in successfully navigating criminal courts, skillfully negotiating plea bargains, and advocating for indigent clients. After earning his law degree from the New York Law School, Christopher began his legal career in criminal law. He has successfully handled dozens of criminal trials and became well-versed in navigating the criminal courts throughout New Jersey. Prior to joining Bhatt Law Group, Christopher has worked at a New Jersey Not for Profit, representing clients in complex criminal and family law cases, including restraining orders, child support and custody applications, and divorce. Christopher is passionate about helping clients who are in desperate need of representation. He brings a unique perspective to his cases, combining his extensive law enforcement experience with his legal training. His clients benefit from his strong negotiating skills, attention to detail, and dedication to achieving the best possible outcomes for them. Christopher is a rabid Baseball fan and spends his spare time volunteering to coach youth ball players.