Parsippany Troy Hills, NJ

Joseph P. Slawinski

Mr. Slawinski appears regularly on behalf of his clients in the New Jersey Superior and Municipal Courts, as well as in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey. He has effectively represented clients and tried many cases to conclusion. Mr. Slawinski is a litigator for the firm and represents clients in matters including civil litigation, business disputes and dissolution, complex commercial litigation, personal injury actions, criminal defense, municipal court matters, product liability, employment litigation, foreclosure defense, real estate, workers’ compensation, civil rights, appellate practice, disability retirement pension benefits, and general civil matters. In addition, he assists clients with the formation of businesses, preparation of corporate documents, and contract negotiations. Mr. Slawinski also oversees probate matters, property tax appeals, will preparation, and PIP arbitrations handled by our firm.

Anthony J. DeZao

Anthony James DeZao, Esq., is an attorney at DeZao & DeZao, P.C., continuing the legacy of his father, James C. DeZao, Esq., the firm’s founder. Having grown up immersed in the legal profession, Mr. DeZao has been actively engaged in the legal field for as long as he can remember. Today, Mr. DeZao represents clients in a wide range of practices, including personal injury cases, tort resolution, estate and trust law, real estate transactions and disputes, contract disputes, and business acquisitions. His practice is dedicated to advocating for individuals and businesses, ensuring they receive skilled legal guidance in navigating complex legal matters. Mr. DeZao earned his J.D. from New York Law School and distinguished himself through his participation in moot court, the NYLS Student Senate, and multiple academic scholarship awards. His time at law school not only strengthened his legal acumen but also solidified his passion for advocacy and client representation. Prior to law school, Mr. DeZao received his B.A. from Montclair State University, graduating cum laude. Now, as an attorney, he brings his lifelong legal exposure and formal education together to provide dedicated, strategic representation to clients across a variety of legal matters. Outside of his legal work, Mr. DeZao has a passion for his family, technology, weightlifting, and cars. He enjoys staying up to date with the latest in tech innovation, spending time exercising, and performance vehicles. Mr. DeZao is committed to providing effective, client-focused legal representation grounded in integrity, diligence, and a results-oriented mindset.

David P. Affinito

David P. Affinito is a distinguished Certified Civil Trial Attorney with 40 years of experience in litigation and personal injury law. Mr. Affinito has reported cases before the United States Supreme Court, the New Jersey Supreme Court, and has appeared before the United States Congress on behalf of his clients in Accutane litigation. Since 2014, Mr. Affinito has been practicing at DeZao & DeZao, P.C., where he served as the supervising attorney from 2023 until 2025. Before joining James C. DeZao's firm, Mr. Affinito was a Senior Partner at Dell’Italia, Affinito & Santola, where he spent nearly three decades handling high-profile personal injury cases. His legal expertise spans both plaintiff and defense representation, focusing on wrongful death suits, mass tort litigation, and complex personal injury cases. Mr. Affinito is renowned for his leadership in the Accutane litigation against Roche Pharmaceuticals, serving as lead local counsel in New Jersey. His work in this landmark case, involving the psychological effects of the acne drug Accutane, gained national attention. His legal advocacy influenced Congressional hearings on drug safety and contributed to the manufacturer’s voluntary withdrawal of the product from the market. Throughout his career, Affinito has fought for justice in numerous wrongful death cases, including a case where five construction workers were tragically killed in a highway accident. His legal efforts helped establish the more common use of cement barriers to protect road construction workers in New Jersey. His appellate work includes influential cases such as Robert Rowe v. Hoffmann-LaRoche, which reshaped pharmaceutical litigation jurisdiction. Mr. Affinito holds a Juris Doctor from Northern Illinois University and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Monmouth College. He is a member of the bars of New Jersey Federal and the Third Circuit Court of Appeals, while he is retired from the bars in Pennsylvania, New York, and Florida. Mr. Affinito was awarded the great honor by the “Trial Lawyers Care” program, where volunteer attorneys spent their spare time assisting those who suffered after the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center. Affinito’s exceptional legal career, leadership at DeZao & DeZao, P.C., and dedication to justice make him a respected and influential figure in the legal community.

Christopher G. Rivera, Esq., is an attorney that focuses on real estate, corporate law, contract disputes, and workers' compensation. Mr. Rivera’s legal career began as a law clerk at a mid-sized New York law firm, where he assisted corporate clients with general counsel matters, mergers and acquisitions, and business structuring. As an attorney, Mr. Rivera continues to consult clients on such matters. Mr. Rivera also serves as general counsel and a sitting director at an international company that conducts business across North America, South America, and Europe. Drawing from this experience, he provides clients with practical, business-focused legal guidance tailored to their unique challenges. Prior to becoming an attorney, Mr. Rivera built extensive experience in the real estate industry as a luxury Realtor in Southwest Florida, specializing in high-end properties and advising real estate investors, particularly in the vacation rental market. In addition to his corporate and real estate work, Mr. Rivera advocates for injured workers in workers' compensation cases, helping them navigate the complexities of workplace injury claims to secure the benefits and medical care they deserve. He is committed to ensuring that employees receive fair treatment and compensation for their injuries, guiding them through the legal process with diligence and care. Mr. Rivera earned his J.D. from New York Law School and his B.A. from the University of South Florida. His diverse background in real estate, corporate transactions, and litigation gives him a well-rounded perspective when advising clients on their legal and business needs. Outside of his law practice, Mr. Rivera is an avid outdoor enthusiast who enjoys hiking, cycling, snowboarding, and spending time at the beach. He is an advocate for protecting public lands and preserving access to natural spaces for future generations. Above all, Mr. Rivera values quality time with his family. Mr. Rivera is dedicated to delivering trusted, results-driven legal counsel with integrity, professionalism, and a client-first approach.

James C. DeZao

Mr. DeZao practiced in all areas of the law handled by the firm, lending his decades of experience to any case that required it on top of his own docket. He lent his knowledge and experience to anyone in the firm who asked and was always willing to take on extra work to ensure clients’ needs were met. An esteemed member of the New Jersey legal community, Attorney DeZao dedicated his life to fighting for the rights of individuals and their families. His passion for justice and commitment to his clients continue to inspire our team as we strive to provide top-notch legal services with integrity, compassion, and diligence.

Eric S. Hausman

Mr. Hausman has been a practicing attorney since 2001. Commercial and residential real estate transactions and real estate litigation have become the main focus of his practice. He has closed thousands of real estate transactions for individuals buying or selling their homes, relocation companies, REO asset management companies, and corporate clients. Mr. Hausman has extensive experience in landlord/tenant matters including evictions, leasing, and collections. He is a seasoned attorney who has appeared in every landlord/tenant Court in the State of New Jersey. Mr. Hausman also has significant experience in residential real estate closings (purchases and sales), refinances, short sales, foreclosures, and buying properties through Sheriff Sales. Being a resident of Morris County gives him a personal connection to the county and strengthens his professional knowledge of the surrounding areas.