We are excited to announce that Julie Rich, Maralee Sanders, and Simone Sebastian have been named Partner effective January 1, 2025. These strategic promotions enhance the firm’s depth across key practice areas, including Private Lending, Employment Law, Trusts & Estates, and Matrimonial & Family Law. The elevations mark a significant milestone for HDRB&B, achieving equal representation of men and women at the Partner title level and reflecting the firm’s commitment to excellence and opportunity.
“Each of these attorneys has made exceptional contributions to our firm and our clients,” said Paul S. Doherty III, Managing Partner of HDRB&B. “Julie’s skilled advocacy in complex family matters, Maralee’s innovative approach to employment law and estate planning, and Simone’s sophisticated understanding of real estate finance have strengthened our ability to serve our clients’ diverse needs. Together, they represent the future of our firm and our commitment to excellence in client service.”
Julie A. Rich
Julie Rich joined HDRB&B in 2018 and has established herself as a leader in the firm’s Matrimonial and Family Law Department. Julie focuses her practice on complex divorce matters, custody disputes, and domestic violence cases in both New Jersey and New York. She earned her J.D. from Seton Hall University School of Law and received her B.A. magna cum laude from Syracuse University. Julie served as a Judicial Law Clerk to the Honorable Marcia L. Silva, J.S.C. in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Middlesex County, Family Part. Additionally, she has earned multiple recognitions including listings in The Best Lawyers in America: Ones to Watch™ for Family Law and Super Lawyers® “Rising Stars” in both New Jersey and New York. She was also recently named among “Top Women Lawyers” in the New York Metro area and featured in Bergen Magazine’s “Top Lawyers” for Family Law. She is active in multiple bar associations and is a member of New Jersey Women Lawyers Association.
Julie is based out of the firm’s Hackensack, New Jersey office and can be reached at jrich@hdrbb.com >>Download Julie’s vCard
Maralee Sanders
Maralee Sanders, who joined the firm in 2018, practices in both the Employment and Trusts & Estates Departments. She counsels employers on federal and state employment laws, conducts workplace investigations, and provides trust & estate administration services. Maralee earned her J.D. from New York Law School and received her B.A. from Union Institute & University. Maralee is a member of the New Jersey Women Lawyers Association, Treasurer of the NJSBA Young Lawyers Division, a Trustee of the Somerset County Bar Foundation, and is a Fellow in the NJSBA’s Leadership Academy. She has been consistently recognized by Super Lawyers® “Rising Stars” since 2021 and is listed in The Best Lawyers in America: Ones to Watch™ for Labor and Employment Law. Maralee is also a frequent speaker on employment law topics and serves on the Borough of Bound Brook Land Use Board.
Maralee is based out of the firm’s Short Hills, New Jersey office and can be reached at msanders@hdrbb.com >>Download Maralee’s vCard
Simone Sebastian
Rounding out the promotions, Simone Sebastian joined HDRB&B’s Private Lending Group in 2022 and represents private lenders in secured commercial real estate transactions. She counsels her clients through the closing process, guiding a transaction from term sheet to the closing table. Simone earned her J.D. from Widener University Delaware Law School and her B.A. from Rutgers University. She has been named to Super Lawyers® “Rising Stars” list for Real Estate Law and is a member of both the New Jersey State Bar Association and New Jersey Women Lawyers Association.
Simone is based out of the firm’s Short Hills, New Jersey office and can be reached at ssebastian@hdrbb.com >>Download Simone’s vCard