Janel Alania is an attorney in HDRB&B’s Litigation Department. Janel represents the interests of individual and commercial clients in a wide variety of matters before State and Federal courts in New Jersey and New York. Having served eight years in the public sector for the New York State and Federal Judiciary, Janel brings a broad base of procedural and substantive knowledge, along with a unique perspective, to the private practice of law.
Upon graduating from law school, Janel served for five years as a law clerk to the Hon. Bernard J. Fried, J.S.C. (Ret.) in the Commercial Division of the New York State Supreme Court. This clerkship not only sharpened her legal research and writing abilities, but also gave her unparalleled insight into the successful management and resolution of commercial disputes. Janel’s subsequent clerkship with the Hon. Nina Gershon, U.S.D.J., in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York, further strengthened her analytic skills and provided her with a sophisticated understanding of the most effective methods of advocacy in both civil and criminal matters.
Prior to joining HDRB&B, Janel formed and managed her own law firm, working closely and collaboratively with individual and small business clients on matters relating to the formation and operations of New Jersey businesses. Additionally, Janel’s firm provided litigation consulting services to other small law firms.
In 2007, Janel completed the New York Commercial Division Mediation Training, followed by the Advanced Commercial Division Mediation Training in 2008. Prior to attending law school, Janel worked in public relations for a variety of entities, including a publicly traded online retailer, Jewish non-profit organizations, and an international youth hostel.